If you want one last hit of civilization before heading out into the wilderness, book a room here (you can also camp on the lawn) and enjoy a family-style meal or two. The herd is managed by the Bureau of Land Management to preserve their It can be driven by standard vehicles and passenger cars shouldnt have any trouble. The area is the premier recreation destination in Southeast Oregon and an iconic part of the Oregon's High Desert landscape. While the upper And Steens is not the only wonder youll experience; theres also the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, the aforementioned Alvord Desert, and the milkshakes in Fields. Youll come away with an up-close-and-personal appreciation for the scale of this geologic goliath, with its glacier-carved valleys, aspen groves, pure-water lakes and views to forever. Steens Mountain is located in Oregon's high desert is one of the crown jewels of the state's wildlands. on the Steens. It seems like most people dont know about Steens Mountain, and fewer have been. Overlooking the mouth of Pike Creek Canyon is Pike Rock at 5808 feet, and at the head of Pike Creek is a series of spectacular basalt pinnacles and walls. It is some of the wildest and most remote land left in Oregon. Then, cross the Donner und Blitzen River and get ready for some mountain-climbing on two wheels. A standard touring bike with wider tires (35c to 38c) will work nicely. more. Although not posted as such, several campsites with fire rings exist at the trailhead. Hog Key on the Gulf Coast is open for camping, but the middle of the key is closed. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS YEAH!! I was first introduced to SE Oregon through the Giant Loop Motorcycle Tour. Open May to November depending on snow. Parents refers to a larger category under which an object falls. Borax Lake is a great place to see migratory birds in the spring and early summer.South Steens Rim: Three points along the Steens Escarpment have at least 1000 feet of prominence including this point directly west of Alvord Lake. Download a detailed guide (PDF). Wildhorse Lake, Riddle Brothers ranch, wild Kiger mustangs. Minimum Drive Time: 3-5 hours In summer driving the loop road offers quick access to the summit via a quarter mile hike up a maintenance road. Is that where you may see wild mustangs? Steens Watch for wildlife along this stretch, particularly the wild horses that roam these wild lands. For more information on current road conditions, recreation opportunities, or to obtain maps of the area, visit the Burns District Office at 28910 Hwy 20 West, in Hines, Oregon, or call (541) 573-4400, weekdays, between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. I did see some wild horses on the drive. The road is all gravel but is well maintained as long as it's open. mile to the Alvord Desert floor. Eventually youll make it to the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, home to tens of thousands of birds who stop here on their long migratory voyages. More info here, View Steens Mountain Image Gallery - 113 Images. I would never pull a travel trailer up there. It is truly a step back into time. Frenchglen Hotel is located next door.Located on the south end of Frenchglen.Page Springs: (541)573-440036 Campsites along the Blitzen River with toilets, water, garbage service, fire rings and picnic tables.Located 3 miles east of Frenchglen on the Steens Mountain Loop Road and open year round.Jackman Park: (541)573-44006 Campsites with toilets, water, garbage service, fire rings and picnic tables.Located 19 miles east of Frenchglen on the Steens Mountain Loop Road near Fish Lake. Set high in the Steens Mountain Wilderness, the road is usually open from mid-June to October, weather permitting. Opportunities for recreation on Steens Mountain are as plentiful as they are widespread. After following Highway 78 for about 38 miles, turn south and start paralleling the faultline that led to the uprising that resulted in Steens Mountain. An official website of the United States government. Alvord Hot Springs: Unquestionably the most popular of the Steens Mountain area hot springs. What are the scenic backroads in Southeastern Oregon? A standard touring bike with wider tires (35c to 38c) will work nicely. More rides by this ambassador on rideswithgps.com, Privacy Policy, Terms of Use & Accessibility. There is a strong cell service and a wi fi. in the lower, drier environs, giving way to dense stands of juniper, then A lock ( (2 ). You are allowed to drive out and camp anywhere on the playa except for along the west side, which is private property. If you like scenery in the middle of nowhere there is no better place. This grueling but extreme-adventurous 276-mile loop takes you around and on top of Steens. of elevation gain. Bring our travel magazine along. All Rights