A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. On the way down, Fish Lake offers a nice campground and the chance to catch your dinner. Best Time to Visit: July through October, the road is Remarkable Rocks Theres a bunch of camping, backpacking, and opportunities to hike into the gorges of the landscape here. in the lower, drier environs, giving way to dense stands of juniper, then A route exists to the summit and explained in detail in 75 Scrambles In Oregon. 2023 Travel Oregon | The official guide to Oregon travel and tourism information. 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. It is some of the wildest and most remote land left in Oregon. Travel the entire loop to experience all this unique landscape's scenic vistas and abundant mix of wildlife. From Burns, Oregon, travel southeast for approximately 2 miles on State Highway 78. Above the juniper and aspen, severe climate and thin soils result in a belt of grasses, low-growing plants, and stunted, wind-formed shrubs. (Great name). The campground was nice, quiet, and well-maintained (including the outhouses!). 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. (12), Additions & Corrections The Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Area (CMPA) consists of 428,156 acres of public land offering diverse scenic and recreational experiences. The road departs the tiny, historic town of Frenchglen and climbs up Oregons eighth-tallest mountain on a tour of massive gorges, vast panoramas and one of the most spectacular lakes in the Pacific Northwest. Steens Mountain Oregon - how to get key to open the gate during winter season, HI LetsRun! Was not expecting that! Multiple streams running off of Steens Mountain's east face flow onto the Alvord Desert where you might find some accumulation in spring. Are reservations needed at campgrounds in the steen my area, and how far will I need to drive on gravel roads to get there? This 59-mile loop departs from Frenchglen and climbs to the top of Steens It took up about 3 hours with view stops and lunch. 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. A standard touring bike with wider tires (35c to 38c) will work nicely. Be aware of ticks, mosquitoes, and rattlesnakes in certain areas during spring and summer. The area is not fenced, but it is up to you to be aware of where you are on the playa. The peak isnt quite sublime, however, because cell phone and radio towers, along with propane tanks, are present. A route page exists for this option.In winter the gentle western slopes of the Steens offer great ski touring. 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. You or someone else may add some info here if you have it. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS At 7782 feet Devine Rock is one of the more difficult summits in Southeast Oregon as it's protected by cliff bands on all faces. 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. 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. Contact Burns District BLM for more information. Start a 7-Day Free Trial of All-Access Membership. So head north out of Frenchglen up Highway 205 to get warmed up; after almost 18 miles of pavement, veer off the highway toward Diamond (even smaller than Frenchglen, but another great historic hotel/restaurant) and then onto the first stretch of the many, many miles of unpaved road youll experience. Cattlemen, Steens Mountain Loop Road is the highest elevation road in Oregon, ascending almost to the summit of 9,700 feet. The famous notch in the east ridge of Kiger Gorge formed during a later glaciation when a small glacier in Mann Creek Canyon eroded through the ridge top. The climb up and west from Fields on Highway 205 will give you a miniature preview of what youll encounter scaling Steens later on. 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. Fish Lake Campground, elevation 7,400 feet, and Jackman Park Campground, elevation 7,800 feet, will both be open and available on a first-come, first-served basis. 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. Your epic journey-type ride. 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). Steens Mountain is one of Oregons great scenic and geologic wonders, a 30-mile/48.2-kilometer fault block that is a small mountain range rather than a single peak. Thanks for any help/advice! Write a review to inform other visitors! I'm planning a trip down there, and based on my work schedule, it's looking like mid-June is the time I'll have to go. mile to the Alvord Desert floor. The Steens Mountain Loop is spectacular, but it can be blocked by snow late into the season as was my experience in June 2022. 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. Looming over Kiger is the eponhymously named Gunsight notch also glacially carved. policy linked to above. Wildhorse Lake, Riddle Brothers ranch, wild Kiger mustangs. 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). YEAH!! Located north of the Alvord Desert on the east side of the mountain. The Steens Mountain makes you feel like you are on top of the world. eagles, the largest raptor on Steens Mountain, can often be seen riding 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. Be prepared for 65 miles of gravel, mostly very well maintained, with speeds 25-35 mph. Wonderful views, local history, wild horses, and much more. Steens Mountain Loop includes the highest road in Oregon and is one of Oregon's extraordinary scenic and geologic wonders. This grueling but extreme-adventurous 276-mile loop takes you around and on top of Steens. Be prepared for sudden lightning storms, snow, rain, and high winds. Some of the graffiti scratched into the tree bark was made decades ago by Basque shepherds, many of whom first arrived in Oregon in the late 19th century and settled in the southeastern corner of the state. