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Recreation

May contain: wilderness, nature, outdoors, park, grass, plant, lake, water, grassland, field, land, and rock
May contain: land, outdoors, nature, water, sea, lake, coast, shoreline, peak, mountain range, and mountain
May contain: partridge, bird, animal, and quail

Recreational activities are also an important project benefit. Owyhee Reservoir, which penetrates the heart of the wild Mahogany Mountains, is an oasis in a desert wilderness. These types of activities attract over 63,000 visitors a year. Most recreational facilities are within a few miles of the Owyhee Dam. Camping areas and boat launching facilities, constructed by the Reclamation and the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Branch, are located in Owyhee Lake State Park above the dam. Two additional picnic and recreational areas are available; one above the dam and one below. The Owyhee Irrigation District also operates and administers a campground below the dam that is rented out to the public. Water Skiing, boating, fishing, sailing, camping, picnicking, hiking, and rock collecting are some of the recreational pursuits in the project area. Anglers pit their skills against the smallmouth and largemouth bass that inhabit the reservoir. Crappie, Coho salmon, and several species of trout also challenge fishers. Hikers and boaters in Owyhee Canyon find serenity among the sheer cliffs. The many-hued walls and basaltic canyons have colorful volcanic rock formations carved and honeycombed by erosion provide spectacular scenic delights. And, rock hounds visit the project area in search of thunder eggs, jasper, and agate. Wildlife is also plentiful along the reservoir and on project lands. Sharp-eyed visitors may catch a glimpse of California bighorn sheep, wild horses, deer, or antelope along the canyon walls. Chukar, Chinese pheasant, quail, geese, and ducks offer small game hunters ample opportunity to test their skills.

*For additional information regarding the cabin rental below the dam and to make reservations please visit: https://sites.google.com/site/owyheedamcabins

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