WHITEHORSE CREEK WILDERNESS STUDY AREA

Values

The WSA provides opportunities for experiencing naturalness, solitude, and primitive and unconfined recreation. Opportunities for solitude are particularly high in rugged terrain and eroded escarpments in the areas west of the Continental Divide, north of the Oregon Buttes and south of Pastel Butte. From the top of the largest butte, which rises 650 feet above the basin floor and 7,915 feet above sea level, a sense of isolation is felt as one looks down into the maze-like setting created by the Whitehorse Creek Basin. Recreational opportunities include rockhounding, rock climbing, studying the unique badlands topography, nature and wildlife photography, bird watching and big game hunting.

Visitation Information

State Highway 28 east from Farson 38 miles. Turn southeast onto county road 10-446. In 10 miles 10-446 will become county road 4-74. Turn west onto the unnamed two track route, in two miles the unnamed two track route will become the boundary between Oregon Buttes and Whitehorse Creek WSAs. Motorized travel is expressly prohibited. Additionally, the WSA is closed to mineral entry, including gold panning.

Visitor Advisory

Access to wild lands inherently requires good navigational skills and four-wheel drive or high-clearance vehicles. Visitors should be prepared for adverse weather and road conditions. The WSAs in the BLM Field Office are primarily accessed by unnamed or unsigned two-track roads that in many cases may be difficult to find without sufficient navigational skills and equipment.

Wilderness Study Areas

WSAs are undeveloped federal lands that retain their primeval character and influence, without permanent improvements or human habitation, and are managed so as not to impair their suitability for preservation as wilderness. Backcountry recreation is a common use along with Leave no Trace Outdoor ethics. Please be advised these areas are restricted and do not allow for the use of motorized and mechanized equipment.