Unexpected Wonders Found Deep Off the Grid in Eastern Oregon

This is our first big adventure in a Winnebago Revel Sprinter Van and we opted to head north to explore some of the backcountry trail in Eastern Oregon. We head deep off the the grid to the Owyhee Canyon region in search of solitude and adventure. We camp at some of the most spectacular remote spots we've ever been to, explore the famous Leslie Gulch, investigate the magnificent Jordan Craters and camp along the Owyhee River in pure solitude.
Sprinter Van Introduction: • Rugged Adventure Vehic...
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[@johngalt7733]

I live about an hour and a half from your playground here in this video. It's truly a blessing, God's Country, and we're all so fortunate to get to enjoy it literally every weekend, and even sometimes on night runs too- There's some great rock crawling as well, but we don't advertise that. Y'all enjoy!

[@Bdub1952]

My wife and I live in the Treasure Valley and enjoy getting out and rockhounding. This area is also famous for large deposits of agates, jasper and thundereggs, too. We've found some amazing specimens. We are blessed to live close to this country.

[@TrailRecon]

You are very blessed to live that close to there!! I can't wait to get back with the Jeep and explore more.

[@IDAHOverland]

We are so blessed to live out here (based out of Boise) - been to all these spots Brad and Regina visited and it's great to share God's country with everyone. (Psst - you're not supposed to say anything about the rock-crawling...) 🙂

[@azsean73]

This is indeed the land that Allah has blessed us with. I am just sad that it cannot be appreciated by more of Allah's witnesses. At least you had the wisdom to have a curry.

[@jRieg]

@@azsean73 Allah is Fake

[@malcolmn.5222]

The quality of your videos makes it easy for your viewers to feel like we are all there! Keep it coming!

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you so much!

[@malcolmn.5222]

@TrailRecon No problem. I happened to stumble across your channel about a year ago, and since then, my desire to get out and explore our beautiful country and get off road has grown exponentially. Thank you!

[@rubiconadventurewithscotty3258]

Great drone shots showing the landscapes

[@tumimokoena4404]

As outsiders, whenever we think of America we think of New York or Los Angeles and that's why the majority of us tend to visit these places whenever an opportunity to visit America presents itself. I, on the other hand, think of places like these. You are blessed to have such a beautiful country. From an avid fan of the channel in South Africa! 🇿🇦

[@Penny-mk7fv]

I thought the Grand Canyon was pretty famous too?

[@4x4adventure_pl]

The offroad community's heartbeat is echoing through every frame of this fantastic video.

[@gerryhartung736]

When Im out exploring the Oregon Outback, I think about the pioneers and really admire the tenacity they had to find and travel the west. Think of the women and children who walked, rode horseback or on wagons to find a homeplace. The fact that the whole family made dangerous crossings....now we do this in modern comfort and faster....WOW-SER!

[@TrailRecon]

I'm sure folks from the 1800's would have their minds blown if they saw how we traveled today.

[@TheUnorthodoxx]

"It's a van, it's not that hard." I laughed so hard at that comment.

[@MichaelSmith-kr9qw]

God has privileged us with such a beautiful planet get out there and explore it people, It never ceases to amaze me just how much open land there is to explore in the US I am thankful people like Brad and Regina and his family have provided some of us over the years. Now that my wife is on the mend after her hip replacement surgery I think it might be time for us to get out and explore some more. I'm looking at getting a possible Gladiator to replace my beloved Dodge Dakota of 25 years.

[@John-uo1qf]

I had the same thought watching this video. So many amazing things created for us to enjoy

[@megaoption]

You're thanking us for watching your videos? Are you kidding? We thank you for making these videos and posting them. It is an absolute pleasure watching every single one of your adventures. Please keep posting them! Safe travels you guys.

[@simpleinstinct]

The fishing on the Owyhee is also EPIC.

[@crjmoto]

One of my wife and I's first camp trips was north of here in the Wallowa's - memories that will last forever. OR and WA are so fun to explore.

