Day Hike - Leslie Gulch & Juniper Gulch Trail

Slocum Creek Campground in Leslie Gulch, 8:00am

Early to late light photo opportunities of closeups to fantastic rock forms, spring wildflowers, wildlife (reptiles, birds, mammals), fascinating geology.   We'll do hikes (2-3/day, 2-5mi each hike) at leisurely pace to several scenic gulch areas (Upper Leslie, Juniper, Dago, Timber, Slocum, etc.) and short walks along to a few near road formations.  Full day hiking Saturday, and half day Sunday (finish approx 12-1p).

Leslie Gulch is located in SE Oregon, approx 7 hours drive time from Portland, via I-84.  Medium clearance advised for gravel/dirt road travel.

Tent or RV camp at Slocum Creek campground in Leslie Gulch, Friday though Sunday evening.  Other options, but not recommended are motels in nearest towns (Marsing and Homedale, ID; Jordan Valley,OR): 40-50 miles and approx 1.5 hours from Leslie Gulch/Slocum Creek.

Leader will have trail descriptions from guidebook:  The Owyhee Canyonlands - An Outdoor Adventure Guide (Stuebner & Lisk).  

The Hiker's Guide to Greater Boise includes trail descriptions for Oregon's Upper Leslie, Juniper and Timber Gulches.  Links Upper Leslie trail description and Juniper Gulch hike summary/photos:  http://hikingidaho.com/wp-content/uploads/HikingIdaho-Greater-Boise-Hike48-Upper-Leslie-Gulch.pdf; http://hikingidaho.com/photo-galleries/photo-gallery-hike-50-juniper-gulch/

Leslie Gulch BLM brochure: https://www.blm.gov/or/resources/recreation/files/brochures/Leslie%20Gulch.pdf

Leslie Gulch geology, plants, wildlife info:  http://www.npsoregon.org/kalmiopsis/kalmiopsis11/lesliegulch.pdf

Leader recommends extra days for exploration of scenery, wildflowers, geology, and wildlife of Oregon's Owyhee Canyonlands - Succor Creek State Park, Three Forks, Chalk Basin, Honeycombs, Carlton Canyon.  Last 3 areas are via 4WD hi clearance, dry road travel only.  If interest or more time, consider visiting SW Idaho Owyhee/Bruneau canyon areas, S of Boise/Mountain Home.  All described in Owyhee Canyonlands guidebook, except Chalk Basin (see 100 Hikes / Travel Guide: Eastern E Oregon by William Sullivan). 

Option to add 1-2 days for further Owyhee hikes nearby.  Let leader know if interested.