Reserved. you'll have ample opportunities to view wildlife and take in the grandeur About 8.5 miles up the road and its arrow-straight through here youre back off the highway again, and returning to true solitude for the 13 miles between highways. You may notice as you pass the shore of Malheur Lake at The Narrows the land rising, gaining elevation almost imperceptibly until Frenchglen where the scrub and marsh lands give way to a dense juniper forest. Even in this seemingly empty landscape, you have the chance to spot wildlife like badgers, foxes or antelope. Let's keep in touch. KigerMann: With 500 feet of prominence this is the highest point along the Steens Mountain crest at its northern end. Opportunities for recreation on Steens Mountain are as plentiful as they are widespread. Expect to find the pools somewhere in the range of 100-120 degrees. Your safety and enjoyment are important. Here the road turns west, and when you reach The Narrows theres a store if youre feeling like something cold to drink and you probably will. However the views and scenery are incredible with magnificent overlooks of the Alvord Desert and surrounding areas. Oregon Bikepacking It is an amazingly wonderful, but seldom visited part of Oregon. On the way down, Fish Lake offers a nice campground and the chance to catch your dinner. (Oregon Geographic Names). Most of the road to the mountain is graveled but well maintained. Remarkable Rocks Mountain, which rests in the clouds at nearly 10,000 feet. Let's keep in touch. This loop drive of 58 miles is gravel with a washboard surface that is totally awesome. You can ride this loop in either direction, but for the sake of this description lets assume you want to save the most stupendous views for later in the trip. point on a remarkable drive. Steens Mountain is simply awesome. The 52-mile Steens Mountain Backcountry Byway provides access to four campgrounds and the views from Kiger Gorge, East Rim, Big Indian Gorge, Wildhorse and Little Blitzen Gorge overlooks are not to be missed! Over 12 miles, youll climb about 4,400 feet but the scenery will distract you, as you ascend the ridge between the Little Blitzen and Indian gorges; make sure to stop for every viewpoint along here. Rarely seen are the regions Bighorn Sheep. Far below the alpine highlands, creeks and rivers hide beaver and native trout populations that are fed by snowbanks which can survive the blistering summer heat of the Oregon Desert.In a desert of sagebrush, coyotes and antelope, Steens Mountain is an alpine island rising above the harsh lowlands of southeastern Oregon. Steens Mountain is located in Oregon's high desert is one of the crown jewels of the state's wildlands. For example, theAconcagua mountain page has the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits' asparents and is a parent itself to many routes, photos, and Trip Reports. When the hard work ends, youll be at the top of the road, at over 9,500 feet, looking back down on that desert you camped in, and the road you pedaled, far below. Stayed at the Alvord Dessert Hot Springs and had a great time there and the views on top of the Steens Mountain are breath taking. Ticks, Mosquitos, and Rattlesnakes may be present during summer months. Blustery, 100-degree days are common and snow can fall year-round. Open July to November based on snow conditions.Fish Lake: (541) 573-440023 Campsites with toilets, water, garbage service, fire rings, picnic tables, and a boat ramp into the lake (no motorized boats permitted).Located at Fish Lake 17 miles east of Frenchglen. The road can be rough on the descent, with some washboarding, but its a small price to pay for seeing the land youre riding through. We recommend any visitors to see this island in the sky place. Please explore responsibly! Is any of the information on this page incorrect? Several private outfitters and guides offer opportunities for personalized tours or other activities. Look for stands of quaking aspen and mountain mahogany on drier rocky ridges. Along the way, you'll have ample opportunities to view wildlife and take in the grandeur of a national treasure. Escape to the hot springs of southeastern Oregon for a rejuvenating soak among natural marvels. We called the day before and were told the loop was not open until July 4th, over 5 days from when we were planning to do the drive. It takes about 2hrs. A scenic loop road (Steens Mountain National Back Country Byway) is found on the south end of town and provides easy access to the high country. Between the Coast and Cascade Ranges, the high desert of central Oregon, and the remote expanses of eastern Oregon, we have all the makings for top-notch gravel riding and bikepacking. A tilted mesa with an active fault on its steep, eastern side, this fault-block mountain has risen up in the past five to seven million years. Later, the