[@davidyates5013]

Amazing vid as always.. So envious of you guys in the US, so much country to explore without being distracted by angry people we have in the UK... Its getting so difficult to roam free over here now being such a small country.. Ill be watching this in full tomorrow morning with my coffee in my garden log cabin.. Keep up the good work.

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you!

[@rblueroan2205]

We do have a lot of government land to explore , there is one caveat , there are large ranch’s , and some farms that are not always clearly marked , these have been in family’s and or in operation since before the USFS or the Bureau of land management , some roads cut through private property , with the accompanying land damage , destruction of fences and the killing of live stock , Trailrecon does an excellent job in showing proper off road etiquette , and respect for those who live and make a living in our back country

[@bradmorrison265]

Wow, that’s some spectacular cinematography! Great job Brad and Regena!

[@regenakowitz]

Thank you, Brad! 😊

[@shawnm2597]

I had to watch this one again. So much to see in this one. I'm glad you are back on the trails showing us more beautiful camp spots. Your week plus camp excursions are my favorites to watch. Its almost like I am right there with you enjoying a nice hot cup of coffee in the brisk morning air. If only smell would go through the video would be beneficial with trips like this. Thanks. Oh, and one last thing... you didn't have the fully built jeep, or the powerful 392, but you had a 4WD. That's really all you need to see places like this, no matter how basic it may or may not be.

[@gwengwen4535]

And a couple planks of wood, just in case😅

[@andysolorzano4126]

Many times, pictures and video don't do the landscape the justice it deserves. All your adventures and vids are inspiring. Makes us realize we HAVE got to get out more! Safe travels. 😉✌

[@bobbysnow5478]

Good Day! Thanks for the video! Great work! We have owned our VS30 Revel for about two years. We had an off road trailer with RTT, and it was very nice., and sold it. But the Revel serves a different profile. As you can see is it more than capable to take your family to epic camp spots, or a special place to picnic and relax. We are older and not about to build our dream machine, I have that T shirt already. Our Revel serves as a Mountain Cabin, Beach front, river front or lake front property! A Doll house, Food Truck, Forced evacuation command center, Ski chalet. Urban condo on the city greenbelt, taking the advantages of the four seasons. Take the Revel and go 10 days, or 24-48 hours., picnic at the archery range.Wake up and move to another view for an epic breakfast. We choose to keep our unit light, not bring everything we own. Important mods are Adjustable suspension system based on the unit weight, air compressor, locking rear diff, skid protection, front grill protection for the radiator and intercooler, larger fuel tank especially here in the west, and the rear seating area upgrade. We are not really overlanders, the passengers on overlanding are not having as much of a time as the driver! I do all the cooking! Love the Fridge, heat system, surfer shower out back, the bed system, no LPG,bathroom. Galley Kitchen, the seating area and the view you can have looking out the rear! Fun to drive by all! and comfortable, trade offs in everything, but checks a lot of boxes. We average 16mpg on around 8100 lbs 60 to 65 mph. Have a safe and pleasant trip with your family! Your videography is awesome! Best wishes.

[@coreyshondelmyer3767]

Man, those spots are epic and nothing short of amazing, and of course, pictures/videos never do them justice! Thanks for blessing us with a teaser of the amazing places we have to experience in the US.

[@DestinationArkansas]

Heck yea Leslie gulch looks awesome. I love when my two favorite you tubers collaborate!!!

[@snosrfr71]

I have a JK on tons/40s/kings and we bought a Revel last year. Once you get an agile rip lift with proper offroad suspension (springs & fox shocks) and 33” tires, the revel is MUCH better offroad (in road too actually). We LOVE our Revel! i’ve got the JK on a diet now (replacing steel w/aluminum) so that we can flat tow her behind the Revel.

[@edwardsimmons3721]

The views are spectacular for sure. I am not the only one that wishes they could travel through the country.

