EXPLORING SOUTHEAST OREGON
(see Maps and Geologic Cross Sections below)
The southeast corner of the state is approximately 120 miles by 200 miles and contains the least amount of roads, people, and development in the state. This is the land where the power of the earth’s tectonic forces overwhelms the senses.
Far southeastern Oregon contains the northern portion of the Basin and Range province, where our earth’s crust is being stretched apart, causing giant fault block mountain ranges to reach to the sky, interspersed with utterly flat valleys. Like titanic furrows in the crust, they line up north-south in rows, and each mountain and valley conceals its beautiful treasures from the rest. The tectonic actions continue to build up today.
Just a bit farther east of the Basin and Range province is a stunning gem of wild southeast Oregon. Although not accompanied by a fault block mountain, the Owyhee River region is one of the most remote and spectacular of them all. The Owyhee River has carved a myriad of mystical scenes through the middle of the desert, resembling colossal works of natural art.
Fortunately for us, most of this vast area is public land, making it possible to explore new landscapes for years on end. The remoteness and lack of visitor facilities may deter some, but those who persevere will be amply rewarded.
OVERALL MAP:
Click here for more detailed maps of each individual area
(base maps from Wilderness Connect, umontana.com/maps, additional information added herein)
GEOLOGIC CROSS SECTIONS OF SOUTHEAST OREGON:
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Suggested resources for planning an exploration of southeast Oregon:
Wilderness mapping (Excellent on-line mapping resource)
Oregon Natural Desert Association regions
Oregon Natural Desert Association trail guide. (The site will first ask you to agree to a liability disclosure)
Free USGS topo maps. You can download and print these at home. These older maps seem to be better than the new ones.
Suggested books on the region:
Oregon’s Dry Side, Alan D. St. John
In Search of Ancient Oregon, Ellen Bishop
Roadside Geology, Marli B. Miller