20의 말허 카운티가지 명소 & 주요 장소

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

A wide wooden bridge leads over the rushing Owyhee River. It is located in the middle of farmland and the river is used for irrigation. So prepare for some mosquitoes. Although the Owyhee River is a reliable water source, it is not easy to get to the water due to the vegetation. Better get the water you need from Rome Station.

According to the Oregon Desert Guidebook, this white huge tank is not a reliable water source. You might be lucky – as we were in late June 2024 – and there is cool, clear water running from the tank. Or it might be off. So don't rely on it, but be grateful, if you can fill your bottles and relax in the only shade for miles and miles (and days).

This water trough was a reliable water source for hikers along the Oregon Desert Trail. Unfortunately, it has been destroyed by cattle. The water from the spring flows through very silty ground that is trampled by cows and filled with cow poop. We were forced to collect water from the hoof holes, but of very bad quality. You should not count on that trough! If you are lucky like us in late June 2024, you might find some better flowing water further down Upper McCain Spring Road.

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 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.