Overlanding Eastern Oregon

Going up against desert-like conditions of dry, rocky terrain and deep canyonlands.

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Words and photos by Mercedes Lilienthal

No matter if you’re traversing through British Columbia’s beautiful backcountry or snagging riverside solace somewhere in Oregon, there are key principles that adventurers, new or experienced, should understand so they can enjoy Mother Nature safely, smartly, and preserve it for future use.

If you’re seeking solitude in the woods, desert, or the mountains, understanding the type of terrain you’ll traverse through can make your overlanding trip an enjoyable one—even if issues arise. But, this also means correctly preparing your vehicle and knowing how to deal with unforeseen challenges along the way.

Eastern Oregon

Our latest solitary adventure led us to remote areas of eastern Oregon. Unlike the maritime climate of the western part of the state, which is arid in the summer but wet and dreary in the winter, eastern Oregon consists of greater seasonal variations in temperature. It also receives significant snowfall but much less rain, classifying this region as a desert.

When adventuring off the beaten path in Eastern Oregon, you’ll find miles of rock-filled trails or hard-packed dirt; rolling hills or flat land showcasing bygone boulders and sparsely placed deserted buildings. This area lends itself to sagebrush, expanses of Juniper trees, and preserved ruins as nearby fossils wait to be discovered. 

The level ground leads when travelling in remote areas through 32 km (20 mi) of nothingness but may soon reveal a secret world of craggy cliffs, deep canyons, and remote undulating roads. Having both paper maps and a good off-road GPS is a must while overlanding throughout Eastern Oregon.  

Maps show many off-tarmac options to travel, but be aware that conditions can change quickly—especially if an unexpected rainstorm hits, which can result in a deep, muddy mess. This can be challenging and even more so in dire situations (i.e. failed recovery attempts or mechanical failure) since many of the routes lead kilometres from anywhere. Note: passersby can be scarce in the more remote areas so be sure to bring enough food, water, tools, and emergency supplies should an issue arise without help for a few days. 

The region’s economy is primarily agricultural. Mining and timber, once dominant, decreased in recent years but relics from the past still dot eastern Oregon, waiting for the next explorer to discover them.

The Diligent Delica

With only one other remote outing under its belt, our new-to-us stock Mitsubishi Delica Space Gear, known as the Travel Tractor, was still proving its off-road chops to us during our four-day, three-night stay in sweltering eastern Oregon last September. Although still slow on the interstates compared to modern-day 4x4s, its 2.8 L turbocharged intercooled diesel, the 4M40, is much peppier than our former Delica, a 1989 Star Wagon (aka The Space Tractor). 

With a whopping 140 hp with 232 lb. ft. of torque, the Space Gear easily ascended steep canyon trails in low range with few gear changes—something the Star Wagon couldn’t do as minimally. The extra power was welcome when navigating over cliff-side rock ledges or steep sections with loose soil.

Not only is our Space Gear equipped with a more powerful engine, but its off-road ability is also better. The basic 4WD two-speed transfer case found in the Star Wagon was superseded with an advanced Super Select t-case system featuring a locking centre differential and viscous coupling system. 

The Space Gear Super Select t-case gives us four different driving modes: 2WD, 4WD high-range with an open centre diff, 4WD high-range with a locked centre differential, as well as 4WD low with a locked centre differential. A unique feature is the Mitsubishi Space Gear can act more like an AWD than a 4x4 when needed, which is ideal for unexpected, challenging terrain. Aware of possible mechanical break-downs or other unforeseen challenges, we packed tools, a few spare parts, Gorilla tape, and said a quick prayer that it’ll make the trek with no issues. 

Since we typically customize our off-road rigs with sliders, a winch bumper and winch, and a roof rack for necessities like a full-size spare or MAXTRAX recovery boards, we artfully hauled the minimal amount of equipment within our non-customized van should we get stuck and need to extract ourselves. More care was taken when preparing for this trip as we adventured in solitude, in stock condition.

Our Oregon Overlanding Experience

Our OE Delica van lent itself to some interior modification for this adventure. We measured and test fit essential gear, like our ARB ZERO fridge and camp box to make sure the rear liftgate shut and we’d have enough room to sleep. Smaller accoutrements were stashed in between and under the Delica’s second-row seats. These included items like our ARB portable air compressor, large water canister, and our Inergy Apex solar generator to power accessories. 

