The best off-road and watercraft destinations within a few hours of Ontario, Oregon: Leslie Gulch, Succor Creek, Lake Owyhee and Three Forks, with the permits, seasons and machines each one calls for.
The best riding near Ontario, Oregon is south, in the Owyhee canyonlands of Malheur County. Leslie Gulch, Succor Creek, Lake Owyhee and Three Forks are all reachable as a day trip or an overnight from town. Each one needs an Oregon ATV permit for off-highway vehicles on public land, each one is remote, and each one is best in spring and fall.
This guide covers what each place is like, how to get there from Ontario, and which machine suits it. We sell and service the machines for this country at 1625 N Oregon St.
The Short List
| Destination | Roughly from Ontario | Best for | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Owyhee State Park | About an hour south | Watercraft, camping, scenic drives | Late spring to early fall |
| Succor Creek | About an hour southwest | Side-by-sides, ATVs, rockhounding | Spring and fall |
| Leslie Gulch | About an hour and a half south | Scenic canyon drive, reservoir access | Spring and fall, dry weather only |
| Three Forks | Two and a half to three hours south | Remote canyon trips, experienced crews | Late spring and fall |
Drive times are approximate and depend on road conditions. Gravel roads here slow down fast after rain.
What Permits Do You Need to Ride in Malheur County?
Oregon requires an ATV operating permit on every off-highway vehicle ridden on public land, and that applies to Idaho riders too: an Idaho OHV sticker does not count in Oregon. Riders also need an Oregon ATV safety education card. Our Oregon and Idaho OHV permit guide covers current fees, classes and where to buy.
Most of this country is Bureau of Land Management ground. Stay on open roads and routes, and check for seasonal or fire closures before you go.
Leslie Gulch
Leslie Gulch is a narrow canyon of honeycombed red and orange volcanic rock that drops to the shore of Owyhee Reservoir. A gravel road winds down the canyon to a primitive boat ramp and a small campground at the water. It is one of the most photographed places in eastern Oregon, and California bighorn sheep are often seen on the cliffs.
The area is managed for its scenery and wildlife, so vehicles stay on the road. The side canyons are hiking country. The road is steep in places and turns slick and impassable when wet, so save it for dry weather.
Best machine: any street-capable truck in dry weather, or a side-by-side with a roof for shade if you are combining it with Succor Creek in one loop.
Succor Creek
Succor Creek runs through a canyon of tall rock walls southwest of Ontario, with a state natural area and campground along the creek. The gravel road through the canyon continues south toward the Leslie Gulch turnoff, which makes the two an easy pairing.
The country around Succor Creek is known for thundereggs, the rough round rocks with crystal centers that the town of Nyssa celebrates. Check where collecting is allowed before you dig, since rules differ between state and federal ground.
Best machine: a mid-size ATV or a compact side-by-side with good ground clearance. The two-track around the canyon is rough and narrow in places.
Lake Owyhee State Park
Lake Owyhee is the long reservoir behind Owyhee Dam, winding for miles between canyon walls. The state park on its north end has campgrounds and boat ramps, reached by the paved and gravel road south past the dam.
It is the closest big water to Ontario for personal watercraft, and it is remote water. Carry spare fuel, expect little or no cell service, and tell someone your plan before heading up the reservoir.
Best machine: a Sea-Doo or Yamaha WaveRunner with storage and fuel range, rather than a small play model. Ask us which models carry enough fuel for a full day on the reservoir.
Three Forks
Three Forks is where three branches of the Owyhee River meet deep in the canyonlands south of Jordan Valley. A long gravel road crosses open desert from US-95 before a steep, rough final descent to the river, with warm springs a hike upstream.
This is a trip for experienced crews in well-maintained machines. Help is a long way off, the descent demands high clearance and four-wheel drive, and storms can make the road impassable in hours.
Best machine: a four-seat side-by-side with skid plates, a winch, a full-size spare and long-travel suspension.
When Is the Best Time to Ride the Owyhee Canyonlands?
Spring and fall. Winter and spring rain turn the clay roads into a sticky mess that strands machines, so wait for a dry spell. Late spring brings green hills and wildflowers; fall brings cool days and hunting season.
Summer works early in the day, but afternoons run hot and the dust gets deep. Lake Owyhee is the exception, since summer is watercraft season.
What Should You Bring on a Remote Ride?
- A tire plug kit, a compressor and a full-size spare
- A tow strap, and a winch if the machine has one
- More water than you expect to need, and food for an unplanned night
- A paper map, since phones lose signal quickly out here
- Extra fuel, especially for Three Forks or a long day on the reservoir
Ride with a second machine when you can, and leave your route and return time with someone in town.
Which Machine Is Best for the Owyhee Canyonlands?
For most families, a four-seat trail or crossover side-by-side covers it: room for people and a cooler, a roof against the sun, and enough suspension for rock and washboard. A Polaris General, a Can-Am Commander or a Honda Pioneer 1000 are all good starting points.
Riders who go solo or explore narrow two-track often prefer an ATV such as a Polaris Sportsman or Can-Am Outlander. For the reservoir, a touring-style watercraft beats a small one.
Ride the candidates back to back on our test track in Ontario before you decide, and we will help set the machine up with the tires and protection this country demands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an Oregon permit if I already have an Idaho OHV sticker?
Yes. Oregon requires its own ATV operating permit for off-highway vehicles on public land, and it does not honor the Idaho sticker. Riders who cross the state line regularly carry both.
Can you drive to Leslie Gulch in a regular car?
In dry weather, many people do. The road is gravel and steep in places, and it becomes slick and impassable after rain, so check the forecast and turn back if the surface is wet.
Is there cell service at Lake Owyhee or Leslie Gulch?
Expect little or none. Download maps before you leave, carry a paper backup, and tell someone your plan and return time.
Where can you buy and service a machine near the Owyhee canyonlands?
Edge Performance Sports at 1625 N Oregon St in Ontario, Oregon sits about an hour north of Succor Creek and Lake Owyhee, with twelve brands, an on-site test track, and parts and service for machines that ride this country. Call sales at 541-903-5438.