the updrafts in search of prey. From Frenchglen, the first 5 miles/ 8 kilometers of the route along North Loop Road traverse the southern end of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. Recently the road has been leveled and graded, and can be driven by standard vehicles. We welcome your visit and have information to help you. 3 beds, 2.5 baths, 2466 sq. Livestock and wildlife on roadwaysmuch of southeast Oregon is open range. Starting at OR-205, near Frenchglen, the road is 43.61km (27.1 miles) long. Farther up, increased moisture creates ideal conditions for a dense belt of juniper. 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. 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. Glaciers once scoured down this mountain, scrubbing away softer sediments and creating distinct notches in the bedrock. Travel approximately 17 miles before turning right into Fish Lake Campground. Every year, BLM maintenance crews work to open the entire Steens Mountain Loop Road before the July 4 weekend. Vehicles, sheep, and cows are banned in the wilderness. The average gradient is 3.87%. Its called Steens Mountain Loop Road. It is an awesome place hot springs pond to enjoy. Contact Burns District BLM for more information. While much of the highlands are within hiking distance of the loop road and open to the public, some of the deep gorges are privately owned by large local ranches. Youll connect to Highway 78 at about Mile 65, and you can roll on to Crystal Crane Hot Springs at about Mile 74. 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. LockA locked padlock You are still completely responsible for your decisions, your actions, and your safety. 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. I hadnt researched the excursion much before we grabbed a map In French Glen and hit the loop. The Steens Mountain Loop is spectacular, but it can be blocked by snow late into the season as was my experience in June 2022. Please explore responsibly! 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. It seems like most people dont know about Steens Mountain, and fewer have been. 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. (113), Climber's Log Entries A standard touring bike with wider tires (35c to 38c) will work nicely. Check with local BLM authorities. YEAH!! Mann Lake is one of only a couple lakes along the eastside of Steens Mountain that does not dry up. Kiger gorge is one of the most beautiful places to see and experience. On the advice of the BLM gal, we decided to see as much as we could and started at the south entrance heading north where we were able to view the MANY wild horses near a watering hole close to where we began the drive on the decent gravel roadway which, by the way, was fine for our car. As youre pedaling along, tune in to the chorus of bird calls and see how many distinct ones you can distinguish. When I was there in late May the Loop Road was still closed due to snow. Just past Frenchglen, turn left onto the Steens Mountain Loop Road. Stonehouse BM is 7220 feet in elevation and offers a nice view of the North Steens and Sheepshead Mountains. 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. 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. Getting lostthe remote nature and vast landscape of the Steens Mountain area may leave even the most experienced traveler directionally confused or just plain lost. Circumnavigate Steens Mountain including an arduous climb to the summit. Remarkable Rocks For the full loop, an early start is recommended, and for us, that meant sharing the road with surprised deer. 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. If you like scenery in the middle of nowhere there is no better place. And it fit! All campgrounds on Steens Mountain are open and in full service. Every year, the Bureau of. You might hear a stray reference to The Steens and think its a mountain range, but theres really just the one and its huge one. These glaciers dug trenches about one-half mile deep, through layers of hard basalt. The mountain was once known as a sacred place by Native Americans who lived on its slopes. Are reservations needed at campgrounds in the steen my area, and how far will I need to drive on gravel roads to get there? One notable exception is Big Indian Gorge which does have a developed trail running the length of it. Detailed in William Sullivan's 100 Hikes in Eastern Oregon book; the Pike Creek trail follows an old roadbed for a couple miles up to, and beyond frontier mining sites, beyond that it is a bit of a scramble along a lightly maintained trail to the headwall of Pike Creek. Turning southeast here on the Steens Loop road you begin a gradual climb towards a distant ridgeline, the crest of Steens Mountain. Alvord Peak: Overlooking Fields is this mountain at 7132 feet. Mountain, which rests in the clouds at nearly 10,000 feet. Turn right onto State Highway 205 and travel south for 60 miles to Frenchglen, Oregon. The summit ridgeline is one of the more magical locations in Oregon. Your safety and enjoyment are important. Visitors bike on rugged mountain roads, photograph landscapes, wildlife and wildflowers, and catch redband trout in the Donner und Blitzen River. "Society speaks and all men listen, mountains speak and wise men listen." Approximately 900,000 acres are designated off limits to mineral and geothermal extraction. That being said, the trip