Introduction
For true adventurers, southeastern Oregon offers some of the most breathtaking locales to enjoy the great outdoors. More reminiscent of the American Southwest than the lush temperate rainforests of which Oregon is renowned, Leslie Gulch offers a rugged off-road adventure that will leave one with a sense of both excitement and calm. It is a place to truly get away from it all!
Originally called Dugout Gulch, a cattle rancher named Hiram E. Leslie was killed here by a lightning strike in 1882. The canyon has since been recognized as Leslie Gulch in his honor. The land is an official Wilderness Study Area, so please research the Bureau of Land Management protocols before you go.
The Entrance
The Details
Sitting inside the vast Mahogany Mountain Caldera, Leslie Gulch is an exquisite canyon composed of deep red volcanic tuff, Rhyolite ash outcrops, and Basalt dikes. Gulch activities include camping, hiking, water activities, flora and fauna viewing, photography, and phenomenal stargazing.
Not for the faint of heart, the canyon lies at the end of a 25-mile one-way route that takes travelers down two gravel washboard roads. However, the reward at the end of this journey is well worth it. The trip will take approximately one hour to reach the Owyhee Reservoir from U.S. Route 95.
Breathtaking rock formations and vertical honeycomb walls nestled within powdery green hillsides covered in Wyoming big sagebrush and bluebunch wheatgrass are what you’ll find here. Early in the season, while water levels are still high, the Owyhee Reservoir offers a beautiful setting to enjoy any number of water-based activities. A small boat ramp exists at the end of the road.
Leslie Gulch has various hiking trails inclusive of Upper Leslie Gulch, Dago Gulch, Juniper Gulch, and Timber Gulch. Many of these hikes are through narrow sandy washes with towering overhangs and honeycomb cliffs adorning each side. Honeymoon rock, at the end of the Juniper Gulch hike, displays a brilliant orange wall and red rock hoodoo formations.
Slocum Creek
Camping
Slocum Creek Campground, at the end of the road just before the Owyhee Reservoir, has eight campsites with covered picnic tables, two uncovered sites, and pit toilet restrooms. Be advised that this campground is a dirt and gravel lot with sites separated by parking barriers. Each site comes equipped with a metal ring fire pit and picnic table. There are no fees or reservations required to camp here.
There is no vegetation between sites or any real privacy for that matter. However, on our visit, we were the only people there and it is possible to have it all to yourself. All provisions must be brought in, and waste packed back out. Please leave no trace.
As Leslie Gulch is part of a wilderness study area, camping is only allowed in the Slocum Creek Campground. Back country camping is not allowed in the study area and may only be done outside of the Area of Critical Environmental Concern.
Leslie Gulch Road
Wildlife
A herd of bighorn sheep has roamed Leslie Gulch since being re-introduced in 1965. The gulch is also a habitat for mule deer, coyotes, Rocky Mountain elk, bobcats, and bats. Birders will enjoy seeing chukar, California quail, northern flickers, white-throated thrifts, various songbirds, and raptors. Burrowing owls have been known to make an appearance. As always in the high desert, be aware of your surroundings and the resident rattlesnakes.
Getting There
The easiest access begins from U.S. Route 95. This highway runs along the Oregon/Idaho border and leads directly to the first turn-off on Succor Creek Road. Be advised, the last two towns with fuel are Marsing, ID, and Jordan Valley, OR.
The first 14-miles along Succor Creek Road weave across open range cattle country and numerous side roads exist along this stretch. One main Y-junction exists where you want to stay to the right heading due North at this unmarked intersection. At a side road T-intersection further North, keep going straight. Ignore the dead-end road going East as you continue North.
Once the Rockville School is seen on the left-hand side of the road, be sure to take the left turn just past the school staying on Succor Creek Road. Drive past a few small ranch homes and follow the road as it sharply turns right heading back North. About a mile past the small area of homes, you’ll take a left turn onto Leslie Gulch Road. Signage was straightforward as of August 2021 with distances noted to both the entrance of Leslie Gulch as well as to the Owyhee Reservoir.
The last stretch heading westward down to Leslie Gulch is where the washboard road requires travelers to slow down. If conditions are dry, most vehicles will have no issue with the journey. However, high clearance vehicles with four-wheel drive will fare best. This area can be prone to flash floods, so always be aware of the forecast in advance of heading out there.
About halfway down Leslie Gulch Road, one will begin the descent into the canyon and the views just come alive. Take it slow and enjoy the experience! There will likely be plenty of cattle along the road and the loose gravel can be treacherous.
Starry Night
Notes of Caution
As with any remote adventure, I highly recommend taking external fuel containers, a GPS communicator, tools, and large-scale paper maps. Let friends and family know of your travel plans, route, and trip duration before leaving. Utilizing a methodology such as The Ten Essentials from The Mountaineers is a great practice for remote adventures.
No cell service existed once we turned onto Leslie Gulch Road and the majority of Succor Creek Road also lacks cell service of any kind. Ultimately, take any supplies to sustain your group for a few days should you run into an emergency or inclement weather. It is a long walk back for help should you be the only party out there during your adventure. Conditions can be harsh in the high desert.
The Vale District of the Bureau of Land Management oversees Leslie Gulch Wilderness Study Area. Their office should be contacted for the most up-to-date information regarding conditions at Leslie Gulch.
In Conclusion
Leslie Gulch is a phenomenal place where one can truly get away from it all and disconnect. Reconnecting with mother nature never felt better than it does in this far away corner of southeastern Oregon. Be prepared as always, but enjoy your adventure should you choose to embark on a journey to this amazing place. It truly is a world away!
As always, I appreciate everyone who takes the time to read these posts. I hope you find the information useful. Should you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Enjoy!
Travel Times
From Boise - 2 hours 10 minutes
From Salt Lake City - 7 hours
From Portland - 8 hours
From Seattle - 9 hours
Nearby Sites of Interest
Honeycombs Wilderness Study Area
Juniper-Ridge Honeycombs Trail
Succor Creek State Natural Area
Pillars of Rome
Birch Creek Historic Ranch
Cow Lakes Campground
Jordan Craters
Coffeepot Crater
Alvord Desert
Alvord Desert Hot Springs
Mickey Hot Springs
Steens Mountain