Unnamed Thermal Spring
Located 3,388 meters (2.1 miles) from the nearest road at 2,659 feet elevation in remote Owyhee County backcountry, this hot spring flows with water classified as hot though specific temperature remains undocumented in the 1980 NOAA survey. The substantial access distance and hike-only classification make this one of the more remote thermal features in southeastern Oregon.
The spring sits in deeply dissected canyon country where erosion has carved through layered volcanic rocks, creating a maze of steep-walled drainages and isolated mesas. At this elevation, vegetation transitions from sagebrush-dominated flats to juniper-pine woodlands on north-facing slopes. Annual precipitation of 10.4 inches and 16.2 inches of snow support limited vegetation; average air temperature of 55.9°F reflects the moderating effect of lower elevation compared to surrounding plateaus.
Historical documentation for this unnamed spring is absent beyond its inclusion in the 1980 NOAA thermal springs database. The extreme remoteness suggests it remained unknown except to local ranchers and hunters. The broader Owyhee Canyonlands saw limited Euro-American settlement due to rugged terrain and scarce water, preserving the area's wild character.
Accessing this spring requires serious backcountry navigation skills and overnight gear for most visitors. Download offline maps; no cellular service exists. Best visited April through June or September through October when temperatures moderate. Slocum Creek Campground, 29.8 km away, provides the nearest developed camping. Carry adequate water as reliable sources are scarce. Leave detailed itinerary with someone before attempting this remote hike.
Is this spring worth visiting?
Best for
- Overnight camping trips
Nestled in a side canyon near the mouth of Leslie Gulch, Slocum Creek Campground makes a good base for gulch explorations. Cool off in the waters of nearby Lake Owyhee or hike the Leslie Gulch Area of Critical Environmental Concern. The campground includes nine campsites, eight of which contain some accessible amenities. The low light of early morning and late evening transforms the abutting rock outcrops of Slocum Creek Wilderness Study Area into magnificent fiery wonder.Know Before You GoCa...