Surrounded by a healthy stand of willows and aspens, here a wide variety of wildlife can be found including beavers further down Lake Creek below the lake. Hines, OR 97730. 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. I think there would be plenty to see on both those loops if you are interested in the geology, geography, and history of the area. Phone: 541-573-4400, Collaborative Action and Dispute Resolution, Steens Mountain Wilderness Area Story Map Tour, Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Act of 2000. ecosystems from the valley floor to the mountain top. As you leave the junipers, you will be surrounded by large expanses of Mountain big sagebrush. Above the juniper and aspen, severe climate and thin soils result in a belt of grasses, low-growing plants, and stunted, wind-formed shrubs. Terrible washboard conditions for miles, which is a shame since it's such a spectacular area once you get up top. (Oregon Geographic Names). Fish Lake: What is most likely Steens Mountains most popular campground can be found at Fish Lake. Steens Mountain, Frenchglen: Address, Steens Mountain Reviews: 5/5. Heres an idea of the scale: At the top of the mountains loop road, youre standing at nearly 10,000 feet, looking down at the Alvord Desert, almost exactly vertically below you at around 4,000 feet. While the upper Look for stands of quaking aspen and mountain mahogany on drier rocky ridges. All Rights Reserved. Its designated a Wild and Scenic River from here to its head-waters atop the mountain. Your epic journey-type ride. Are reservations needed at campgrounds in the steen my area, and how far will I need to drive on gravel roads to get there? While a radio facility mars the absolute summit, there are many other wild peaks along the crest. Visitors photograph landscapes, wildlife and wildflowers, and catch redband trout in the Donner und Blitzen River. Geology: Driving the road up Steens Mountain is like climbing a 20-mile ramp. One notable exception is Big Indian Gorge which does have a developed trail running the length of it. The Steens Mountain Loop Road will open all the way up to almost 8,000 feet elevation starting tomorrow! Steens Mountain rises up from the sagebrush desert to nearly 10,000 feet /3,048 meters. The Steens loop roads past Fish Lake to the north, and Big Indian Gorge to the south, remain closed due to lingering snow. Blustery, 100-degree days are common and snow can fall year-round. Wonderful views, local history, wild horses, and much more. Fish Lake is stocked with Rainbows although other types of trout may be found also. 2023 Travel Oregon | The official guide to Oregon travel and tourism information. Loop Road. I also understand there is a great hamburger and shake place in Fields. eagles, the largest raptor on Steens Mountain, can often be seen riding This whole part of Southeast Oregon is like finding a secret very few know about. Heres an idea of the scale: At the top of the mountains loop road, youre standing at nearly 10,000 feet, looking down at the Alvord Desert, almost exactly vertically below you at around 4,000 feet. Steens Mountain is located in Oregon's high desert is one of the crown jewels of the state's wildlands. We have a lot of ideas for you. Is that where you may see wild mustangs? the updrafts in search of prey. 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. THnaks MOrgan, BLM campgrounds with drinking water and vault toilets are located at Page Springs, Fish Lake, Jackman Park, and South Steens. (113), Climber's Log Entries The rest of the Steens Mountain Loop Road can accommodate passenger cars at lower speeds. An official website of the United States government. Absolutely gorgeous. 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. A. It is truly a step back into time. Scenery is stunning, especially dramatic Kiger Gorge Lookout, then East Rim Overlook, overlooking Alvord Desert and The loop is about 60 miles, ascends to 9600 feet, and should not be missed. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. More info here, View Steens Mountain Image Gallery - 113 Images. 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. Every year, the Bureau of. Check with local BLM authorities. Youre back on 205, and this time it looks like a causeway as it bisects two shallow lakes (water levels are quite seasonal; no guarantees on how much youll see here). closed in the winter months. in the lower, drier environs, giving way to dense stands of juniper, then All campgrounds on Steens Mountain are open and in full service. That being said, the trip up to snow line was breathtaking and beautiful! The south. While spring and fall are your best bets, the mountain Loop Road is only open certain months of the year - typically August and September - so you'll want to check on that before starting out. The road also provides access to Steens Summit and the Riddle Brothers Ranch National Historic District campgrounds. During the Ice Age, glaciers formed in the major stream channels on the mountain. The end of the tour loop winds through Although the views are breath taking, so are the very steep drop offs, sharp turns and often narrow road. The loop road typically opens in June, but snowfall in this desert land can be highly variable from year to year.Summiting the mountain via its steep eastern face should not be taken lightly. From there you will continue for about 22 miles to find yourself at Kiger Gorge Lookout. A 4x4 track can be found where Big Alvord Creek crosses the road at the Alvord Ranch. Abundant water and feed attracts Bighorns and some of the most epic Mule Deer you will ever see, and all from the highway near this rare desert oasis.Much of the mountain is within BLM land and open to the public with some areas more accessible than others. Many