The vast lonely grasslands of eastern Oregon and western Idaho are the far northern reaches of The Great Basin. In the spring they are green and in the distance red rock outcroppings against a deep blue sky.
The Owyhee River cuts through these hills and a long eight mile road takes one down into an eroded cut through time. It was named for three Hawaiian trappers who were sent to explore the uncharted river. They failed to return to the rendezvous near the Boise River and were never seen again.
The descent into Leslie Gulch from the uplands. The red rock is actually volcanic “tuff” exposed from the ash deposits that sit above it.
The end of the road at the Owyhee River.
