Timber Gulch Trail

Leslie Gulch, a canyon on the border of Oregon and Idaho, is full of almost surreal rock formations made up of tuff from volcanic eruptions 15 million years ago.To walk around in these canyons is like being transported into another world. Timber Gulch, one of many hikes located in Leslie Gulch, is a short 1.5 mile hike into a spectacular natural amphitheater.

Getting There

Near Marsing, Idaho from Highway 55, travel 19 miles south on US 95. There will be a sign on the right to Leslie Gulch Recreation Area; turn onto this dirt road (McBride Road). Follow 8.7 miles to Rockville. Take a right on Succor Creek Road. After 1.7 miles, take a left onto Leslie Gulch Road. Reset odometer and drive 11.7 miles to a one-car pullout. (You will pass Upper Leslie Gulch and Juniper Gulch.) The trail starts on the right. Prior to reaching Timber Gulch there are restrooms on the left back at the Juniper Gulch sign.

The Trail

This is a breezy 1.1 mile hike with only 400 feet of elevation gain. The trail starts by hopping through some sage brush onto a sandy wash. Turn right and follow the wash. At about 0.3 miles, it looks like the trail is blocked by some boulders, but climb around them and keep following the wash as it turns slightly left. There is a little bit of small boulder climbing, but nothing too difficult. The trail veers farther left and slightly uphill and leads you straight into the most amazing amphitheater. Allow for plenty of time to climb around on rocks and take in the peaceful stillness of the area.

If you are looking for an upper view of the canyon, backtrack along your trail until you're almost back at the beginning. On the right you'll see a steep mountain side marked with a small cairn and a faint trail. Follow this up about 0.1 miles. You can go further but use caution—this becomes more of a scramble around boulders and rock slabs. If it rains, stay out of the canyon; the rocks get very slick and the area is prone to flash floods.

Camping is limited to the Slocum campground on the west side of Leslie Gulch. Backpacking is not allowed due to the protected area.