マルヒア郡の天然記念物・トップ19

The Pillars of Rome are close to the Oregon Desert Trail and worth a side trip!

Mud Spring is a reliable water source in Leslie Gulch and one of the best along the Oregon Desert Trail. The flow is great and the water is nice and cool. Fill up your bottles! On the other side of the dirt road, you will find a perfect spot to pitch your tent.

The Snively Hot Springs are located within Owyhee Canyon just next to the cool Owyhee River. There is a picnic bench and some pools to relax in. The hot water emerges from the ground above the river and is really hot! Find a spot in the pool where the hot spring water mixes with the cool water from the river to find the temperatures that suits you the most. This is a popular spot, so it might be busy on weekends and holidays.

A backcountry road leads to this stunning gorge which is part of the Oregon Desert Trail. The gulch itself stretches between Three Fingers Rock and Owyhee River. If you are out of water, follow the canyon to the west to get to the river. The Oregon Desert Trail however will take you into the gorge which is overgrown in places. Look to your left and right to see some ruins of old corrals.

The 750-mile Oregon Desert Trail ends or starts at this peninsula which can be partly under water in a high water level year. The rock at the peninsula is a very unique terminus for a long-distance trail. Enjoy the view - if you celebrate your finish or start an amazing adventure!

The Three Forks Hot Springs are located on the west side of the Owyhee River. If you have to ford the river to get to this unique spot, the best place is just on the opposite side of the hot springs. The water might go up to your chest (I am 5‘3“), but even in spring time, the current is okay if you ford carefully.

The Owyhee River winds its way through the rugged volcanic canyons and continues to shape the landscape. It is a tributary of the mighty Snake River and is about 280 miles long. You can hike along its shore or even take a boat to float. The river is dammed up further north to produce hydroelectricty.

A rough road leads to the trailhead of Coffeepot Crater, but if you drive carefully, you can even make it without high-clearance. If you are not convinced, park your car further up and walk down the rocky road. From the trailhead, you can explore around and even in the remote Coffeepot Crater and its nearby volcanic vents.