Oregon's Little-Known Gem Is An Otherworldly Escape Into Nature

Are you tired of shuffling through other people at Crater Lake National Park or queuing for several hours to see Haystack Rock in Oregon? While these are some of the most popular American tourist destinations, there is something exceptional about exploring spots where nature still calls the shots — places where you can stroll for ages without meeting another tourist. Hidden in the rugged landscape of eastern Oregon, Leslie Gulch is a surreal wonderland. The rock formations and cliffs were shaped by millions of years of volcanic activity. The canyon's winding roads reveal breathtaking formations and beautiful landscapes. In addition, Leslie Gulch's remote location makes it an unforgettable escape from the crowds.

Leslie Gulch is in Malheur County, Oregon, near the Idaho border. The easiest way to get to this hidden gem if you're coming from overseas or a distant state is to fly into Boise Airport in Idaho. From the airport, you can take a taxi or rent a car and drive to Leslie Gulch. The ride takes about two and a half hours along Highway 95 before turning onto Succor Creek Road. The closest small towns are Jordan Valley, about 42 miles away, and Nampa, Idaho, about 62 miles away. Leslie Gulch got its name from a cattle rancher, Hiram E. Leslie, who was struck by lightning in 1882 in the area, which was initially called Dugout Gulch. Today, Leslie Gulch is protected by the Bureau of Land Management as part of the Owyhee Canyonlands.

The best way to experience Leslie Gulch is by driving through Leslie Gulch Road, which was once a wagon route for transporting goods between Watson and Rockville. The road passes through the rocky canyon, and every turn provides beautiful views of the surrounding landscapes. You can pull off to the side of the road to take photos or marvel at the rock formations. The drive ends at the bottom of Owyhee Reservoir, where you can turn around and head back to the entrance. And that's not all. Leslie Gulch is also one of the top must-visit destinations in the world for avid hikers. Start with the Upper Leslie Gulch Trail, a moderately challenging 4.2-mile out-and-back trail. While the trail winds through a dry creek bed, you're rewarded with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. Just keep your eyes open for rattlesnakes and ticks along the way.

Another popular hiking trail is the Juniper Gulch Trail, a moderate 3.3-mile route. The trailhead is about 10.3 miles from the entrance, where you can park your car before embarking on your trailblazing escapades. You'll pass overhanging rocks and caves, and a few willow trees, before climbing steadily for an up-close look at the rock formations and the surrounding Owyhee Canyonlands. Leslie Gulch is home to various wildlife species, including bighorn sheep, which were reintroduced in 1965. You may also spot Rocky Mountain elk, bobcats, mule deer, and coyotes. It's also easy to see raptors, other feathered friends, and California quail.

Leslie Gulch is surrounded by plenty of adventures for those who want to experience the Owyhee Canyonlands. The Owyhee Reservoir, located at the end of Leslie Gulch Road, is a must-visit for fun water activities. You can take your kayak or paddleboard and explore the waters. Just keep in mind that in summer, the water levels can be low. If fishing is your thing, the 53-mile-long reservoir offers a great opportunity to put your skills to use. Some of the fish you can catch include smallmouth bass, channel catfish, and crappie. Oregon's secluded hot springs, beneath painted cliffs that offer warm swims, are also located near the Owyhee River Canyon. Dubbed Snively Hot Springs, the man-made pool is a beautiful place to relax as you soak in the stunning vistas of the surrounding landscape.

Since the hot spring water from Deer Butte Hot Springs mixes with Owyhee River water, the temperature is ideal for soaking and enjoying the restorative features of the mineral-rich water. While visitors can access the springs year-round, they are sometimes closed temporarily during spring when submerged. Another hot spring you should stop by at the Owyhee Reservoir is Echo Rock Hot Springs. This pool is surrounded by rock canyons and the tower-like Echo Rock, providing a beautiful place to relax and marvel at the scenery. The water temperatures of the hot springs hover around 103 degrees.