up to snow line was breathtaking and beautiful! Always start your trip with a full tank of fuel and call ahead for current information about fuel availability in the Steens Mountain area. Located at 4080 feet on the Alvord Desert Playa these springs are roughly nine miles north of the Andrews ghost town along the Fields-Denio road. There is a strong cell service and a wi fi. Massive internal pressures forced the east edge of the Steens upward. If not for the road beating I'd rate it a 5.0 The weather up there can be quite a bit different than down at Frenchglen so prepare for possible wind and cold. The loop road is a wonderful multi-day trek for just such an excursion. site is used. Yes the road is washboard at first. Elevation can change from less than 4,000 feet to over 9,000 feet in just a few miles. At this point, the dramatic 2000 foot drop from High Desert into a lush river canyon reveals that somewhere along the last 20 miles you gained several thousand feet of elevation. The road to the summit opens every June, and its gates remain unlocked until October or whenever snowfall makes passage unsafe. Visitors can also spend hours watching the amazing, breathtaking antics of raptors as they soar and dive in the high mountain wind currents. Alvord Hot Springs: Unquestionably the most popular of the Steens Mountain area hot springs. Was not expecting that! While a radio facility mars the absolute summit, there are many other wild peaks along the crest. Steens Mountain is located in Oregon's high desert is one of the crown jewels of the state's wildlands. 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. I did see some wild horses on the drive. 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. This 59-mile loop departs from Frenchglen and climbs to the top of Steens These animals navigate the rough eastern face of Steens Mountain high above the Alvord Desert. You or someone else may add some info here if you have it. 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. The North Loop road is not as steep as the South Loop. Notes: Consider the timing of your journey: Theres almost no shade in this area that routinely hits 90 degrees, and water is extremely limited. 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. Deep in the southeast section of Oregon, the road is a spectacular gem in the high desert and provides sweeping views of the region, including Wildhorse Lake and Keigor Gorge. Quality well kept Renaissance home on the south east side of Bend. Also, the first ever Redband Trout Reserve has been created to improve stream health and fish habitat. The mountain loop is also the only truly rough riding. A note: From here to Fields, its a long and typically hot stretch of riding just over 100 miles, so carry two days worth of water with you. 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. From the east rim overlook, the Steens Mountain drops over a vertical From the trailhead at the end of the road, the summit is just a short hike. Please be aware of: The Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Area contains a mixture of public and private lands and specially designated areas where particular regulations may apply. . Absolutely gorgeous. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. From the top, the view is east to the Alvord Desert; to the south on the mountain is Wildhorse lake, accessible by a steep climb down/up. The Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Area (CMPA) consists of 428,156 acres of public land offering diverse scenic and recreational experiences. Burns District Office of Bureau of Land Management (541-573-4400), Burns BLM PageMalheur National Wildlife RefugeBorax Lake on the Nature Conservancy PageSteens Mountain CanyonsOld Steens Mountain Summitpost Page originally created by Mutant1, Steens Mountain is named for Eunoch Steen an Army Major who led campaigns against the Northern Paiutes on the mountain. What are the scenic backroads in Southeastern Oregon? Opportunities for recreation on Steens Mountain are as plentiful as they are widespread. Burns which calls itself the "Gateway to the Steens" offers the amenities of a large town and has a population hovering around 3000. We spent well over 3 hours completing the entire drive. Well, it turned out he WAS and the gate opened 5 days early a few minutes before we got there!! or learn to just turn around! An official website of the United States government. Mann Lake (Mile 137) offers a camping spot to split the distance from Crystal Crane to Fields. 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. 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. 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. All Rights Reserved. Ambitious hikers can head down 1,100 ft. to the beautiful Wildhorse Lake, but everyone else should definitely make the half-mile trip up to the 9,733 ft. summit of Steens Mountain. A 4x4 track can be found where Big Alvord Creek crosses the road at the Alvord Ranch. Burns District Office It is truly a step back into time. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Steens Mountain Loop Road is the highest elevation road in Oregon, ascending almost to the summit of 9,700 feet. Both ranches continue to operate to this day. The Kiger Gorge overlook offers the visitor a breathtaking Bighorn sheep can 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. Please respect landowners in the area and always get permission to go onto private property. All Rights Reserved. 