Owyhee Wander

[Wandering Sagebrush]

I had a couple of days set aside to spend time wandering through the Owyhee country, so Fritz and I took off on Sunday (6/15) heading to our first destination, the Succor Creek State Natural Area.

At the beginning of the long, and very rough dirt road, we were greeted by an ancient motorhome that was mostly off the road, and in the beginning stages of being stripped. As I passed, I noticed the Montana plates and the word Tumbleweed emblazoned across the back. I should have stopped for a photo, but we were in the way of the go fast crowd (and their cloud of dust) heading home.

I decided to stay at the campground, as there were only a few campers left, and the pleasant sound of Succor Creek was wonderful music. The unpleasant part was it was 93°, and Fritz was not enjoying the heat. In fact, I was worried for his health if we stayed out longer. Regular dips in the creek and lots of shade helped regulate his body temp.






It’s a beautiful little gorge, but it receives far too many visitors, as evidenced by one jerk who decided the fire pit was the best place to leave his trash.



Still, the landscape was wonderful.



I decided to not complete all of my planned stops because of the heat, but did continue south to Jordan Valley to pay my respects at the grave of Jean Baptiste Charbonneau, son of Sacajawea.

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

And it was off for home.

 

[Glenn]

Great photos and trip report

 

[CraggyMan]

Glad to see you got out there. Love Succor Creek and environs but it overly loved and abused at times. First time I was there (mid-90s) in early May, temps were around 100f and we spent lots of quality time in the creek.

 

[Occidental]

Whew, it's hot out there for June! That same heat chased us off our John Day river trip a day early as well. Looking forward to a few cool days ahead around the solstice. Thanks for the report!

 

[AWG_Pics]

Even a short trip can be as interesting and revitalizing as a long trip. We have long thought about going to the Owyhee country, but the crowds and popularity have put us off. Last time I was there was 1979 - not so many people then.

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

Even a short trip can be as interesting and revitalizing as a long trip. We have long thought about going to the Owyhee country, but the crowds and popularity have put us off. Last time I was there was 1979 - not so many people then.

Tony, avoid the weekends and holidays, and you'll be fine.

BTW, are you aware of the Friends of the Owyhee? I think it's a worthwhile group to support.

 

[Sagebrush Reconnoiterer]

Even a short trip can be as interesting and revitalizing as a long trip.

Sometimes exploring our own backyards yields rich rewards. One such adventure of mine, where my entire two night, three day trip was within 60 miles of my driveway.

Trip 2007G - Red Rocks, No Sleep, Glass, Adobe, Still No Sleep, Mr. Ed, and All Those %$#@&!!! Rocks: Red Rock, Glass Mountain, Adobe Meadows, Pizona,

Over Memorial Day weekend of 2007, a friend and I took a three day, two night reconnoiter in our backyard. We kept our dirt road travel at maximum over as much two track fun as I could find on the maps. We hit highs of 10,000' atop a mountain, heavy forests, wide open sand and sage, wild and...

www.wanderthewest.com

 

[h2opup]

What a neat area! I look forward to exploring it (maybe in the winter?). Thanks for the tempting photos and story line.

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

What a neat area! I look forward to exploring it (maybe in the winter?). Thanks for the tempting photos and story line.

Because of road conditions, it typically isn’t a place you’ll want to travel. If the roads aren’t dry or frozen, it’s easy to get stuck.

 

[h2opup]

Good to know - thank you.

 

[CPT Davenport]

Looks beautiful, thanks for sharing!

 

[goinoregon]

thx for the report. i have only went down leslie gulch yrs ago with youngest daughter. i was planning on camping at the bottom someplace, but at each view/stop down the canyon for pics, etc., i spotted a rattlesnake. i kept the info on the down-lo, and went to the bottom, and turned around, and headed for the steens and some elevation. i didnt want the 'snake' comments to get back to her mom.....

 

[GflGdog]

Been on my list for a few years. Was last there at about 12 years of age. We always seem to linger too long in South Utah and then it's too hot. Well, maybe next year!

 

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

Thanks Steve. We pasted that signage on the way to Glacier NP in 2009.
Could not stop so it's nice to see your photos. For many years have enjoyed
following Lewis and Clark.Been to many of their spots.A great adventure.
Frank

 

[Ronin]

I was at Succor and Slocum Creek May 21-24 and temps were high 60s accompanied by occasional showers and wind. Only 5 campers at Succor Creek. Saw Chukars for the first time. Glad I didn't go in June.

 

[ski3pin]

Nice trip, Mr. Sage! Except for the heat, though.

 

[SunMan]

We just returned from a trip thru that area, motor home is still there in a state of decay. That entire Owyhee area is some beautiful country.