Sheep Rock

This article is about a geological feature in Idaho. For the Sheep Rock located in Oregon, see John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. For the butte in Utah, see Sheep Rock (Arches National Park).

Sheep Rock

Highest point
Elevation| 6,847 ft (2,087 m)[1]
Coordinates| 45°11′30″N 116°40′17″W﻿ / ﻿45.191651°N 116.67132°W﻿ / 45.191651; -116.67132
Geography
Location| Adams County, Idaho,
United States
Geology
Mountain type| Lava flows of Columbia River Basalt Group

U.S. National Natural Landmark

Designated| 1976

Sheep Rock is an overlook of Hells Canyon in the Payette National Forest about 45 miles northwest of Council, Idaho. It was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1976. The formation consists of two contrasting series of layers from the Columbia River Basalt Group. The layers are separated by an unconformity and provide an unobstructed view of this type of geologic phenomenon.[2]

Sheep Rock is named for the bighorn sheep that used to inhabit the area. To the north is part of Red Ledge Mine in Deep Creek.[3] The National Forest maintains a mile-long interpretive trail that leads to the canyon overlook halfway around the loop. Also at the trailhead is a campground with vault toilet.[4]

Nearby is Kinney Point, an old lookout site over the canyon.[5] It is just off the road to Sheep Rock about 1.5 miles south. The NFS has an interpretive site here.[6]

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "Payette National Forest - Sheep Rock Interpretive Site". Fs.usda.gov. Retrieved September 17, 2022.
2. ^ "National Registry of Natural Landmarks, June 2009" (PDF). National Park Service. Archived from the original (PDF) on May 16, 2011. Retrieved March 26, 2013.
3. ^ Payette NF Interpretive Sign
4. ^ "Sheep Rock Interpretive Site (minor)". US National Forest Service. Retrieved March 26, 2013.
5. ^ "Kinney Point & Sheep Rock, Hells Canyon". Idaho Department of Commerce. Retrieved March 26, 2013.
6. ^ "Kinney Point Interpretive Site (minor)". US National Forest Service. Retrieved March 26, 2013.