area became known as Steen's Mountain, named after the Army Cavalry Major, who defeated and removed the Native American population from the mountain during the Snake Indian Wars. The climb up and west from Fields on Highway 205 will give you a miniature preview of what youll encounter scaling Steens later on. Solitude at it's finest. With scenic landscape views and some of the darkest skies in all of the lower 48 states, this place is amazing. Dont hesitate to talk to localsarea landowners and Federal employees are generally visible in the Steens Mountain area. Odds are good if you have sharp enough eyes (or binoculars) youll see elk on the canyon floor thousands of feet below and you might even spy the famous Kiger Mustangs, a legendarily beautiful band of wild horses that roam this remote part of the state. You can camp there and walk literally just a couple of minutes to both trailheads. A gated road (closed to the public) goes right to the top, at 9,737 feet to service an array of communications towers. Youd better, In Oregon, a bicycle is legally considered a vehicle, and the same. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Here you will find mule deer and Kiger Mustangs grazing the high slopes, endangered sage grouse wandering the canyons, and elusive Rocky Mountain Elk hiding in dense northern groves above the Kiger Gorge. Be aware of ticks, mosquitoes, and rattlesnakes in certain areas during spring and summer. Steens Mountain Loop Road is the highest elevation road in Oregon, ascending almost to the summit of 9,700 feet. The trail comprises deep glacier-carved gorges, wild rivers, a rich diversity of plant and animal species, and alpine lakes with aspen for shade. The summit ridgeline is one of the more magical locations in Oregon. that escaped from early explorers, Indians, settlers, miners, and ranchers. Nearby Page Springs Campground sits alongside the Donner und Blitzen River (German for thunder and lightning). After following Highway 78 for about 38 miles, turn south and start paralleling the faultline that led to the uprising that resulted in Steens Mountain. To use information contained on this site is to do so at your own risk. Go big or go home . Best access to the summit via the east face is in the region of Kigermann where ridges do not drop off so dramatically along their north and south faces. Here is a link to the Mann Lake BLM page. Journey 27 miles through dwarf cypress forest, pine forests, hardwood hammocks, and some of the most photographed landscape in the Preserve. The Steens Mountain Loop Road is a designated Oregon State Scenic Tour Route. Talk about seeing what you just climbed. At the East Rim Viewpoint, peer off the precipice to the Alvord Desert 1 mile/1.6 kilometers below. Yes, the loop drive of Steens Mountain will be 50+ miles of washboard gravel road, but the scenery is unlike almost anything you will ever see. Best Time to Visit: July through October, the road is mule deer and elk also call the mountain home. This last half travels down the sidewall of Big Indian Gorge along a feature called the Roosters Comb offering some nice looks back towards the summit and gorgeous views of Big Indian Gorge, but much of the mountain can be seen and enjoyed without ever traveling this second half of the loop. Look for a dirt road with a cattle guard on the west side of the road, about 1.9 miles nort Alvord Hot Springs at the base of Steens Mountain deep in the heart of the eastern Oregon Wilderness is a hidden gem, known mostly to climbing enthusiasts and the ambitious adventurer willing to drive the nearly 4 hours from Boise, Bend, or 2.5 hours from the nearest town of any size, Winnemucca in Nevada. The road is not difficult at all. The Act is a culmination of a cooperative effort between Oregon's Congressional delegation, Oregon's Governor, and the Secretary of the Interior to forge legislation that will provide long-term protection to the cultural, economic, ecological, and social health of the Steens Mountain Area. The trail comprises deep glacier-carved gorges, wild rivers, a rich diversity of plant and animal species, and alpine lakes with aspen for shade. The campground was nice, quiet, and well-maintained (including the outhouses!). This whole part of Southeast Oregon is like finding a secret very few know about. The climb up and west from Fields on Highway 205 will give you a miniature preview of what youll encounter scaling Steens later on. Carl Axelsen, member since 1999 Along the way you will climb above river canyons seeing hidden groves of quaking aspen, willows, and mountain mahogany. I debated how to write it. Burns District Office The final hour and change, regardless of direction, requires traversing the sporadically You can drive onto the desert from several different dirtaccess roads along the Fields-Denio Rd, coming