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There’s A Canyon In Oregon That Looks A Lot Like Zion National Park, But Hardly Anyone Knows It Exists

Owyhee Canyonland in Oregon offers a stunning, less crowded alternative to Zion National Park with opportunities for boating, hiking, and camping.

Updated Feb 8, 2024

Written by 

Christy Articola

You've likely heard of and perhaps you've even visited Zion National Park in Utah. It's one of the United States' most popular and iconic parks, and it's breathtakingly beautiful. There's nothing quite like it anywhere in the world - but there's actually a spot in Oregon that is reminiscent of Zion, and hardly anyone even knows that it exists. Owyhee Canyonland in Oregon is a unique area that is pretty spectacular, too, and when you head out to southeastern Oregon to visit it, you won't face any of the massive crowds that you'll see at Zion. Read on to learn more about this canyon of canyons in Oregon.

The Owyhee Canyonlands are a huge area of canyons that are mostly in Oregon but that also extends into Idaho and Nevada.

Sign for Owyhee Canyon Overlook with a blue sky and sun in the background, surrounded by dry landscape.
Jeff DeHaan / Google Reviews

The Owyhee Canyonland in Oregon was carved by the Owyhee, Bruneau, and Jarbridge Rivers.

A serene river flows between rocky cliffs, surrounded by lush greenery under a clear blue sky.
joshuaraineyphotography/iStock Getty Images Plus

You can see how some people might compare these canyonlands to the canyons in Zion National Park, shown here.

A scenic view of a river winding through a canyon at sunset, with vibrant clouds and colorful rock formations.
justinreznickphotography/Moment Collection via Getty Images

In the Owyhee River Canyonlands, the rivers make their way between towering rock structures.

A winding river flows through a rugged canyon surrounded by steep, rocky cliffs and sparse vegetation under a cloudy sky.
Bureau of Land Management, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Just like the Virgin River does in Zion National Park.

A dramatic view of Zion Canyon with towering cliffs, a winding river, and a moody sky filled with clouds.
Nico De Pasquale Photography / Stone Collection via Getty Images

You'll even find red rock in Owyhee Canyon, like this rock shown here.

Aerial view of rugged, colorful rock formations and green vegetation in a mountainous landscape.
Anna Gorin / Moment Collection via Getty Images

Owyhee Canyon is a wonderful spot for boating hiking, and camping.

A rocky landscape with golden shrubs and a blue sky dotted with clouds. A dirt path winds through the scene.
stockphoto52 / iStock Getty Images Plus

There are also plenty of hunting and fishing opportunities in this area.

A serene river flows between rugged mountains, surrounded by lush greenery and dry hills under a blue sky.
Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington / Flickr

You should plan a trip to Owyhee Canyonlands. Pack up your car with some gear, and get ready to get away from it all.

A black SUV parked by a river, with a camping chair and supplies nearby, surrounded by rocky cliffs and sparse vegetation.
Jeff DeHaan / Google Reviews

You'll be amazed by this special place that almost no one knows. Let's keep it our little secret!

Sign for Owyhee River Wilderness Area, surrounded by rocky cliffs and grassy terrain under a hazy sky.
Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington / Flickr

Owyhee Canyonland in Oregon is fantastic! It's hard to believe that we have our own little Zion National Park right here in Oregon. What a beautiful and diverse state we live in! What are your favorite canyons in Oregon? Share a story or two with us in the comments.

If you're looking for more fun things to do in eastern Oregon, check out the 10 most beautiful hidden gems in Eastern Oregon.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/oregon/hidden-gems-eastern-or/

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