6. Orejana Canyon (Orejana Canyon Unit)

Suggested Citation: Kerr, Andy. 2000. Oregon Desert Guide: 70 Hikes. Seattle: The Mountaineers Books. pp. 101-102.

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What to Expect: A steep canyon and a precipitous rim defending "a massive display of nature's grandness"

Distance: 8-mile loop

Elevation Range: 4,766-5,050 feet 

Drinking Water: During spring

Best Times: Summer, fall

USGS 7.5' Maps: Orejana Canyon, Steamboat Point

Oregon Map Starting Point: Plush

Go north approximately 10 miles on Lake County 3-10 to an intersection. Turn northeast on Lake County 3-11. In 0.3 mile turn north onto a BLM road. Proceed northerly 22.8 miles to an intersection. A large rim is on your west. Proceed northerly (right, not northwesterly) 1.2 miles to an intersection. Turn east (right) and drive past Steamboat Point 5.2 miles to an intersection. Follow fence-line road east-southeast 2.9 miles to mouth of Orejana Canyon. Park.

From the mouth of Orejana Canyon (Steamboat Point quad), hike up the canyon (Orejana Canyon quad) either about 2 or 4 miles to a side canyon that grants access to the Island (not named on quad maps, but it is the large plateau bounded by Orejana Rim and Orejana Canyon) to the north. Hike across the Island to Orejana Rim on the west. Hike south along the rim back to your vehicle.