A taste of the Owyhee Canyonlands
There is so much to explore in the vastness of the Owyhee Canyonlands, but the Three Forks Recreation site is the first place to visit.
I’ve been reading a few books and trip reports, looking at a lot of awe-inspiring pictures, and hearing a good deal of personal accounts that all make it clear to me that the Owyhee Canyonlands are a one-of-a-kind landscape worth permanently protecting for future generations. But as I am organizing as a part of the Protect the Owyhee Canyonlands coalition, I am pining for when the weather warms up and I can experience the rugged canyons, rolling sagebrush grasslands and the rushing waters of this remote landscape in the southeastern corner of Oregon. Here’s just a taste of what this amazing landscape has to offer.
Clocking in at just more than an 8 hr drive from Portland is Three Forks Recreation site, in the southern portion of the Owyhee Canyonlands. This is where the Main fork, North fork and Middle fork of the Owyhee River converge, in Malheur County. Due to its isolation — nearly forty miles from the nearest paved road, this area can be difficult to access — opportunities for solitude abound in one of the last places in the lower 48 where you can still see the Milky Way at night.
Day hiking opportunities are plentiful in this area. There is a primitive 5.5 mi loop trail around the 4,755 ft. Three Forks Dome, with opportunities to scramble to the top for a 360º view. Depending on the river level, there is a lot to explore down the banks of the North Fork and the Main Owyhee River where someone could be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of some Rainbow or Redband Trout.
There is also the Three Forks Warm Springs for those who enjoy a peaceful soak. As one of the most remote soaking spots in Oregon, the geothermally heated mineral water that flows from them is a perfect way to relax in this beautiful riverside canyon. Be sure to be on the lookout for golden eagles circling overhead.
Once the sun sets, nestle down in one of the 5 primitive campsites near the boat launch, and share this home with the Greater Sage Grouse, Pronghorn antelope, California Bighorn sheep and more than 200 species of wildlife that depend on this pristine habitat for their survival.
If you’ve been to the Owyhee Canyonlands and have some stories to tell or tips to share, please reach out and share what you know with me.
And together, we’ll keep up our organizing efforts to permanently protect as much of the Owyhee Canyonlands as possible.
Protect the Owyhee Canyonlands
The Owyhee Canyonlands, one of Oregon's greatest treasures, should be permanently protected to secure its future for generations to come.
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Authors
Justin Boyles
Conservation Advocate, Environment Oregon Research & Policy Center
As the Conservation Advocate for Environment Oregon, Justin runs our campaign to Protect Owyhee Canyonlands. Justin has worked on campaigns to protect the Roadless Area Conservation Rule, clean up superfund sites along the Willamette River and promote solar energy in Oregon. In recent years, he was part of the Public Interest Network's Creative and Editorial team where he developed campaign logos and materials connected to dozens of campaigns, turned deep-dive research into digestible interactive features for our websites, and created myriad tools for campaigns to help win real results for the environment and the public interest. Justin lives in Portland with his wife and children where they regularly explore the diversity that Oregon's environment has to offer: From the coast to the high desert and the many amazing rivers, lakes, forests and mountains in between.
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