Carlton Canyon

Malheur Experiment Station

Information for Sustainable Agriculture

Carlton Canyon

Carlton Canyon is an ordinarily dry tributary to the Owyhee River and lies between the Owyhee Reservoir and Three Fingers. Carlton Canyon is a scenic geological area of the Owyhee Watershed, Malheur County, Oregon. The canyon was formed by volcanic activity followed by erosion. Two main drainages enter Carlton Canyon from the north. Both the west drainage and Painted Canyon (easterly drainage into Carlton Canyon) are spectacular.

There is access by boat to the mouth of the canyon and then by foot from the east. Travel south on the Owyhee Reservoir from the boat launches near the dam or travel north from the boat launch at Leslie Gulch. There is not much to see near the mouth of the canyon. The more spectacular formations are further to the east. Arriving at Carlton Canyon, follow the bottom of the ravine to the east. Be careful to protect the formations, carry out your trash, and follow personal safety precautions. There is no drinking water.

There is access by vehicle and then by foot from the east of the formation. Follow the ravine to the west.
The land is administered by the Vale District Bureau of Land Management. No motorized vehicle traffic is allowed. It is possible to camp on US Bureau of Reclamation land on the east side of the reservoir at the mouth of Carlton Canyon.