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Leslie Gulch is a stunning canyon located in Malheur County, Oregon, though it’s very close to the Oregon-Idaho border. It’s part of the Owyhee Canyonlands, a remote and rugged region known for its dramatic landscapes. The gulch is famous for its towering rock formations made of volcanic tuff, which create a surreal, almost otherworldly scenery with honeycombed cliffs and vibrant colors ranging from reds to yellows. It’s situated on the east side of Owyhee Lake (also called Owyhee Reservoir), formed by the Owyhee River, and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern.
The area is named after Hiram E. Leslie, a rancher who tragically died there in 1882 after being struck by lightning. Before that, it was known as Dugout Gulch. It’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, and even boating near the reservoir. The Slocum Creek Campground, with 10 sites, is a popular spot for visitors, though it’s primitive—no water or electricity, just pit toilets and basic amenities. The gulch is home to over 200 California bighorn sheep, along with mule deer, elk, coyotes, and a variety of birds like quail and raptors. It also hosts rare plants, some found nowhere else, like Packard’s blazing star and Etter’s groundsel.
Getting there involves a bit of a trek—usually about a 15-mile drive down a gravel road from either Succor Creek Road or McBride Creek Road, accessible from Highway 95 in Idaho or Highway 201 in Oregon. It’s roughly two hours from Boise, Idaho, making it a feasible day trip from there, though the remoteness means no cell service and a need for preparation, especially since the road can get tricky after rain.