[@kenmarapese9085]

The Oregon interior is just spectacular.

[@margaretbowen867]

Thanks for that wonderful adventure! As soon as I can sell my home I'm getting a Revel. Yes, I've been studying the van for 2 years now. I think that it will be perfect for this little old adventurous lady and her schnauzer!!!! Oh, keeping my Jeep Glad!

[@Draevon68]

Your historical story telling really makes some of these videos even more interesting. The scenery is beautiful. The vehicles are cool. All together it makes for a great video!

[@ahmednesbitte4906]

Hi Brad, Regina, Matt, Cara and Danielle. Thank you so much. The views are amazing and the food looks so good. 😂 Again Thank you for allowing us to share your experiences. 😊

[@RussellJDodge]

Love love love the Owyhee and Steens area! Glad you enjoyed it. I hope you enjoyed the Klamath Basin area as well. Definitely another hidden gem in Oregon that deserves some attention.

[@TrailRecon]

The Steens is next on our list in Oregon!

[@RussellJDodge]

@@TrailRecon Make time for early morning wildlife viewing! Wild horses are everywhere. Enjoy!

[@Mike-gg1mv]

Incredible video and representation of the Revel and the landscape. As a fellow owner of a 18 Rubicon and a 23 Revel I think you made a great video to show that a stock suspension/wheels Revel is very capable. Yes we all want the bigger better gear, but it’s suited pretty well with minimal upgrades. Even if I beefed up a Revel to the max, I don’t see myself pushing the vehicle in a same way as a Wrangler. What I did see is both of you enjoying the comforts offered by the van! Cheers, thanks for the great content.

[@rebeltake]

It’s always great to see a new Trail recon video and have some coffee with it, cheers

[@jasonboylan]

By far my favorite Trail Recon video!! Incredible landscape, scenery, music, and editing. Great job on this!!!

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you so much!

[@darksideemt]

I would so love to go to that area and Idaho where Will goes all the time as it looks amazing.

[@TrailRecon]

Idaho another one of our favorite places to explore!

[@victorlgcarvalho]

The rain made it all more beautiful, adding all sorts of colors to the landscape, from green to red... What a trip!!

[@brians5791]

There’s beautiful places all over the world, but nothing compares to the gifts Oregon offers. Eastern countryside, the gorge, the coastline and southern Oregon all make Oregon paradise.

[@jkbevill4777]

Beautiful!!!

[@williamqueen1628]

Videos are great, good narration, good music when appropriate, excellent drone shots…our country is filled with these fantastic locations..happy trails🕶🕶Amor Fati🌴

[@TrailRecon]

Many thanks!

[@norkisserrano]

What an amazing place Brad, makes me wanna explore there and soak in the beauty of nature. Thanks for sharing your adventures, it keeps our Overlanding spirit always ignited.

[@wesleymcgonagle3394]

Great video Mate! I have jeeped for the last 20years through the USA and now that i'm getting older 60+ish i'm super interested in these vehicles. Just as Regina and my wife would say, the convenience to pull up, pee make a quick sandwich no matter what the weather, its kinda where i'm leaning anymore. Don't get me wrong i love the off-road adventure, but look where that rig got you to? Top 10 places? WOW! Such a capable compromise vehicle... That moment @39:45ish where you have your coffee, sitting there in your chair, where you don't speak you don't think, you are in awe... I live for those moments when wheeling. Thanks again for another awesome video with a different perspective Brad & Regina.

[@regenakowitz]

It's definitely not going to get us to the same places that a Jeep would...but it got us to some pretty incredible places with all the comforts and conveniences of a home-away-from-home. 😊

[@xj_overlander]

In addition to the fantastic adventure, the music in this episode was top tier!

[@trumpetmano]

'Was just there the week of May 10-2024. Probably one of the coolest places I've ever been. All the cows had just calved, so there were momma cows and their new babies everywhere.

