This Hike Through a Gulch in Oregon is an Underrated Gem

Oregon is famous for its hikes. You can trek through hills of green trees stretched around farmland or rugged coastlines with quaint seaside towns dotting the sand — all under overcast skies, of course. One doesn’t typically imagine a desert-like scene with enormous stacked rocks that seem to be taken straight out of a John Wayne western. And yet, these are the dramatic views you’ll find when hiking the Upper Leslie Gulch Trail. 

Meet eastern Oregon, a much lesser-known area of the state where you can find the Leslie Gulch, an underrated gem in the Owyhee Canyonlands (which also happens to be one of the largest unprotected areas in the United States). The area stands out due to the grand rock formations consisting of tuff, a volcanic ash that has been layered and hardened over time, then cut down by erosion into impressive pillars. Fun fact — at first, this area was called the Dugout Gulch, but its name was changed in 1882 to reflect the last name of a rancher who was struck by lightning while he worked. 

The Upper Leslie Gulch Trail is only one of the trails in this area, but lists among one of the most popular for families and for geology enthusiasts. It’s a 4.2-mile, out-and-back trail that takes about two hours. It is considered to be moderate enough for young children, but rural and rugged enough to excite avid hikers. Although the trail is known to be rather flat, it is still not accessible for wheelchairs or for those with low mobility, especially in the winter or rainy season where the terrain is subject to the most change with floods and hidden ice. 

Remote and located on a long gravel road, it’s recommended to download a map before hiking in case of a loss of cell reception and a lack of trail markers. But, luckily this trail’s semi-isolated location and underrated status means that you’re likely to experience low foot traffic all throughout the day, even in the mornings and evenings when it’s most popular to go and witness one of the magnificent sunrises or sunsets. 

With this hike being part of the high desert, hikers must be aware of a few things before visiting. First, the heat during the summer months can be intense and there won’t be any shade to take reprieve in. Bring sunscreen and a water bottle, especially since there are no public water stations for miles. Next, although there are many beautiful native and rare plants to discover (like Packard’s blazingstar), there are also areas with overgrown dry brush that can prove hard to navigate and can best be dealt with by wearing long pants and sturdy footwear.

Finally, the critters. The elk, coyotes, various birds, cattle, and bighorn sheep are unlikely to cause you any worry and can be a fun treat to witness, but it is always good to be wary of rattlesnakes in this area. Just listen for the telltale rattling noise if you can and be careful where you step if the ground isn’t visible. 

So, are you interested in what lies beyond Oregon’s stereotypically green and lush landscapes? Try visiting the Upper Leslie Gulch Trail and tell us your thoughts! Or, is there another remote hiking trail you love that you feel deserves more credit? Let us know by filling out this nomination form!