Owyhee Canyonlands: Oregon’s Grand Canyon for Adventure Seekers

A sunburst in the sky as Nina walks along a trail with beautiful rocks and cliffs in the distance.

The Owyhee Canyonlands is often referred to as Oregon’s Grand Canyon—and for good reason. It’s a wild, rugged landscape with vast, untamed beauty, making it an ideal destination for adventure seekers. Whether you’re into white-water rafting, hiking through breathtaking canyons, or simply exploring one of Oregon’s most remote and rugged regions, Owyhee offers a unique blend of adrenaline and serenity.

Looking for your next adventure? Here’s why Owyhee Canyonlands should be on your bucket list.

1. White-Water Rafting in the Owyhee Canyonlands

If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, white-water rafting in the Owyhee Canyonlands is an experience you won’t forget. The Owyhee River carves through stunning 1,000-foot canyon walls, creating both thrilling rapids and calm stretches where you can take in the incredible views.

Rafting Rogue River
Rafting in Owyhee

The Owyhee River offers various levels of rapids, making it suitable for both beginners and seasoned rafters. Whether you’re looking for a heart-pounding ride or a leisurely float, this area has something to offer every kind of adventure enthusiast.

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Find out more about rafting in the Owyhee Canyonlands


2. Hiking through Owyhee’s Rugged Canyons

Hiking in the Owyhee Canyonlands feels like stepping into a different world. With vast canyons, jagged rock formations, and unique desert landscapes, the hikes here offer unparalleled beauty and isolation. Juniper Gulch, Leslie Gulch, and Jordan Craters are just a few of the spectacular trails that take you deep into the heart of this rugged wilderness.

A man hiking at midday through the Juniper Gulch trail in Leslie Gulch.
Juniper Gulch

Whether you’re following a well-established trail or blazing your own path, you’ll experience stunning vistas, ancient geological features, and a sense of true remoteness. These hikes offer the kind of solitude that’s hard to find in more crowded parts of the state.

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✅ Craft breweries ✅ National Parks ✅ 1400+ Pins

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3. Off-Road Adventures and OHV Riding

The Owyhee Canyonlands is an off-roading paradise. The rugged terrain and wide-open spaces make it the perfect destination for OHV enthusiasts. Whether you’re riding an ATV, dirt bike, or 4×4, the backcountry roads and trails here offer an unparalleled sense of freedom and adventure.

Succor Creek

The area offers a variety of terrain, from rocky paths to dirt roads, so you can easily find a route that suits your skill level. The expansive views and sense of isolation you’ll experience as you explore the canyonlands by off-road vehicle are second to none.

Explore Succor Creek and its OHV trails


4. Camping by the Owyhee River

The Owyhee River is not only known for its rapids but also for its stunning beauty. As you raft through the canyon, you’ll be able to see towering cliffs, unique rock formations, and expansive desert landscapes. After a thrilling day on the water, you can camp along the river and enjoy an evening under the stars in one of Oregon’s most remote areas.

VW Bus parked at Lake Owyhee State park campground with cliffs in the back as well as the lake below.
Camping at Lake Owyhee State Park

The camping here is truly one-of-a-kind, offering the chance to sleep under the stars in an incredibly remote and peaceful location. It’s the ideal way to end an adventurous day in the Owyhee Canyonlands.

Learn more about camping at Lake Owyhee


Don’t leave yet! Check out more things to do in eastern Oregon and more posts on Oregon’s adventures.

MORE ON THE WEST COAST:

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