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your Imagine my surprise having just returned from Moab, Utah and finding the most beautiful tourquoise bracelet in little tiny, French Glen! A gated road (closed to the public) goes right to the top, at 9,737 feet to service an array of communications towers. To use information contained on this site is to do so at your own risk. No water or services available. 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. Any tips or recommendations would be appreciated. The road to the summit of Steens Mountain is the highest road in Oregon, reaching nearly 10,000 feet. the updrafts in search of prey. The payback for the many miles of climbing is the steep downhill back to Frenchglen. I debated how to write it. I was first introduced to SE Oregon through the Giant Loop Motorcycle Tour. For some reason I heard it in my head in the voice of those guys that do the Monster Truck event comme. Steens Mountain was originally called Snow Mountain back in the 19th century.Devine Rock is named for John S. Devine, the first cattle baron to arrive into the Alvord Basin. Get access to thousands of Trails Offroad Trail Guides with. The loop road is a wonderful multi-day trek for just such an excursion. was off the roadway and we could see the Alvord Desert below as well as mountain peaks in the distance and d A must do if ever in this part of Oregon! Hiking is available in all areas and trailheads exist near Page Springs and South Steens Campgrounds, as well as Wildhorse Overlook and Pike Creek. Steens Mountain is one of Oregon's great scenic and geologic wonders, a 30-mile/48.2-kilometer fault block that is a small mountain range rather than a single peak. Then turn right onto State Highway 205 and travel south for 60 miles to Frenchglen. Every year, the Bureau of. There are five major glaciated canyons The result was four immense U-shaped gorgesKiger, Little Blitzen, Big Indian, and Wildhorse. Fish Lake: What is most likely Steens Mountains most popular campground can be found at Fish Lake. The full loop is a long day of serious gravel cycling with more than 7,500 feet in elevation gain. While a radio facility mars the absolute summit, there are many other wild peaks along the crest. Seeing it from the Alvord Desert reveals that it is in fact a giant pinnacle of near-unreachable Steens Basalt. 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. With scenic landscape views and some of the darkest skies in all of the lower 48 states, this place is amazing. The herd is managed by the Bureau of Land Management to preserve their LockA locked padlock Ticks, mosquitoes, and rattlesnakes in certain areas during spring and summer. Trail Overview. The result was a 30-mile-long fault-block mountain with a spectacular and rugged east face that rises one vertical mile above the Alvord Desert. This is one of the few places you can drive across the escarpment, and the road passes alongside "The Stonehouse", a large blocky outcropping of Basalt.Alvord Desert: The driest location in Oregon with less than 10" of annual rainfall is the Alvord Desert, which is the largest of several alluvial plains along the Fields-Denio Highway. mule deer and elk also call the mountain home. This 59-mile/95-kilometer loop includes the highest road in Oregon, traveling around and up this grand Great Basin landmark. Taken as a mountain with a nine thousand foot crest, the peak runs over eight miles from north to south. For example, the 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. (113), Climber's Log Entries 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 youll want to check on that before starting out. 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. Long distances between servicesincluding gas stations, phones, and cell phone reception. I'm a big fan of Oregons wide-open spaces, especially east of the Cascade Mountains- where the distances are great and thepeople are few. Open year round.South Steens Campground: (541) 573-440021 campsites, 15 equestrian campsites, toilets, drinking water, garbage service, fire rings and picnic tables.Located 18 miles up the South Steens Loop Road. Over this distance the elevation gain is 1.689 meters. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and limited snowmobiling are winter favorites. ecosystems from the valley floor to the mountain top. Then, cross the Donner und Blitzen River and get ready for some mountain-climbing on two wheels. 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. 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. Privacy Policy, Terms of Use & Accessibility. Sustainable grazing and recreational use, including fishing and hunting, will be continued where consistent with the purpose of the Act. 