Anderson Crossing

Date: Wednesday, May 17 to Sunday, May 21, 2023 
Expected arrival time: 1 PM Wednesday
Expected departure time: 12 PM Sunday

Meeting location: McDermitt at Quinn River Market
Weather information: Rome, Oregon

Mid-May is the best time for our annual voyage to the forgotten corner of Oregon. Our time will be spent exploring the area and sharing knowledge with each other on topics like botany, geology, wildlife, and cultural history. This trip is perfect to enjoy the solitude that the Owyhee has to offer and really connect with the land.

About the area
Anderson Crossing is one of the most remote areas in Oregon. Not only is it surrounded by Wilderness Study Areas, but it also showcases the Owyhee’s incredible dark night skies as well as one of the largest sage-grouse habitats in Oregon. The Anderson Crossing campground is undeveloped and lacks bathroom facilities and potable water, so please prepare accordingly. 

For this trip, you will need a 4-wheel drive vehicle or a vehicle with high clearance with a full spare tire (a donut spare will not suffice). The terrain is rough, and the roads may not be in good condition as they are minimally maintained. That’s why we strongly recommend the following precautions prior to departure:

• A thorough tire check, including your full spare
• 3–5 gallons of gasoline in a DOT-approved canister

This is our most remote conservation advocacy trip, so please take note of the following: 

• Our hiking excursions will be steep, off-trail, and potentially strenuous, so we recommend that you be an advanced hiker.
• Given the remoteness of this location, we recommend leaving your dogs at home unless you adventure with them often. 

Highlights

• Incredible expansive view of Oregon’s high desert
• Perfect time of year for wildflowers
• Plentiful opportunities for wildlife sightings
• Zero light pollution for stargazing

Challenges

• Area is very remote
• Weather can be unpredictable
• Rough roads and primitive campground

Suggested gear:

• Full-size spare tire
• Tire plugs (you can get these at Wal-Mart, any auto supply, or Amazon)
• Binoculars
• Daypack
• Shelter (tarp or tent, stakes, ground cloth)
• Sleeping bag, sleeping pad
• Headlamp
• Water bottles, plenty of water, water filter
• Stove, fuel
• Cooking pot, utensils, knife
• Food
• Hygiene kit
  • Toothbrush, toothpaste
  • Sunscreen, chapstick
  • Baby wipes
  • Prescription medications
• Hiking boots or trail shoes, camp shoes
• Hiking clothes, camp clothes
• Sun hat, sunglasses
• Rain jacket, insulated jacket
• Warm hat, gloves
• Hiking poles (optional)
• Camera, phone

Provided by FOTO: 

• Hiking & camping guidance
• Historical & cultural information
• Water filter
• Shade canopy
• Firewood
• Garmin inReach 

FAQ

• Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event?
  • Participants must be 10 years or older given the remote and rough terrain.
• Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?
  • No, we will have a roster of the folks signed up.
• What is the weather going to be like? 
  • Check out the weather forecast for Anderson Crossing. 
• Can I bring my camper for this trip?
  • The road to Anderson Crossing is rough but maintained, and there is 2 water crossing. Though it may depend on your set-up, we recommend that you camp in a tent for this trip. If you have specific questions or concerns, get in touch with us.
• Do I have to bring all my water? 
  • We do recommend that you bring water, but we also ask that you bring a water filter so that you can filter water from the river just in case.

If you have any questions not answered here, please contact Tim via email, text, or phone call: owyheefriends@gmail.com, (541) 212-1907