Opt Outside,
Act for Desert Rivers

Gena Goodman-Campbell

voices

Taylor Goforth, Sage Sustainers member

“I support ONDA on a monthly basis as a way I can keep in touch with the root of my conservation ethic and allow for their strong advocacy work to keep going. I count on them!”

voices

Aaron Tani, Sage Society Member

“It feels good to support ONDA on a monthly basis, because I know they never stop supporting our public lands. ONDA works to help make our lands a better place for the future, and I feel like I’m a part of that every month with my support.”

voices

Elisa Cheng, member since 2013

“ONDA stewardship trips inspire me. I get to learn new things and see new places, and in the process perform important work that improves the wildlife habitat.”

1.) Visit a Wild River

Greg Burke Website

Alder Springs

Located on Lower Whychus Creek, Alder Springs is an oasis in the high desert. The trail starts at the top of the Whychus Creek Canyon, where you’ll enjoy wide open panoramic views of the Cascades, towering rock formations, and the rushing waters of Whychus Creek below and descends gradually through grasses and rabbitbrush to...

Pike Creek

An old mining track leads 1.4 miles up the canyon through a rugged rock narrows with wildflowers and views of the desert playa below. Two creek crossings can be difficult to pass in early spring and after summer thunderstorms. Along this trail, you’ll find an old cabin and an old mine on the way...

Greg Burke Website

Guano Creek

Guano Creek is designated as a Wilderness Study Area and Area of Critical Environmental Concern. No trails exist but you can hike across the open country adjacent to Guano Creek. You can do an out-and-back hike or go for a 6-mile round-trip hike. As you proceed down, the canyon the walls will deepen and...

2.) Nominate That River for Protection

While the sounds of wild water are still fresh in your mind, take a moment to write a nomination email to Sen. Wyden and tell him why you think the river or creek you visited should be designated a Wild and Scenic River!

Need some tips on how to get started? Check out our blog post on how to nominate a new Wild and Scenic River.

Greg Shine

Protect Desert Rivers

Senator Ron Wyden is developing legislation to protect Oregon’s most special rivers, and he wants to hear from YOU! Please edit the message below to talk about your personal connection to the rivers and creeks listed, or add others that are important to you.

How to nominate a river
for Wild and Scenic protection

Oregon can already claim to be the state with the most Wild and Scenic Rivers, and U.S. Senator Ron Wyden has a not-so-secret goal to make Oregon the state with the Most Designated Miles, too. (Right now, that honor goes to Alaska.) Earlier this fall, Sen. Wyden announced a new effort to protect more rivers […]

Wild Rivers

Explore the map below to find out which rivers in Oregon’s high desert are protected as Wild and Scenic, and which important waterways still need protection. This map may take a minute to load. Let your mind drift back to your favorite river memory while you wait.