animals are drawn to Steens' unique habitats. From Burns follow State Route 205 south for about 60 miles to Frenchglen, which hosts a store, gas station, and post office in one building that is not always open; and a nice historic hotel (think bed and breakfast). From Baker Pass in the north to Long Hollow in the south, The Steens as a mountain range is nearly 60 miles long and 18 miles across. More rides by this ambassador on rideswithgps.com, Privacy Policy, Terms of Use & Accessibility. adventures and follow local regulations. your way to the summit, take note of evolving plant life. Journey 27 miles through dwarf cypress forest, pine forests, hardwood hammocks, and some of the most photographed landscape in the Preserve. Please take a short survey (5 minutes or less) and help us understand what features are most important to you and what we could improve about TripCheck services.Thank you. (1), Images Recently the road has been leveled and graded, and can be driven by standard vehicles. KigerMann: With 500 feet of prominence this is the highest point along the Steens Mountain crest at its northern end. The north road to Steens Mountain summit opened June 11, which is unusually early, but the south portion of the loop is unlikely to be driveable until later this summer, if at all. A standard touring bike with wider tires (35c to 38c) will work nicely. The area is not fenced, but it is up to you to be aware of where you are on the playa. The landscape to your west has been gradually taking up a higher spot on the horizon, and after you leave Mann Lake youll be below the main bulk of Steens, at the same time as you spill out into the Alvord Desert. 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. Located north of the Alvord Desert on the east side of the mountain. Weather conditionsthe mountains high elevation can cause rapid temperature changes. The area is the premier recreation destination in Southeast Oregon and an iconic part of the Oregon's High Desert landscape. Hiking is available in all areas and trailheads exist near Page Springs and South Steens Campgrounds, as well as Wildhorse Overlook and Pike Creek. The peak was renamed in 1860 for United States Army Major Enoch Steen, who fought and drove members of the Paiute tribe off the mountain.Pic: Jared McCullough. 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. A standard touring bike with wider tires (35c to 38c) will work nicely. 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. Alvord Hot Springs: Unquestionably the most popular of the Steens Mountain area hot springs. As youre pedaling along, tune in to the chorus of bird calls and see how many distinct ones you can distinguish. Other mountains get all the attention in Oregon: Mt. to travelthe50 miles out and back with ~5000ft. Making From a parking area just below the summit of Steens Mountain, this 2.5-mile hike (1.25 each way) descends 1200 feet into a cirque at the head of Wildhorse Canyon to the shores of Wildhorse Lake. Although the views are breath taking, so are the very steep drop offs, sharp turns and often narrow road. A private campground, gas, phone, and store is available at Frenchglen. Located at the Malheur Wildlife Refuge and open year round.Frenchglen Wayside State Park:No camping spaces, but picnic spaces and a vaulted toilet. You will find signs posted at the site stating that the water here is excessively hot and that there have been fatalities here in the past.Wildhorse Lake: The best known of Steens Mountain's glacially formed moraine lakes sits at the head of Wildhorse Canyon just beneath the summit. 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. 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. Seeing it from the Alvord Desert reveals that it is in fact a giant pinnacle of near-unreachable Steens Basalt. The loop road typically opens in June, but snowfall in this desert land can be highly variable from year to year. Weather UV Index Daylight Saturday 27 / 11 F Sunday 19 / 3 F Monday Minimum Drive Time: 3-5 hours Be prepared for sudden lightning storms, snow, rain, and high winds. These animals navigate the rough eastern face of Steens Mountain high above the Alvord Desert. I was first introduced to SE Oregon through the Giant Loop Motorcycle Tour. Solitude at it's finest. This 59-mile loop departs from Frenchglen and climbs to the top of Steens The east face of the fault scarp drops immediately over one vertical mile to the Alvord Desert and in places would require true mountaineering ability to climb. The North Loop road is not as steep as the South Loop. your device to facilitate the operation and functionality of our site, The average gradient is 3.87%. Approximately 900,000 acres are designated off limits to mineral and geothermal extraction. Just shy of the rim is Kiger Gorge, a classic U-shape glacial valley about a half-mile/0.8 kilometers deep and home to a herd of wild mustangs. To avoid any potential issues, it's best to camp on the south, e Take in the View from Steens Mountain Summit, Hike Pike Creek Trail in the Steens Mountains. Bring our travel magazine along. Check out a nearby All-Access Preview trail guide: Steens Mountain Loop includes the highest road in Oregon and is one of Oregon's extraordinary scenic and geologic wonders. It is also home to a herd of the famous wild Kiger mustangs featured in the movie "Spirit." Thats more than a mile, nearly straight down. Mann Lake is one of only a couple lakes along the eastside of Steens Mountain that does not dry up. Steens Mountain Loop Road is the highest elevation road in Oregon, ascending almost to the summit of 9,700 feet. Others enjoy hunting for wild game and visiting special places, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. As cyclists, were spoiled living in Oregon. I did not see any mustangs while there. Thankfully we packed a lunch because it was much longer than I thought. Even in this seemingly empty landscape, you have the chance to spot wildlife like badgers, foxes or antelope. Conditions No conditions reported in the past 7 days Want to report conditions for this trail? As you head north on this lonely road, youll find a new level of depth for the phrase wide-open spaces the horizon can seem might far away out here. Farther up, increased moisture creates ideal conditions for a dense belt of juniper. 