Honeycombs, Malheur County, Oregon

Malheur Experiment Station

Information for Sustainable Agriculture

Honeycombs

The Honeycombs are scenic geological structures in the Owyhee Watershed, Malheur County, Oregon, USA. The Honeycombs lie on the east side of the Owyhee Reservoir. They were formed by volcanic activity followed by wind and water erosion.

There is access by boat. Travel south on the Owyhee Reservoir from the boat launches near the dam or travel north from the boat launch at Leslie Gulch. Arriving at the Honeycombs, there is a ravine that rounds the south end of the formations that affords access. To explore the east side of the Honeycombs, follow the bottom of the ravine. Be careful to protect the formations, carry out your trash, and follow personal safety precautions. There is no drinking water.

There is difficult access by four wheeled drive vehicle and then by foot from the northeast of the formation.

Wildflowers are common at certain times of the year, including linear-leafed Phacelia and purple sage. For more on regional vegetation see our vegetation database .

The land is administered by the Vale District Bureau of Land Management. No motorized vehicle traffic is allowed. The US Bureau of Reclamation land on the east side of the reservoir adjoining the Honeycombs has a campsite at the north end of Bensley Flat.

Purple sage blooming in the Honeycombs, Malheur County, Oregon