With careful consideration, we successfully stashed gear and slept individually on the Delica’s front and middle-row seats. Our Thermarest sleeping pads and Mountain Hardware sleeping bags helped flatten things out a bit. However, the Space Gear’s bucket-style seats aren’t nearly as comfortable for overnight zzz’s as our older Delica Star Wagon’s flat and unassuming seats - especially in the searingly hot temps we experienced.

As we explored eastern Oregon’s beauty and surrounding public Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, we continually slathered on sunscreen. Our overland trek took us through canyonlands and high plateaus; however, it was unbearably hot. We hydrated our bodies with cooling cloths doused in cold water to keep our body temperatures down. Gone were cooking hot meals with our two-burner stove or chilling by a campfire as a fire ban was in effect. Meals instead consisted of cold sandwiches, Mountain House meals, chilled veggies, and evening-time beer. Sleeping was a challenge as our rear windows merely pop out vs. sliding open—making ventilation next to near impossible. However, staying hydrated with cooling clothes made things bearable.

Our trip through eastern Oregon was amazingly beautiful, albeit a hot excursion. Our Delica confidently drove us through a variety of terrain, although we didn’t use its air conditioning to spare its engine extra effort. However, despite the unforgivingly hot conditions, it was a grand journey that bound us even closer to Mother Nature. Another trip, another set of memories that’ll last us a lifetime.  

Leave No Trace

In addition to carefully planning before travelling to remote regions, adventure-seekers should follow certain tips to stay safe, respect natural surroundings, and leave a minimal impact. By “treading lightly,” off-road enthusiasts can help ensure trails and natural wonders stay open and accessible to all. 

Packing Smartly

Planning before you pack sounds easy enough, but while travelling in remote areas such as Eastern Oregon, there are important considerations to be made before pushing on the pedal. 

  • What will the weather be like (hot and steamy or cold and frosty)?
  • What terrain do you plan to tackle (dirt, rocks, and loose soil)? 
  • How many days will you be away from home (one day, one week, or more)? 
  • Will you be travelling solo or with another vehicle in the event you get stuck (and planning for gear will change depending on how long you’re out for)? 

Taking only what is needed will save and keep gear organized. Packing layers of clothing can pull double duty during both warm and cold climates. Additionally, knowing the terrain you’ll be driving through will help determine what recovery equipment you may need to bring. 

Tip: Be sure to pack a few extra days’ worth of consumables in case of vehicle failure, medical emergency, or to assist someone else on the trail. It’s cheap insurance to ensure survival.

Treading Lightly

From packing out what was brought in (including refuse or biohazard waste that’s generated, or trash found along the way) to staying on the trail and not trampling delicate vegetation, treading lightly can help future generations enjoy the trails and the surrounding nature. 

By treating all areas with respect and not tearing up tracks or driving aggressively, it helps maintain nature’s ecosystem. Plus, being respectful of the land gives the powers to be less reason to restrict overland and 4x4 trails. 

Remote Camping

Local Bureau of Land Management (BLM) agencies or forest service offices are great resources to understand locations of where and where not to camp if there are nearby forest fires, trail issues, etc. 

Note: Permits, fees, or certain limitations apply to various established BLM campgrounds. Many campgrounds are only open seasonally (research each location before visiting ).

To boondock away from others, as we did during our trip, the BLM allows dispersed camping on public land. Campers can stay up to 14 days in one spot (within a 28 consecutive day period). Remember, treading lightly in these areas is key to minimizing impact.

Tip: Camp in areas that don't disturb Mother Nature. Also, be sure to know if there’s a fire ban in effect before lighting campfires. Bring a stout shovel and plenty of water to effectively put it out afterwards. Being cognizant of your surroundings and leaving a minimal footprint no matter where you go, sets a great example for others. 

Treat Mother Nature with respect—no matter if you’re visiting eastern Oregon or travelling through the Canadian wilderness. By being prepared and having the proper knowledge to travel remotely, trips taken to the middle of nowhere can leave lasting, positive impressions with those who discover them.