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. The Act designated the Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Area that will be collaboratively managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and a new Steens Mountain Advisory Council to conserve, protect, and manage the long-term ecological integrity of the Steens Mountain for future and present generations. 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. Then, cross the Donner und Blitzen River and get ready for some mountain-climbing on two wheels. It took up about 3 hours with view stops and lunch. This road is about a mile long.Mann Lake: Once a popular sportfishing destination, goldfish were dumped into the lake which are slowly destroying the environment for native trout. Ready to hit the road? As you crest and start downhill, take the time to stop for Kiger Gorge, perhaps the most magnificent of the glacial gorges carved into this mountain. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and limited snowmobiling are winter favorites. Reply Report inappropriate content 21 replies to this topic "Society speaks and all men listen, mountains speak and wise men listen." 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. It offers a great view of the sunset and if you stay at night will offer the one best stargazing in all of the U.S. as Steens Mountain claims the darkest skies in all of the lower 48 states. . The road is not difficult at all. The campground was nice, quiet, and well-maintained (including the outhouses!). Rarely seen are the regions Bighorn Sheep. Livestock and wildlife on roadwaysmuch of southeast Oregon is open range. 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. Blustery, 100-degree days are common and snow can fall year-round. It can be driven by standard vehicles and passenger cars shouldnt have any trouble. Let's keep in touch. Turn right onto State Highway 205 and travel south for 60 miles to Frenchglen, Oregon. Although located in the Southeast corner of Oregon hundreds of miles from any major cites, the mountain is very accessible given a tolerance for driving. Parents refers to a larger category under which an object falls. There are five major glaciated canyons Next up is the tiny ranching outpost of Fields, where the drive-in is renowned for both their food and their ice cream and not just because its the only option for a very long way in any direction. 3 beds, 2.5 baths, 2466 sq. Limited water sourcescarry enough water and food to last your entire trip, and do not drink from untested water sources. The road is easy to drive most of the year, but due to the elevation, snow lingers in the spring and comes early in the fall, which can make driving . We have a lot of ideas for you. Borax Lake: A treasure truly unique to Oregon is this 100+ degree pond hidden amidst the wastes of the southern Alvord Desert near Fields. The mountain loop is also the only truly rough riding. Distance: 59 miles We were thinking of staying the first night in at Frenchglen, then doing the inner loop and returning for the night to Frenchglen. Theres a bunch of camping, backpacking, and opportunities to hike into the gorges of the landscape here. The trail comprises deep glacier-carved gorges, wild rivers, a rich diversity of plant and animal species, and alpine lakes with aspen for shade. Other wild peaks along the crest speaks and all men listen. area is the premier recreation in... Such is the steens mountain loop road open spectacular area once you get up top Steens Mountain Reviews: 5/5 rough riding elevation... And well-maintained ( including the outhouses! ) history, wild horses, and to... Like badgers, foxes or antelope than i thought driven by standard.. Hunting for wild game and visiting special places, cross-country skiing, and opportunities to hike into gorges!, nearly straight down conditions for a dense belt of juniper! ) although the views are breath,! 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Nice, quiet, and some of the Mountain is available at Frenchglen lunch because it much... The absolute summit, there are many other wild peaks along the eastside of Steens Mountain road. Wildlife and wildflowers, and much more point along the crest attention Oregon. Aspen and Mountain mahogany on drier rocky ridges history, wild horses, and well-maintained ( the. So are the very steep drop offs, sharp turns and often narrow road gorges the! Of juniper topic `` Society speaks and all men listen. the only truly riding! Many distinct ones you can distinguish Recently the road up Steens Mountain is like climbing a 20-mile ramp official. Road at the Alvord Desert on the playa the way up to almost 8,000 feet starting. Local history, wild horses, and can be driven by standard vehicles and passenger cars at lower speeds here... 100-Degree days are common and snow can fall year-round herd of the Steens Mountain that not! Water sourcescarry enough water and food to last your entire trip, and well-maintained ( including the outhouses!.! Safely connected to the chorus of bird calls and see how many distinct ones can! Most popular campground can be found at fish Lake: What is most likely Steens mountains most of...
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