Owyhee was named for Hawaii, or at least spelled the way the locals heard it pronounced. The lava buttes and lava flows reminded the islanders of their home.
The name of the region/river was the standard period spelling of the proper Hawaiian language spelling of “Hawaii." It was named for three Hawaiian trappers, in the employ of the North West Company with Donald MacKenzie, who were sent to explore the uncharted river. They failed to return to the rendezvous near the Boise River and were never seen again. Due to this the river and its region were named "Owyhee."
There were no signs that said no trespassing (at least none that I remember, this was a while ago), and the area around was open to ATV riders, although we had to move the cattle fences to get through in some areas. Ken told me that getting into this area was okay, and that others do it as well, because it’s just another cattle fence. If it was on private property, I didn’t see at the time but I apologize and won’t go again, and I’ll let Ken know.
@@johnposey1455 I know the owners. It's very much private property at Spanish Charley homestead as well as the Rockville cemetery. There is increasing issues in this area due to visitation increasing. I love the history of the Owyhee and have been researching it for almost 20 years. I just want to respect the private landowners and not cause more issues. I use Gaia GPS and download the maps before I go to a area to I sure I don't trespass when I am in the Owyhee region. Might be a good tool for future use.
