Birch Creek – Homestead – Coffee Pot Crater Run

All day scenic adventure in remote Owyhee Canyon Country near Jordan Valley, Oregon.

Visit the historic Birch Creek and Morrison Pinnacle ranches on the banks of the Owyhee River, and discover an old remote homestead perched high on a saddle just below the rim of the mesa. There is an optional side trip to visit Coffee Pot Crater.

Meet: 7.30 a.m. at the Chevron on the junction of ID55 and US95

Leave: 8.00 a.m.

Return: Between 6 and 7 p.m.

Round trip: 150 miles

Suitable for high clearance 4WD vehicles with 4-Low

GRMS radios are recommended.

Bring lunch and plenty of snacks and water.

NOTE: This run will be cancelled if it is raining, or rain is in the forecast.

It is a 45 minute drive from the gas station to our air down spot on Jordan Crater Road.

The adventure starts on a wide, well maintained gravel road through the sagebrush, skirting the edge of the Jordan Craters’ lava flow and numerous small reservoirs.

Once we get to the edge of the mesa, the road becomes a narrow gravel and dirt road which descends over 1800’ to Birch Creek Ranch. The road continues for another mile along the Owyhee River to Morrison Pinnacle Ranch where we will stop for lunch. This spot has the only potable water source and pit toilet of the day!

After lunch we will drive back up onto the mesa to the start of the “Key Light” jeep trail. A rocky filter leads to a rough dirt track that meanders through the sagebrush to the canyon rim. Below, on a saddle, is an old homestead and an abandoned car – a short, steep rocky trail (you will need 4-Low) drops down to the saddle. Admire the views across the canyon and try to find our lunch spot below. 

When we have arrived back at the start of the “Key Light” trail, you can either make your way back to civilization or take a side trip to Coffee Pot Crater. It is only an extra couple of miles along a dirt road, but you will want to allow an hour or so to explore the intriguing lava formations. 

If you are bringing dogs or children, please be aware that rattlesnakes and scorpions may lurk in the sagebrush.

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