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 drive offers an extraordinary landscape of volcanic uplifts, deep glacier-carved gorges, stunning scenery, wilderness, wild rivers, and a rich diversity of plant and animal species. Its said to bethe highest road of Oregon. ft. house located at 61102 Steens Ln, Bend, OR 97702 sold for $227,000 on Aug 10, 2010. Weather UV Index Daylight Saturday 27 / 11 F Sunday 19 / 3 F Monday All of this wilderness is located in Oregon and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. The South Steens Rim overlooking Alvord Lake has an average elevation exceeding 7000 feet over the length of 6 miles not broken by canyon or pass. This tour route scales the Steens, climbing thousands of feet and topping out just shy of the summit at 9,734 feet/2,967 meters. Within this area, cooperative and innovative management projects will be maintained and enhanced between the BLM, private landowners, tribes, and other public interests. Copyright 2023. The tour route begins its climb in earnest, ascending from arid sagebrush to small lakes and a shady respite of quaking aspen. Here is a link to the Fish Lake BLM page. The Steens Mountain Loop is spectacular, but it can be blocked by snow late into the season as was my experience in June 2022. Reply Report inappropriate content 21 replies to this topic Steens Mountain is a mighty fault-block edifice that rises dramatically from its surroundings. 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. We heard about the loop from our RV site neighbors. Sagebrush dominates The Act also designates three new Wild and Scenic RiversWildhorse Creek, Little Wildhorse Creek, and Kiger Creekand adds two new segmentsAnkle Creek and Mud Creekto the existing Donner und Blitzen Wild and Scenic River. There are pit toilets at the South Steens campground if you need to make a bathroom stop. Open May to November depending on snow. The highest point on the mountain is a short walk on a rough (and gated) road that departs from the loop road coming up the west slopes. Raptors, including golden 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. Starting at the tiny, historic town of Frenchglen, on OR-205, the ascent is 43.61km (27.1 miles) long. Dont hesitate to talk to localsarea landowners and Federal employees are generally visible in the Steens Mountain area. point on a remarkable drive. Follow along the loop to get back to your starting point. You might hear a stray reference to The Steens and think its a mountain range, but theres really just the one and its huge one. On a clear day, you can see beyond Oregon to Nevada, Idaho and California. 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. A land exchange provision blocks up nearly 100,000 acres of livestock-free wilderness within the designated 175,000-acre Steens Mountain Wilderness. Thats more than a mile, nearly straight down. 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. The road to the summit of Steens Mountain is the highest road in Oregon, reaching nearly 10,000 feet. But the point is that Steens can be skiied, and skiied with gusto if you are up to it (50 degree couloirs currently elude me). Borax Lake on the Nature Conservancy Page, Old Steens Mountain Summitpost Page originally created by Mutant1, Unique locations along the Steens escarpment, Hiking, Mountaineering, Bouldering, Mixed, Scrambling. 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. Steens Mountain is the largest fault-block mountain in the northern Great Basin. Some RV sites have less shade and level outdoor space than others. massive internal pressure forced the east edge upward along a fault line. The loop road is a wonderful multi-day trek for just such an excursion. A few established campgrounds and dispersed camping sites are along the trail and viewpoints to pull over and take in the breathtaking scenery from wilderness canyons to the Alvord Desert in the east and learn about the formation of this spectacular mountain range. As cyclists, were spoiled living in Oregon. Youll once again cross the Donner und Blitzen River en route back to OR-205, the High Desert Discovery Scenic Byway. Starting at approximately 4300, Pike Creek trail is about 5.4 miles RT to Pikes Knob, out and back, however the entire hike is stunning and there is no wrong place to turn back. Dont know how we could have backed up if we had met another car. 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. The summit itself is adorned with cell towers where youll find your only reception out here - but the views are spectacular. From the summit, the tour route eases down the mountains western slope. The mountains high elevation can cause rapid temperature changes. From there you will continue for about 22 miles to find yourself at Kiger Gorge Lookout. (Great name). Share YOUR roads!We'vemorethan 13.000 roads but we want more! Its a rustic resort that offers several ways to soak in a hot pool, plus camping and a store. Above the juniper and aspen, severe climate and thin soils result in a belt of grasses, low-growing plants, and stunted, wind-formed shrubs. Be alert, drive with caution, and plan to share roadways with cattle, deer, elk, antelope, wild horses, and rabbits! Point 8844: Located 1 mile east of the summit; on topographic maps this is marked as a nameless elevation, at 8844 feet. Collaborative Action and Dispute Resolution. Learn more about travel impacts in Oregon. Popular activities include camping, picnicking, sightseeing, and exploring the open country on foot and horseback. Look for stands of quaking aspen and mountain mahogany on drier rocky ridges. During the Ice Age, glaciers formed in the major stream channels on the mountain. to travelthe50 miles out and back with ~5000ft. