I'd read quite a bit about Succor Creek Natural Area before finally making a trip there. Seeing it in person confirmed what others had said about the area's beauty and uniqueness.
The north entrance to Succor Creek starts south of Adrian Oregon. From the cutoff to Succor Creek road, it's a very long 15 miles of some of the most challenging gravel roads I've driven. A few stretches of the road were covered in a finer gravel and reasonably smooth, while the rest of the road was covered in much larger rock, with an abundance of washboard and large pot holes. In some areas, the road surface appeared to be built on the underlying basalt bedrock. The road is quite steep in places, and there is a longer grade as you leave the higher areas and descend to the valley floor and Succor Creek.
There were also three small streams that crossed the road, making for some pretty significant washout. For a seasoned four-wheeler, these would have seemed mild, but if you're not experienced, they take a bit of study to ensure your rig can make the drop to the stream bead without becoming high-centered or dragging the rear (or front) on the way through.
On our trip in mid-May, two of the three had water in the streams, requiring us to ensure the depth was passable. It was in both cases, and the truck/truck camper and our towed vehicle went down, through, and back out the other side without any issues.
Once arriving in Succor Creek Natural Area, you will experience an amazing beauty that's hard to describe and that pictures do not adequately convey. Known for thundereggs, the geology is quite dramatic along the creek and surrounding canyon walls.
The campground is as it's described in the Oregon State Park brochure with no potable water and a pit toilet. On our trip, the toilet was in desperate need of being pumped and was nearly full and no TP. This is rattlesnake country, although we didn't see one. It's also poison Ivy country, and we did see it.
Several of the campsites are under a canopy of trees, and some are in more open areas. Accross the bridge, which was accessible by cars and pickups (there is a rating on the bridge that I think said 5,000 pounds), there are several other campsites.
Prior to arriving at the official campground, there were several dispersed camping areas. The first one inside the natural area was approximately 3.5 miles from the designated campground. We chose one about 2.5 miles from the designated campground and enjoyed a breathtaking view of the canyon along with the pleasant sounds of Succor Creek.
Leaving the designated campground going south, the road rises quickly as it winds its way past ranches and eventually to Jordan Valley via other roads. It also leads to Leslie Gulch road. The views are breathtaking and virtually indescribable. There was an assortment of desert flowers in bloom adding to the colorful landscape. This entire area is one that should be experienced first-hand to be truly appreciated.
That said, this is also an area with no cell service. Roads are gravel, rock, washboard covered, pot holed, and also can get muddy. And it can get very hot.
There were other people in the area, but rest assured you need to travel this very remote area fully prepared for whatever comes your way. We carry extra food and water and sufficient clothing to spend the night away from our camper should we need to. A full sized spare tire is also included as is a shovel, tool kit, and first aid kit.
We saw a variety of vehicles along the road (Subarus, pickups, ATVs, and several SUVs of various manufacturers). Driven wisely, I suspect any vehicle with adequate ground clearance, good tires, and proper preparation could pass through this area without a problem. Preparation is the key.
Succor Creek Natural Area was on our list of areas that we wanted to visit. I'm glad we did, and now knowing what to expect, we may return again to soak up its remoteness, beauty,...
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