[@BB-yh5rd]

This channel has actually inspired my wife and me to go look at 5th wheels and other options. I've lived in Boise area I'm guessing 27 out of my 54 years, bounced around in the US all over, Brazil for a long time and a bit in Europe and until 2 years ago I never explored the Owyhees at all. They were just dry mountains way off on the horizon. I'm rather embarrassed that is the case due to sheer laziness and taking this area for granted because Owyhees are entirely full of awesome stuff and I've just scratched the surface a tiny bit. Started a bit late having kids and we still have a 3 year old but that's no excuse for not hitting the back country with our multitude of other sons. You two have a really cool vibe and this is a great channel.

[@hughhomsher3408]

Thank you for your service for protecting this great country.. both of you we all know it takes two, enjoy

[@jeffquick7917]

That is stunning, I never knew that existed in Oregon! Thank you for introducing that to me! Makes me wish my family and I didn’t live in the Midwest but also is great motivation to finish my JK build and get back out there exploring with them, thanks all for sharing your time and adventure, love it!

[@bwofficial1776]

It kind of looks like a bus going down those trails but it's nice to see someone actually using their Sprinter 4x4 like it's intended to be used. It's a rare sight to see a new Defender off-pavement as well. Oregon looks amazing and different from the greenery people usually think of.

[@THEBOULDER236]

My family has camped at that first camp spot many times over the years. It is breathtaking. Like having your own little Zion National Park all to yourself. I'm having mixed feelings about it being on KZbin. I'm glad you got to enjoy it, though.

[@DocHoliday-to6kp]

Wow.. And i thought western Oregon was gorgeous. Thanks for taking us along.

[@williamweiss6128]

Yes. Very interesting geology, Leslie, Succor areas.

[@AdventureIdaho]

Familiar with this area and was surprised to open KZbin to find a NEW Trail Recon video of it. Fantastic video as usual. Enjoy the adventure!

[@chi-weihsieh913]

I'm not an American but Oregon has been the state I like most since my age of 30. Look at the landscape. 奧勒岡州是我最喜歡的一州，看看這地景地貌，真是美不勝收。美國風水真的是好，他們到底何德何能得天獨厚如此？

[@deynerseals9836]

Beautiful location for sure, part of what I love of this set of trips with the van which is not as off-road capable as the 392, is that it shows that most of us can make it out there and explore with what we already have and not have to wait for our dream 392 build to get out there and enjoy this beautiful country! Thank you for sharing

[@adventureswithgnomie6553]

You really need to check out LTVL - Chad has made his self built 4x4 Sprinter a overlanding beast. Regina deserves a comfortable experience and since you keep changing campers...as a 50 year old female I am no longer interested in tent camping or rooftop tents. Creature Comforts are important. I hope you enjoy the camper van experience.

[@TrailRecon]

Chad does great work!

[@SkylinersYeti]

Living in the Central Oregon Cascades sets us up to so many great places to explore. We have been in the Owyhee Country three times over the past few years. We have tended to travel there during off season and have been run out by deep snow, wind etc. Great geology & wildlife. We have seen feral horses, big horn sheep, pronghorn , prairie grouse, and so many raptors. We just acquired an Imperial Outdoors X 195 travel trailer and plan to explore the area even deeper this fall and winter. We often will go five days and never see an other traveler other than local ranchers.

[@regenakowitz]

I was really surprised at how few people we saw...other than a UPS driver in a 4x4, it was pretty much just us!

[@michaelyoung3337]

Semper Gumby is the motto of our family as well! Cheers to you all and a continuation of the Navy and Marine Corp ethos. May we meet on the trail of adventure (and retirement) soon.

[@fouglasdir]

Wow! Such a quality video. So enjoyable! I'll be watching more.

[@andyjackson7475]

Good old prairie gumbo! Slippery and sticky when wet; rock hard when dry!

[@bajar.m.6953]

I hope this beautiful place with all this publicity doesn’t get trashed like other already trashed areas. I was there this week. A piece of heaven.

