68. Lambert Rocks (Owyhee Breaks Unit)

Suggested Citation: Kerr, Andy. 2000. Oregon Desert Guide: 70 Hikes. Seattle: The Mountaineers Books. pp. 232-233.

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What to Expect: A fantastic lava flow on a bench above the Owyhee River

Distance: 8.8 miles round trip

Elevation Range: 3,020-3,700 feet

Drinking Water: Yes

Best Times: Spring, fall

USGS 7.5' Map: Lambert Rocks

Oregon Map Starting Point: Rome

At the Rome store head northwest (US 95 runs east-northeast/west-southwest) for 1.8 miles. The road turns to the north-northeast for 0.8 mile until crossing the Owyhee River. Continue on the main road, and always northerly if you have a choice, for approximately 13.6 miles. You are now at a road intersection and in the middle of an airstrip (in fact, you've been on it for the last 0.3 mile). Take the road to the north (get off the runway, which runs north-northeast), which turns northwesterly. Park at about 3 miles.

Hike out the unimproved way along the peninsular point and then steeply down to Bogus Creek. Hike the four-wheel-drive track to the river (4.4 miles total).

This can be done as a long day hike but is best enjoyed as a backpack to ariverside camp. There is much to explore coming and going. The most geologically interesting views across the river are not actually of Chalk Basin, but of the unnamed drainages to the south, though most postcards and calendars identify this scene as Chalk Basin.