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. Spotting one of these wild mustangs is an exclamation Quando i fratelli d'Indovinello arrivarono il 1900, ci furono 100.000 bestiame e pecora che sfiora la gamma aperta in dintorno di valli 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 Steens Mountain Loop Road provides access to four designated campgrounds, Steens Summit and Wildhorse Lake Trailheads, the Riddle Brothers Ranch National Historic District. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. On the way down, Fish Lake offers a nice campground and the chance to catch your dinner. Oregon Bikepacking My dad and I drove this loop earlier this summer and I was shocked that Steens isn't considered one of the 7 Wonders of Oregon. We are 2 couples planning our Steens trip. More info here, View Steens Mountain Image Gallery - 113 Images. This massive fault block of basalt is the highest point south of the Three Sisters in Oregon, has 4373 feet of prominence, and is the highpoint of Harney County. Approximately 900,000 acres are designated off limits to mineral and geothermal extraction. Devine founded the Whitehorse Ranch in 1869, and later the Alvord Ranch. While not easily seen, Rocky Mountain elk, mule deer, mountain lion, bighorn sheep, and pronghorn antelope make this corner of southeast Oregon their home. The nearest higher peak is Eagle Peak, a distant 125 miles away to the west in California.The voyage to Steens Mountain begins by traveling south into the Great Basin from Burns, where you will pass by the verdant Malheur Wildlife Refuge. Opportunities for recreation on Steens Mountain are as plentiful as they are widespread. Notes: Consider the timing of your journey: Theres almost no shade in this area that routinely hits 90 degrees, and water is extremely limited. 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. (Great Basin Country page 25), Saw a recent article in Couloir Magazine about some steep, virgin gullies on Steens Mountain. 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. 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. Steens Mountain is located in Oregon's high desert is one of the crown jewels of the state's wildlands. Is that title clickbaitish? Many animals are drawn to Steens' unique habitats. Hog Key on the Gulf Coast is open for camping, but the middle of the key is closed. Make sure to visit the little community of French Glen and go into the store. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Children refers to the set of objects that logically fall under a given object. Official websites use .gov 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. An official website of the United States government. Avoid wet and muddy side roads, maintain safe speeds, and be aware of loose gravel and wash-boarded areas. The end of the tour loop winds through 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. Even in this seemingly empty landscape, you have the chance to spot wildlife like badgers, foxes or antelope. This whole part of Southeast Oregon is like finding a secret very few know about. Malheur Field Station: (541)549-2629spaces for trailers and 250 dormitory beds with provided bedding and showers. For the full loop, an early start is recommended, and for us, that meant sharing the road with surprised deer. Kiger gorge is one of the most beautiful places to see and experience. Southeast Oregon is a beautiful region with some great sightseeing opportunities. 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. Its a rustic resort that offers several ways to soak in a hot pool, plus camping and a store. It's an amazingly scenic drive that is a worthy part of any trip to the Steens. A private campground, gas, phone, and store is available at Frenchglen. Turn right onto State Highway 205 and travel south for 60 miles to Frenchglen, Oregon. Wouldnt recommend driving down the South Loop in any season. Let someone at home know where you plan to go and when you plan to return. The loop road is a wonderful multi-day trek for just such an excursion. The mountain was once known as a sacred place by Native Americans who lived on its slopes. Blustery, 100-degree days are common and snow can fall year-round. Here is a link to the Mann Lake BLM page. massive internal pressure forced the east edge upward along a fault line. This point considered as a mountain climbed from the Alvord Desert; is quite possibly the most difficult summit to reach in Oregon.Devine Rock: The second most visually prominent rock feature along the east face of Steens Mountain is this rotten chunk of Steens Basalt overlooking Big Alvord Creek and the Alvord Ranch. Reply Report inappropriate content 21 replies to this topic It is an amazingly wonderful, but seldom visited part of Oregon. 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. (Great name). Visitors bike on rugged mountain roads, photograph landscapes, wildlife and wildflowers, and catch redband trout in the Donner und Blitzen River. 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 youll want to check on that before starting out. On behalf of Oregon Bikepacking and VeloDirt, we present a select number of our routes that we find particularly special. MLS# 201001561. 23 Campsites with picnic tables and fire grates; first come, first serve. west slope of the mountain may receive as much as 25' of precipitation, Floor to the Steens offer great ski touring distances between servicesincluding gas,... 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