Leslie Gulch, Malhuer County, Oregon - Public Access Lands on Waymarking.com

This public access land area is located about 100 miles southeast of Baker City, Oregon, along the Idaho State border. The roads are a combination of gravel and dirt roads and travelers should be aware that services are limited. High clearance vehicles encouraged (large RVs discouraged). The roads are steep (11% grade in some areas), narrow, rough, not well maintained and you will encounter very few other humans here, so expect to be self-reliant when visiting Leslie Gulch. The road is generally passable mid-April through October. Summer rainstorms can cause the roads to be impassable and they are not maintained in the winter. This is considered a badland area. Summer temperatures can exceed 100 degrees; flash floods can occur. There are no services in Leslie Gulch.

Since this area is considered a Wilderness Study Area, please follow these recommendations:

*Limit camping and fires to Slocum Creek campground (14 day maximum stay)
*Overnight backpacking should be limited and camping should only occur outside the area of critical concern (see BLM brochure).
*No motorized vehicles nor bicycles permitted except on the existing roads and parking areas.
*Do not bring horses or other domestic livestock into the area of critical concern.
*Do not collect or disturb vegetation, rock materials, do not collect firewood.
*You will find no drinking water here (bring your own).
*You will find toilets along the road to and at Slocum Creek campground.
*If the road is wet, please avoid travel in this area, to preserve it. High clearance vehilces are recommended, and large RVs are discouraged. Flash floods and winter events are possible.

You will enjoy the beautiful geology of Leslie Gulch! The towers cliffs of volcanic ash has been eroded and are similiar to the landscape seen in the Grand Canyon or Bryce Canyon. The color and hues of the landscape changes with the season and the weather, and the play of shadows on the rock layers allows for excellent photos. Watch for the California bighorn sheep that have been re-introduced into the area. There are also several species of endangered and/or rare plants here.

Follow this link to the BLM webpage and you will locate a PDF brochure on Leslie Gulch:
www.blm.gov/or/districts/vale

Estimated size of the public land (in regional measurement standard: hectares, acres, kms, etc.): 11,000 acres Is there a trail system?: Yes If there is a trail system, please describe length, terrain, etc.: Rough trails are established, and no new trails should be created. Watch for posted trailheads along established roads, and also pick up the BLM map for current conditions. Trails will be closed periodically to allow them to recover from overuse, and also to provide privacy to wildlife. What points of interest are there?: Hiking Geology Wildlife Rare plants Camping What activities are available?: Hiking Wildlife viewing Bird Watching Geology Wildflower viewing Hours of accessibility?: 24-hours/all year. Use judgement regarding weather conditions. List of known hazards (cliffs, snakes, poison plants, etc.): Cliffs, snakes, falling rocks, extreme weather (summer temperatures above 100 degrees, flash floods, muddy roads, snow on roads). Dogs Allowed?: Yes Is a permit/fee required?: No Please supply the website of the land if available: [Web Link] If a permit/fee is required please describe in detail how to get one, how much, etc.: Not listed

Visit Instructions:
Visitors are encouraged to supply a picture of either themselves or their GPS at the trailhead and/or signage of the public access lands - describe your experience there and what you saw - tell us why other folks should come visit!

Recent Visits/Logs:

Date Logged Log User Rating   10/01/2020 HM63 visited it 05/10/2014 Phydux visited it 02/17/2013 ornith visited it 02/09/2013 Queens Blessing visited it

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