Desert Rivers

Sean Bagshaw   Website

In Oregon’s high desert, water is life. Rivers, streams, creeks and lakes are critical to everything Oregonians value about desert public lands, from fish and wildlife to recreation and clean drinking water.

Oregon Natural Desert Association works to protect the most important free-flowing waterways in Oregon’s high desert as Wild and Scenic Rivers. This designation ensures that wild rivers are protected from dams and development that might harm values such as fish and wildlife habitat, recreation, or ecological diversity.

Wade into these resources to learn how you can protect Wild and Scenic Rivers:

voices

Terry Butler, 2018 Volunteer of the Year

Terry Butler, 2018 Volunteer of the Year

“If I have to pick a favorite place in Oregon’s high desert, it would be Sutton Mountain, but I’m excited about all of the Wilderness Study Areas,” says Terry, adding, “Each is a gem to explore, and I hope they all get protection someday… I love the scale of the physical beauty of the desert.”

watch

Oregon Desert Trail Map

Oregon Desert Trail Map

listen

Owyhee Canyon Swallows Sparrows and Rushing Water

Owyhee Canyon Swallows Sparrows and Rushing Water