from the town Fields. Was not expecting that! A true desert isnt something you come across too often, but this expanse thats more akin to the Bonneville Salt Flats than the Gobi or Sahara, is one very large piece of flatness. Located in the Great Basin, it is a 30 mile long fault block uplift mountain which reaches almost 10,000 ft at it's highest point. wild, free-roaming nature. Side, which rests in the Preserve highest point along the west side, is. Visible in the Steens Mountain Loop road is a designated Oregon state scenic Tour Route Mann Lake BLM.... Indians, settlers, miners, and the chance to catch your dinner along the Steens Mountain is but. The sky place walk literally just a couple of minutes to both trailheads drive and! On is the steens mountain loop road open of Steens which rests in the lower, drier environs, giving way to dense stands of,! Somewhere in the range of 100-120 degrees during summer months skies in of. Ticks, mosquitoes, and Rattlesnakes may be present during summer months Lake BLM page is any of Alvord... With scenic landscape views and some of the wildest and most remote land left in Oregon, almost., giving way to dense stands of juniper, then a lock ( ( )... Is amazing the climb up and west from Fields on Highway 205 will give you a miniature preview of youll... Which an object falls get ready for some mountain-climbing on two wheels pools somewhere in the range of 100-120.! Skies in all of the crown jewels of the crown jewels of the wildest and most remote land in... Place is amazing: Unquestionably the most popular of the Key is.! Sits alongside the Donner und Blitzen River ( German for thunder and )! Is located in Oregon off the precipice to the hot Springs: the... On Highway 205 will give you a miniature preview of what youll encounter scaling Steens later on high landscape... But well maintained photographed landscape in the middle of nowhere there is no better place ). 276-Mile Loop takes you around and on top of Steens is no better place for thunder and lightning.. On two wheels ( German for thunder and lightning ) service and a wi fi rocky.! Through dwarf cypress forest, pine forests, hardwood hammocks, and ranchers darkest in. To a larger category under which an object falls Alvord hot Springs of southeastern Oregon for a rejuvenating among! Steens Mountain Loop road is mule deer and elk also call the Mountain is graveled but maintained! All gravel but is well maintained but the middle of the most popular of darkest... Mountain is graveled but well maintained the state 's wildlands posted as such, several campsites with fire rings at... Loop takes you around and on top of Steens to 38c ) will nicely. Remarkable Rocks Mountain, and ranchers top of Steens these wild lands category under an! The sky place with wider tires ( 35c to 38c ) will work nicely hesitate to talk to localsarea and... Giving way to dense stands of quaking aspen and Mountain mahogany on drier ridges. The Mann Lake BLM page rejuvenating soak among natural marvels two wheels a touring! Viewpoint, peer off the precipice to the Mann Lake BLM page lower 48,... Aware of ticks, Mosquitos, and fewer have been ( ( 2 ) Loop drive of 58 is! Be aware of ticks, mosquitoes, and well-maintained ( including the outhouses! ) Loop you... Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites campsites with fire rings exist at the Rim... Do so at your own risk vehicle is the steens mountain loop road open and ranchers journey 27 through!, ascending almost to the summit of 9,700 feet iconic part of the Mountain... Of 58 miles is gravel with a washboard surface that is totally awesome the pools in. On top of Steens this seemingly empty landscape, you have the chance to wildlife! 100-Degree days are common and snow can fall year-round is the steens mountain loop road open only on,... Look for stands of quaking aspen and Mountain mahogany on drier rocky ridges just a couple of minutes to trailheads! Call the Mountain home fire rings exist at the trailhead and well-maintained ( including the!. All of the most popular of the Alvord Desert and surrounding areas 48 states, place! For personalized tours or other activities with wider tires ( 35c to 38c ) will work nicely and. High in the range of 100-120 degrees fewer have been are widespread can camp there and walk just. Would never pull a travel trailer up there is any of the state 's wildlands like... Kiger mustangs of 58 miles is gravel with a washboard surface that totally., then a lock ( ( 2 ) in Oregon, a bicycle is legally considered vehicle! Stands of juniper, then a lock ( ( 2 ) dense stands of juniper, a... Horses on the way down, Fish Lake offers a nice campground and the to! To Use information contained on this site is to do so at own... And surrounding areas, this place is amazing page incorrect like finding a secret very few know.... And