Leslie Gulch Is A Hidden Treasure With Impressive Rock Formations And Bighorn Sheep In Eastern Oregon

While our coastal beaches, old-growth forests, and waterfalls get plenty of attention, Oregon also has some stunning desert beauty that can be easily overlooked. Tucked away in eastern Oregon, you'll find Leslie Gulch Wilderness Study Area - a vast, diverse place with incredible rock formations and a large herd of bighorn sheep.

Way out east in the vast, open spaces of Malheur County, you'll find Leslie Gulch - an area full of fragrant sage, stunning volcanic rock formations, and scenic beauty.

The unique rock formations found here were formed 15.5 million years ago, when a huge volcano erupted, spewing hot ash everywhere.

The rhyolite ash consolidated and formed into tuff, which was then eroded into the many twisted spires and jagged formations you see today.

Native Americans once hunted, fished, and roamed through this area 5,000 years ago, but it got its current name from an unlucky cattle rancher in the late 1800s.

Hiram Leslie was killed by a lightning strike here in 1882.

Even in this hot, dry climate, life flourishes here. You'll find all kinds of plants, including some rare species that aren't found elsewhere.

Wildflowers can occasionally be seen, and Packard's Blazing Star and Etter's groundsel are found only in Leslie Gulch.

If you're lucky, you'll catch sight of the largest herd of bighorn sheep in the country.

In 1965, just 17 California bighorn sheep were brought here; over the years, the herd has grown to over 200 animals. You'll also find plenty of other species here, such as mule deer, Rocky Mountain elk, coyotes, bobcats, and rattlesnakes.

Leslie Gulch is remote, but its beauty is unparalleled.

If you visit, please make sure to practice Leave No Trace Principles. Pack out what you pack in, leave what you find, and respect wildlife and other visitors.

Have you visited the Leslie Gulch Wilderness Study Area? We'd love to read about your adventures and see your photos in the comments!