17/10/2024
For some, an outing with no Starbucks for 100 miles, nonexistent cell service, and no trail to follow might sound like a place to avoid at all costs. For others, it might be exactly the adventure you’re looking for 😈
The West Little Owyhee River is an off-the-beaten-path tributary of the Owyhee River, hidden within Louse Canyon, a rugged landscape carved by millions of years of volcanic activity and erosion. This stretch of the Oregon Desert Trail offers hikers dramatic rock towers and crystal clear water. It is home to redband trout, golden eagles, and other raptors that nest along its steep canyon walls. 🦅
But this place is not for the faint of heart! Those who venture along the West Little Owyhee must be ready for unpredictable weather like sudden storms and extreme temperatures. 🌪️ The terrain here can be rugged, with bone-chilling river crossings and heart-pumping rock scrambles on amidst steep canyon walls. 🧗♂️
Most importantly, there is no cell service and it is difficult for emergency services to access. If you are brave enough to take on the conditions on the ground, make sure to carry a satellite communication device and be self-sufficient. Roads can become impassable when wet, and hikers should be cautious of rattlesnakes along the trail. 🚨 This is an adventure for only the most prepared explorers! 🚨
But unfortunately for anyone who hasn't already had the chance to venture out there, this canyon is now facing the looming threat of future energy and mineral development. That's why we're asking for a national monument designation to . By doing so, we can save these unparalleled opportunities for solitude and adventure—not just for ourselves, but for our kids, and their kids. Want to learn more? Head over to https://www.protecttheowyhee.org/
📸: Devin Dahlgren & Jim Davis
