Upcoming Events

Owyhee Webinar: Gravel Bikepacking

Free • Registration required • August 17, 2022 @ 5:30 PM MDT

The Cap the Climax Backcountry Gravel Bikepacking Route System is an ambitious network of gravel cycling loops that link up more than 1,000 miles of breathtaking public corridors. The route celebrates the best aspects of the Southern Blue Mountains, Steens Mountain, Oregon High Desert, and the Owyhee Canyonlands. This route system is the first of its kind, designed to provide riders with bite-sized segments to build up their confidence in tackling eastern Oregon's rough backcountry and provide more reasonable timelines for chunk-by-chunk completion of the route. The primary Cap the Climax loop linking all routes can serve as a tour divide-style, fastest known time-style race/event for the region.

Owyhee Geology by Water Tours

Starting at $15 • SUP/kayak rentals available • August 19–21

Join Friends of the Owyhee programs director and geologist Sammy Castonguay for a unique, 3-hour geology by water tour. We'll paddle along the bank of Lake Owyhee and across the reservoir to admire and study the lake's fascinating rock formations. Relish the geologic history of this special Oregon park at each stop—we'll have plenty of opportunities to photograph formations; collect small minerals, crystals, and gems; and make in-depth observations of the rock exposures. We will port to shore a few times throughout the tour for a better look at the rocks and allowing for snack and bathroom breaks.

Pacific Crest Trail Days

Friday, August 19–Saturday, August 20 • Cascade Locks, OR

Pacific Crest Trail Days is a free annual summer festival that celebrates and promotes hiking, camping, backpacking, and outdoor stewardship.  Attendees can participate in activities, games, and presentations; win awesome gear at the raffle; and get great deals on the latest outdoor products from sponsors at the Gear Expo. 

​

All raffle proceeds support the American Long Distance Hiking Association-West, the Pacific Crest Trail Association. Vendors will be offering great food, beer, cider, coffee, and non-alcoholic beverages.

September Nature Explorers

$5 a session • 4–5:15 PM, Mondays & Tuesdays • Snack included

Ontario Recreation District is teaming up with the Friends of the Owyhee to bring a new outdoor exploration program to life! Nature Explorers will be a program to inspire use of city parks, engage local youth in parks and nature, and enhance their knowledge of the natural world. 

​

Once a week through the month of September, parents/guardians will drop off their child at a park in Ontario at 4 PM. From 4–5:15 PM, the group will go through a lesson and games geared towards learning about science and nature. Then, they will finish off each session with a snack.

Owyhee Geology Series: Extended

Friday, Sept. 16–Wednesday, Sept. 21 • Owyhee, NV

Our popular Owyhee Geology Series is back! This year, we’ve decided to take a different approach for the bulk of our in-field geology education. We’ll be offering two trips: one shorter one for beginning geology enthusiasts, and one longer one for the seasoned adventurers that want to go on a longer geologic adventure.

​

On this longer trip, we’ll start in Owyhee, Nevada and traverse our way through points of interest until we reach Murphy, Idaho where we’ll end at the Owyhee Country Historical Museum.

Owyhee Science Field Camp

Friday, October 7–Sunday, October 9 • Slocum Creek Campground

Science can be exciting in the classroom, but it’s so much more when it’s out in the field. This short field camp can give aspiring scientists a taste of the scientific process in real-time: making observations, forming hypotheses, collecting data in the field, and interpreting those data.

While we are still taking COVID-19 precautions, this camp opportunity is parent-supported—parents or guardians provide camp and meals, while we provide the science education and activities.

Conservation Advocacy: Three Forks

Friday, October 14–Sunday, October 16 • Three Forks Campground

On this 3-day car camping trip, we celebrate the designation of the Owyhee River as an Oregon Wild & Scenic River, which occurred on October 19, 1984. Since October is FOTO’s birthday month, we have plenty to be grateful for this time of year, so visiting one of our favorite spots is key.

​

This trip aims to explore Outstandingly Remarkable Values (ORVs) that a Wild & Scenic River has to offer; that includes its ecology, aquatic species and other wildlife, geologic features, recreational opportunities, and scenic beauty.