Leslie Gulch-Succor Creek Back Country Byway, Oregon
N 43° 17.624 W 117° 15.320
11T E 479287 N 4793465
This is a gem of a drive; a secluded badlands drive that few have experienced.
Waymark Code: WMG9JE
Location: Oregon, United States
Date Posted: 02/02/2013
Views: 4
The beautiful geology of Leslie Gulch is facinating! Towering cliffs of volcanic ash have 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, and visitors should watch for wildflowers in bloom, antelope, birds (including grouse and birds of prey), snakes and lizards.
Leslie Gulch 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.
Program: BLM Back Country Byways
Website: [Web Link]
Official Name: Leslie Gulch-Succor Creek Back Country Byway
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Visit Instructions:
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