Thief Valley

**Location & Access**
The Thief Valley boat ramp provides public access to Thief Valley Reservoir on the Powder River, located 16 miles north of Baker, Oregon near Telocaset in Union County. Be aware that the final 6 miles to the site are gravel road with washboard conditions, though the ramp is accessible for most vehicle and trailer combinations.

**Facilities & Recreation**
This Bureau of Reclamation facility offers a functional boat launch with accompanying dock, vaulted toilets, and 10 primitive camping sites. The 740-acre reservoir sits at 3,000 feet elevation and provides approximately 10 miles of shoreline, making it suitable for kayaking, canoeing, and motorized boating. The scenic high desert setting offers views of the Wallowa and Elkhorn Mountains. The reservoir is primarily managed for irrigation but welcomes recreational use, with operations maintained by the Union County Parks Department in partnership with Oregon Parks and Recreation Department and the Oregon State Marine Board.

**Fishing & Wildlife**
Paddlers should note the reservoir supports both kokanee and trout populations, with spring and fall being optimal periods for trout and late spring through summer for kokanee. The unique high desert environment provides wildlife viewing opportunities in a relatively remote location.