[@jrchambless]

Would not have expected these places, would love to see them in person.

[@rangerrecon]

I'm loving the van - it is great to see you try different vehicles out on the trail and, of course, it is always great when you get a chance to travel with others like Ozark Overland. I hope you all had a great time (it sure looks like it - that scenery was incredible). I think that trying to find the one perfect overlanding vehicle is just an impossibility - it is like finding the perfect backpack, firearm, etc. - the needs/usage is just too diverse to every have a singular solution, so that's why it is great to see these different types of vehicles in action.

[@jaggsjunction]

Great video you guys. Brings back memories. My wife and I have been boating on some of those lakes back in there. We still have family in the area. Guess it’s time to make a trip home and go check this area out from a different perspective. Thank you again for sharing.

[@Defilement_the_clown]

Haha, I just watched Matt and Regina‘s version this morning.👌 great job, left me super inspired and can’t wait to hit the trails.

[@John-uo1qf]

Love the drone shots in the canyons

[@ddbb6721]

God Bless you and your family great movie

[@michaelboyle4119]

One word . EPIC .

[@bretthawton]

Your cinematography and storytelling skills have increased exponentially with this video. Really enjoyed all the sights that you shared with us!

[@kelleymoore6080]

"It's so green..." It is gorgeous. Now, go back in August or September.

[@keoneschneibel7608]

Home sweet home!!!

[@RunPoncho]

Fantastic as always. Thanks for all your work on these videos!

[@bthomas493]

Many thanks for all the time and effort you and Regina put into making such awesome videos!

[@SJ-EOR]

So glad you enjoyed it! Wishing you Regina a wonderful trip. Peace!

[@tedmcdade3540]

So very happy to be part of your family. Thank you for sharing with us not able to get out there....

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you for being part of this amazing community and I'm glad we could bring you along for the ride, in spirit if not in person!

[@htpadventures3989]

You are truly a gifted videographer and you are blessed to have an amazing travel companion ❤

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you so much! And I'm very thankful Regena enjoys adventure as much as I do!

[@EngiTrek]

Those are some beautiful views. Thanks for sharing!

[@TrailRecon]

They really are, thanks for watching!

[@jlhump2107]

Exceptionally beautiful video, y'all! Loved it. Thank you for sharing your adventures.

[@davidmiles4214]

Wow!!!! You guys are truly blessed. Fab content as ever. Next time Jeep and Trailer please.....

[@albolt31]

You gus are living the life!! ❤❤

[@TrailRecon]

We are trying, gotta get out there and explore!

[@charleshicks3492]

Such an awesome area, never knew; thanks so much😎⭐️🤩

[@BrandonSimmons-do6jq]

It's on our list to hit with our 4Runner! So beautiful

[@andrewstocker7457]

NOOOOO! don't tell me you've gone to the Van side! (the DARK side)...LOL i get it , trying out something different, comfy, convenient, somewhat capable (off road)..... love how Regina always has the food answer for your whats for dinner / lunch etc. , questions.... beautiful scenery on this adventure....well done Brad.

[@leftystrat62]

Love the terrain, great video,thanks for sharing.

[@AnglingWithTom]

This makes me want to go camping so bad! I can't wait to get outdoors after I finish moving, Great video as always!

[@taurota1554]

Great cinematography.Thanks for sharing and taking us along

[@ricki7187]

So glad you found the beauty of our east side Chief! Sorry I missed you at the Trail Recon booth but we were only there Friday before we headed for the mine ruins in the Ochoco Mountains. Hope to cross paths in the back country some day!

[@jerrymestas1231]

Holy moly!!!!!!! Just awesome (GOD) Great Out Doors 👍🏼

[@data5amurai]

Such a beautiful locale, I love it, and the high def is really spot on Brad

[@SuperstitionOverland]

This is AMAZING....thanks for sharing these adventures TrailRecon!

