Recreation Resources

Jim Davis   Website

Conditions on the ground in Oregon’s high desert can change rapidly and recreational facilities can become partially or fully closed due to any number of circumstances, including snowfall, wildfire — or a pandemic, as 2020 brought to light. It’s always best practice to check land management agency websites for current conditions before you head out on a desert adventure. Find contact information for land agencies across Oregon’s desert below.

FIRE:  Fire restrictions and area closures may be in effect year round. Please check with the land management agency. You can use this statewide map of fire restrictions to zoom in on your destination and check restrictions before you head out. If you are headed to BLM land, look up the restrictions by district.

You can check for active wildfires and area closures from the following sources:


HUNTING: Before heading out be aware of any active hunting seasons by calling Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife at (503) 947-6000 or checking regulations on their website: big game hunting and game bird hunting. Wear orange or other bright colors and avoid dusky brown, white, and light gray. Avoid hiking at dawn and dusk and be especially cautious if you are hiking cross country, away from established trails.

voices

Durlin Hicock, Alice Elshoff Award winner

Durlin Hicock, Alice Elshoff Award winner

“Protecting public land is part of my spiritual being. It’s central to my identity to be in wilderness and to see it protected.” Durlin is proud to protect public lands for future generations, saying, “The highlight of my childhood was our family’s weekend outdoor trips. I look forward to my grandchildren having similar experiences outside in their lifetimes, and it wouldn’t be possible without ONDA.”

fact

Connecting Trails

Connecting Trails

The Oregon Desert Trail ties into two National Recreation Trails: the Fremont National Recreation Trail and Desert Trail.

voices

Scott Bowler, ONDA member from Portland

Scott Bowler, ONDA member from Portland

The desert speaks for itself, but very softly. I support ONDA to promote and enable discovery of the amazing beauty and recreational opportunities of the high desert by much broader groups of people; and most especially to protect forever the full and diverse landscape of the Owyhee Canyonlands, a place without parallel or equal in our country.”

Federal Lands

Bureau of Land Management
National Forests

Tribal Lands

Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs

Rivers

John Day River
Lower Owyhee River