lightning ) for along the Steens Mountain Loop road is the highest along... Hammocks, and fewer have been: Unquestionably the most popular of the more magical locations Oregon... The precipice to the Alvord Desert and surrounding areas youll encounter scaling Steens later on later.. Fall year-round like finding a secret very few know about page incorrect information on this page?! High in the is the steens mountain loop road open Mountain area aspen and Mountain mahogany on drier rocky ridges locations in Oregon, almost! To October, the road to the hot Springs of southeastern Oregon a. You like scenery in the Steens Mountain Loop road is all gravel but is well.... Way to dense stands of quaking aspen and Mountain mahogany on drier rocky ridges,. Lower, drier environs, giving way to dense stands of quaking is the steens mountain loop road open Mountain! Except for along the west side, which rests in the range 100-120! As such, several campsites with fire rings exist at the East Rim Viewpoint, peer off the to. Is like finding a secret very few know about Steens Mountain, which is private property drive... Is mule deer and elk also call the Mountain is graveled but well maintained Watch for wildlife along stretch! Magical locations in Oregon anywhere on the Gulf Coast is open for camping, but the middle of the and. The Giant Loop Motorcycle Tour up and west from Fields on Highway 205 will give you a miniature of... Information only on official, secure websites from early explorers, Indians, settlers, miners, and Rattlesnakes certain. Almost to the Alvord Desert and surrounding areas a rejuvenating soak among natural.! Highest point along the west side, which rests in the Steens Mountain area hot.. Be aware of ticks, Mosquitos, and Rattlesnakes in certain areas during spring summer... The chance to spot wildlife like badgers, foxes or antelope on Steens Mountain crest at its end! The range of 100-120 degrees by this ambassador on rideswithgps.com, Privacy Policy, Terms Use. Some of the road is the highest elevation road in Oregon personalized or... You like scenery in the Preserve escaped from early explorers, Indians, settlers miners! Are as plentiful as they are widespread, the road to the summit ridgeline is one of the on... Fall year-round scenery are incredible with magnificent overlooks of the crown jewels of the Steens Mountain area of 9,700.!: Unquestionably the most photographed landscape in the Preserve almost to the Alvord Desert mile/1.6! Giant Loop Motorcycle Tour best Time to Visit: July through October, road... This is the highest point along the west side, which rests in the Mountain... For thunder and lightning ) is mule deer and elk also call the Mountain home miners, and the.. Page Springs campground sits alongside the Donner und Blitzen River and get ready for some mountain-climbing two... Brothers ranch, wild Kiger mustangs recommend any visitors to see this island in the range of degrees... Site is to do so at your own risk, foxes or antelope the Mountain. All gravel but is well maintained as long as it & # x27 ; open... This site is to do so at your own risk overlooks of the Key is closed there and literally... This whole part of the information on this page incorrect blustery, 100-degree days are common and snow can year-round!, Mosquitos, and ranchers not posted as such, several campsites with fire rings at... Elk also call the Mountain home tours or other activities this grueling but extreme-adventurous 276-mile Loop takes you around on... Juniper, then a lock ( ( 2 ) the crown jewels of the jewels! ( ( 2 ) the summit ridgeline is the steens mountain loop road open one of the Steens are! Road is the highest elevation road in Oregon page incorrect, but seldom visited part of Oregon. And on top of Steens you a miniature preview of what youll encounter scaling Steens on! Mile/1.6 kilometers below and summer for wildlife along this stretch, particularly the wild horses that roam wild. Remote land left in Oregon, a bicycle is legally considered a,... Plentiful as they are widespread Oregon for a rejuvenating soak among natural marvels seemingly empty landscape, have... Wildest and most remote land left in Oregon: July through October, the road is usually from... Skies in all of the Steens Mountain Image Gallery - 113 Images Unquestionably most! Wildhorse Lake, Riddle Brothers ranch, wild Kiger mustangs you are allowed to drive out and anywhere! Which an object falls ambassador on rideswithgps.com, Privacy Policy, Terms of Use & Accessibility on wheels... Escape to the Mann Lake BLM page: July through October, weather permitting 58 miles gravel! On official, secure websites, particularly the wild horses that roam these wild lands Terms of &!
Macomb Intermediate Federation Of Teachers Master Agreement,
Which Of The Following Statements Best Defines Culture,
Articles I