[@user-mx1kz2tz1h]

You guys are knocking it out of the park with your adventures, this was a cool one to see you switch it up a bit from your trusty Jeeps! I love having my morning coffee to these, keep em coming! Will you guys be at overland Expo Mountain West in August?

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you! Sorry, we won't be at Mountain West this year.

[@IDAHOverland]

OMG Brad and Regina (love your hair cut) - Welcome to our part of this beautiful country. We are so glad you got to camp at one of our favorite camping spots (first part of the video). My daughter (who still remembers meeting you a couple years ago at the E3 conference) saw it and shouted "that's our camping spot". That place (and all of the S/E Oregon canyon lands) is so majestic and awe-inspiring. We hope to see you out here more often (S/E Oregon and Idaho). Take care and can't wait to see more videos with the Springer Van (though Prickly Pear is still my favorite)...

[@andrewstocker7457]

Auld lang syne , was nice touch as Matt and Carra and Daniell drove away.... great video as always

[@e.c.8668]

Regina should publish a cookbook. Both on trail and at home recipes.

[@gtr9005]

Thanks for sharing another wonderful video. That place is magnificent. Be safe and take care on your journey.

[@christophernilluka9049]

My daughter and I were in that exact campsite a month ago. It IS breathtaking!!

[@BucksMom218]

Other worldly compared to the northeast! Very cool! Glad you guys were both out exploring! 😎🥾🥾🥰

[@Cesaraguirre79]

Look like a spectacular

[@Cesaraguirre79]

I live in Orange County California to get there how long does it take me

[@67wildwolf]

Thanks Brad. You discovered one of my favorite places. I had grandparents that lived in Eugene and spent summers in Oregon.

[@TrailRecon]

I grew up in Oregon, but we never spent time out East... I now wish we had!

[@67wildwolf]

@@TrailRecon My grandparents traveled a lot. They biked across Europe, Egypt and other middle eastern countries(nerve racking for us family members), South America. They saved the US and Canada/Alaska for last. Think they figured they could do it anytime. Then they bought a house in Eugene as a home base. It had everything they were looking for. They loved exploring Oregon. They loved showing it off to us and other friends from the New Orleans/Louisiana Gulf Coast. They instilled the need to get out and explore in all of us.

[@masonstruckadventure9368]

Can't wait to explore this terrain in a couple of weeks. Just gorgeous. Thanks for sharing

[@bluecruiser2019]

We just got back from two weeks on the Owyhee and Magruder, great video! I recognized most all of it😂😄

[@user-vi3lx5mn9f]

Brad, Regina, Fantastic video!!!!!! You always do a fabulous job.... The scenery was amazing..the family of of off roading community is awesome. Thank you for your invitation. And inspiration to travel...

[@MH_6160]

Eastern Oregon never disappoints.

[@ssmokem]

We have a Revel and a JL Rubicon. Having one as a base camp and the other to go explore is a perfect combo. Great video, the Revel is even more capable with an Agile suspension upgrade.

[@tahosrfr]

Nice! Four of us in off-road built vans did that same route last month. The only butt puckering part was Fisherman Rd down to the river

[@ronolsen3623]

Awesome. Love the Leslie gulch area. You lucked out with the prolonged spring. Keeping things green a lot later than usual. Though that does make the roads more interesting. Thanks for sharing.

[@mrog777]

Agile Offroad is a great resource and can turn the van into an offroad beast. Won't ever be a rock crawler, but they can be very capable rigs.

[@nkuculyn]

Chili Mac looked so good.

[@regenakowitz]

I'll be posting the recipe on the TrailRecon website (in the blog section ,trailrecon.com/blog.asp) next week! 😄

[@noverlanders4709]

Hey buddy, glad you finally got out to my home state, next time you are coming to Oregon let me know!

[@stevencondron9355]

Must be the right time with so much greenery around making it look amazing : the rock formation is beautiful

[@TrailRecon]

Oh ya, we hit the timing perfect on this one.