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. 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. Making Hines, OR 97738 This tour route scales the Steens, climbing thousands of feet and topping out just shy of the summit at 9,734 feet/2,967 meters. Bring our travel magazine along. Your epic journey-type ride. The Steens Mountain Loop Road provides access to four designated campgrounds, Steens Summit and Wildhorse Lake Trailheads, the Riddle Brothers Ranch National Historic District. Let's keep in touch. At the top, there are three glacial gorges the most spectacular of which is Kiger Gorge which is perfectly U-shaped. 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. Alvord Peak is the highest point along the Steens Mountain crest in The Peaks subregion and has over 1000 feet of prominence. The gravel is generally good throughout the route. As you leave the junipers, you will be surrounded by large expanses of Mountain big sagebrush. mule deer and elk also call the mountain home. on the Steens. Others enjoy hunting for wild game and visiting special places, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Steens Popular activities include camping, picnicking, sightseeing, and exploring the open country on foot and horseback. Steens Mountain Loop includes the highest road in Oregon and is one of Oregon's extraordinary scenic and geologic wonders. 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. Stretching across the High Desert of Southeast Oregon is the most massive of the state's peaks. Rough terraindeep canyons and rocky slopes are a natural party of the rugged mountain territory. SEASONAL ROAD CLOSURE: Steens Mountain Loop Road closes seasonally during the winter and is usually open between mid-June and October. With scenic landscape views and some of the darkest skies in all of the lower 48 states, this place is amazing. 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. 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. Snow can remain on the road into the summer, delaying the opening of the full loop. One exception however is the Roaring Springs along the Catlow Valley. Stonehouse BM: A steep 4x4 road crawls up Stonehouse Creek and breaks across the north escarpment near Mann Lake. Hines, OR 97730. (2 ). Story maps are lightweight web apps. Watch for wildlife along this stretch, particularly the wild horses that roam these wild lands. Here is a link to the Mann Lake BLM page. Expect to find the pools somewhere in the range of 100-120 degrees. Start in the tiny community of Frenchglen, where the historic hotel is now run as a state park. A Trip to Steens, Oregons Secret Mountain, Relax at the Hot Springs of Southeastern Oregon. Check with local BLM authorities. 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. You can expect any other roadsindicated by dashed lines on a mapto be passable by four-wheel drive vehicles only. The result was four immense U-shaped gorgesKiger, Little Blitzen, Big Indian, and Wildhorse. (1), Images 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. Sustainable grazing and recreational use, including fishing and hunting, will be continued where consistent with the purpose of the Act. mountain in the summer to graze their stock on the lush meadows that thrive A. 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. Oct 1, 2019 HI LetsRun! And once you turn right onto the Loop Road (Mile 220), your world starts turning upward the first climb gains about 1,000 feet over 7 miles. Write a review to inform other visitors! Borax Lake is 10 acres, and water welling up from within it feeds a series of cooler ponds and marshes surrounding the primary spring. Sixty-six miles in length, the first half of the loop is gravel with some washboarding and general roughness; but its usually passable in a low clearance vehicle from July until September, or even into November if snow comes late in the year. Give yourself 3 hours to drive with short stops; plan for 4 to 5 if you will be doing more exploring. East Everglades Day Use Area on the park's northeastern boundary, encompassing SW 168 Street westbound to SW 237 Avenue and the entire roadway of SW 237 Avenue is closed to all public use to ensure public safety during construction operations with heavy machinery. 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). a massive "U" shaped canyon. Is any of the information on this page incorrect? Several private outfitters and guides offer opportunities for personalized tours or other activities. 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. 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. This 17-mile drive takes you through open wet prairies and popular wading bird feeding areas. It took up about 3 hours with view stops and lunch. Is that title clickbaitish? mile to the Alvord Desert floor. the Alvord Desert in its shadow receives less than six inches. 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. 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