Junior member

[AD Riley]

I am a new member seeking information on the roads in the Owyhee Uplands. What is the condition of the backcountry roads? It has been hard to get reliable information. Either these roads are nearly impassible or, in good weather, they are simply rough country roads. I need a heads up before heading into that country this summer. I would appreciate any information anyone can provide me on the following roads:
McIntyre Springs Road
Three Fork Road
Cow Lakes Road
Jordan Craters Road
Idaho Byway Road between Jordan Valley and Grandview
Thanks to anyone who can help.

[Jerry]

Originally Posted by AD Riley

I am a new member seeking information on the roads in the Owyhee Uplands. What is the condition of the backcountry roads? It has been hard to get reliable information. Either these roads are nearly impassible or, in good weather, they are simply rough country roads. I need a heads up before heading into that country this summer. I would appreciate any information anyone can provide me on the following roads:
McIntyre Springs Road
Three Fork Road
Cow Lakes Road
Jordan Craters Road
Idaho Byway Road between Jordan Valley and Grandview
Thanks to anyone who can help.

We drove the Three Forks Road a month ago (see Owyhee Uplands Trip Report) and it was in really good shape considering heavy rain the night before. We drove the Jordan Craters Road a couple of years ago. It is gravel and should be in good condition. We also drove the Idaho Byway about three years ago and it is also a good road, mostly gravel with a good base. Don't recall McIntyre Springs or Cow Lakes without pulling out maps.
Jerry

[AD Riley]

Thank you very much, Jerry. This should be of great help.
Alan

[94xj]

I did the Three Forks, Jordan Craters, and all of the Owyhee Uplands byway a few weeks ago. All of these roads are in great shape. The byway could be done in a lowered Honda Civic. It felt really really isolated, however. If you're going to Jordan Craters and you have a high clearance 4WD then go down to the Birch Creek Historic Ranch. Fun road to a beautiful spot, one of the highlights of our trip actually.

If you go further north a little, I would also recommend Succour Creek, Leslie Gulch, and the Twin Springs BLM camp north of the reservoir.

The Basque restaurant in Jordan Valley is great too. It's gonna be hot, though. If you have any more questions feel free to email me.

[94xj]

Forgot to mention, lots of rattlesnakes at Three Forks, including one that was hiding behind the toilet seat in the outhouse when we were there (he should be gone by now). Do take a dip at nearby Warm Springs.

[Jerry]

Evidently that rattlesnake had gone out he back door of the outhouse before I came in the front! I am really glad the snake and I did not make acquaintance!

Our group was touring the Owyhee drainage during some heavy rain storms, but while we were at Three Forks we did made the trek from the South Fork bridge over the hump to the old crossing site. While the actual warm springs are located on the west side of the river there is a smaller version of warm springs on the east side, just down river from the clearing and directly across from the river from the main falls. A couple of our troops took advantage of it while we were there.

Didn't I follow your trek via Spot Satellite, along with others at the Northwest Overland Society Forum? If that was you, I want you to know I really enjoyed following your adventure.
Jerry

[AD Riley]

Thanks again, Jerry. I very much appreciate the good info you have provided me. Do you by any chance have any info on the McIntire Springs Road, the Cow Lake Road or the Pueblo Mountain Road? I am traveling alone, but I have a 4X4 Xterra. Because I will be alone, good information is especially important. I have no one to spot for me on the trails. Thank you, I will keep my eye out for rattlesnakes!!!
Alan

[Jerry]

Originally Posted by AD Riley

Thanks again, Jerry. I very much appreciate the good info you have provided me. Do you by any chance have any info on the McIntire Springs Road, the Cow Lake Road or the Pueblo Mountain Road? I am traveling alone, but I have a 4X4 Xterra. Because I will be alone, good information is especially important. I have no one to spot for me on the trails. Thank you, I will keep my eye out for rattlesnakes!!!
Alan

Sorry, no. I have never driven around the Cow Lakes nor through the Pueblo Mountains and I don't EVEN know where the McIntire Springs Road is located. Perhaps 94XJ or some of the other guys might know. You might also check with folks at the Northwest Overland Society.
Jerry

[94xj]

Didn't I follow your trek via Spot Satellite, along with others at the Northwest Overland Society Forum? If that was you, I want you to know I really enjoyed following your adventure.
Jerry[/quote]

Yep, that was me. Glad you enjoyed the SPOT messages. I just posted some pics in the NWOS gallery of our trip.

Hope to catch one of your trips this year.

Nate