Leslie Gulch- Succor Creek
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< -0-* < Your trek on the Leslie Gulch- Oregon's Back Country Succor Creek Byway takes you rFP° (D Byways through some of the most spectacular Bureau of Land Management and rugged landscapes found in CD x (Q Si eastern Oregon. The country is (D -vj O 2. Interested in exploring Oregon's back O O 3 o country, those places often overlooked enriched with unique geologic by highway motorists on their way to formations, wildlife and rare vegetation. well-known attractions? It's cultural past is fascinating and recreational opportunities abound. Leslie Gulch- For those with the time and desire to 03 turn off the beaten track onto a country Succor Creek The byway passes through or near road, Oregon's Back Country Byways the Succor Creek State Recreation provide access to a diversity of Area and the Leslie Gulch Area of landscapes and attractions just waiting Critical Environmental Concern National Back to be discovered. From forest to (ACEC). This ACEC was designated Country Byway desert, from mountains to canyons, the for its outstanding scenery, unique willing explorer can find some of vegetation, interesting wildlife, three Oregon's spectacular but lesser-known wilderness study areas and the attractions. Mahogany Ridge Research Natural Byways provide visitors the Area. Sweeping viewsheds include opportunity to view a variety of wildlife Owyhee Ridge, Three Fingers Rock, in its native habitat, explore remote Mahogany Mountain, Lake Owyhee, historic ranches, watch Native and the distant Owyhee Mountains in Americans dip net salmon, or Idaho. photograph spectacular desert scenery. The opportunities for outdoor Lands of contrast - The byway's most adventure are unlimited. striking feature is the diverse, towering The idea for byways came from a and colorful geology. Of igneous origin, presidential study on recreation which the oldest exposed rocks formed about said that 43% of all Americans consider 15 million years ago. Much of this driving for pleasure the most popular formation are sediments that came from form of recreation in the country. distant volcanic eruptions. Succor BLM's byways will meet this demand Creek Canyon also has petrified wood for pleasure driving, enhance and the agate-filled thunderegg, recreation experiences, and better Oregon's state rock. The Leslie Gulch inform visitors about the values of Tuff, part of this formation, is of local -c O public lands. origin and unique within the Owyhee Tl i/i > But most of all, BLM byways are a region. TOTI means to let travelers get away from it t 5£o all and see some of the little-known Adaptive survival - On a summer day, vi m H T areas that make Oregon a unique and the desert may appear void of animal ^ ££ special place. life. Yet, the keen eye may see TtrnfTi > 6 pronghorn antelope, mule deer, coyotes Pace yourself slowly for a safe and and, in Leslie Gulch, the elusive enjoyable journey. California bighorn sheep. From the The roads are not maintained during sky, raptors search for their next meal. the winter months. You should not Chukar partridge and dove favor the travel the byway when snowy or wet. canyons, while nightfall brings the silent The better road conditions are normally flight of owls as they hunt rodents. from April through October, although The talus slopes of the unique Leslie heavy rains may occasionally make Gulch ash-flow tuff supports rare plant segments temporarily unpassable. species. Two species are found only in Portions of the byway, particularly the Leslie Gulch drainage, Packard's within Leslie Gulch and Succor Creek blazing star and Etter's grounsel. A Canyon, are steep and narrow with relic stand of Ponderosa pine in a occasional turnouts provided. nearby tributary is a reminder of a once Sustained narrow road grades of 11 % cooler, wetter environment. in upper Leslie Gulch canyon strongly discourages the use of larger Human Imprints - Native Americans recreational vehicles and trailers. long lived in harmony with this land. The Paiute Indians greeted, though not Enjoy your drive by remembering to: always welcomed, the early white * 'Top off" your vehicle's gas tank and settlers. Succor Creek Canyon's radiator. Check your spare tire. Closest earliest homesteaders included the For further information about this byway full services are in Nyssa, Homedale Willard and Ida Dutcher family. They contact the: and Jordan Valley. watched as the Nyssa-Jordan Valley Bureau of Land Management * Drive only on existing roads. Market Road built through the canyon. Vale District Office * Drive defensively. The winding road Then they horse-pulled countless 100 Oregon Street, P.O. Box 700 severely limits sight distance. stranded cars out of the canyon. Vale, Oregon 97918 * Respect private property. The canyon long served as a wagon (503) 473-3144 * Take plenty of drinking fluids. and mail route between Rockville and Summer temperatures quickly cause Watson, now under Lake Owyhee. dehydration. Take warm clothing during colder weather. ACCESS - The 52 -mile byway is * Camp only in designated locations located about 50 miles south of the at Succor Creek State Recreation Area Vale/Ontario area and about 50 miles and Leslie Gulch. Restrooms and west of the Nampa/Caldwell area. It drinking water are provided at Succor LEGEND consists of county and BLM graded dirt Creek. and graveled roads over terrain of BACK COUNTRY BYWAY * Check yourself for ticks after a hike. 2,500 to 4,800 feet in elevation. While STATE LINE Ticks can cause Lymes Disease. usually negotiable with a typical family MAJDR HIGHWAY * Respect the natives, including vehicle, a high clearance two-wheel rattlesnakes. drive vehicle is recommended for more STATE RECREATIDN AREA comfortable travel. RIVER BLM-OR-GI-90- 26-4800 .