View of the West Little Owyhee River Canyon west of Anderson Crossing, Oct. 19, 2017, by Greg Shine, BLM.

The West Little Owyhee River is a tributary of the mighty Owyhee River. Designated on in 1988, the source of the river is at an elevation of 6,508 feet near the Nevada-Oregon border by the community of McDermitt, Nevada. Approximately 57 miles in length, the river flows east by Deer Flat and into Louse Canyon. Near a prominent feature known as Twin Buttes, it turns sharply north as it cuts through the Owyhee Desert, making its way to the Owyhee River.

The river is recognized for its remarkable scenery, wildlife, and opportunities for solitude and primitive recreation. The river is a stark contrast between the inner canyon and the typically flat sagebrush plateau through which it runs. The river itself offers many cool, clear secluded pools that are confined by sheer rock walls whose colorful, abstract beauty is the product of eons of erosion and weathering!

This river segment offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities. Off-trail backpacking and day hikes with the challenging opportunity to travel by swimming and hiking all await you. Excellent wildlife viewing and hunting are available due to the richness of the area's fauna. Dispersed camping is allowed, although the watershed has no developed parks or campsites.

Much of this pristine canyon is used as nesting habitat by a wide variety of raptors, including several hawk species and golden eagles. Winter visitors include Canada geese, mallards, scaups, mergansers and other fine feathered friends in the duck family. California bighorn sheep are present, particularly in the vicinity of Toppin Creek Canyon. Pronghorn antelope, mule deer, and white-tailed jackrabbits top the notable list of local residents.

For more information about this remote Oregon wonderland stop on by the BLM Office in Vale Oregon.

Vale District Office 100 Oregon Street Vale, OR 97918 Phone: 541-473-3144 Fax: 541-473-6213