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. From Kiger Gorge, the road turns south and skims along the rim. I love spending time in the city of Burns, they have some great parks and restaurants. Kiger gorge is one of the most beautiful places to see and experience. Some RV sites have less shade and level outdoor space than others. The Steens Mountain Loop Road is a designated Oregon State Scenic Tour Route. Make sure you bring warm clothes because it gets cold on the mountain even when the valley below is scorching hot. What are the scenic backroads in Southeastern Oregon? 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. 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. 5 Star Route / Burns, Oregon / Published July 2018. Is that title clickbaitish? Some activities within the CMPA, such as motorized access for winter recreation and organized group functions, may require a special-use permit from BLM. 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. 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. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Continue a short distance past Frenchglen, then turn left onto the Steens Mountain Loop Road. Wildhorse Lake, Riddle Brothers ranch, wild Kiger mustangs. Turning southeast here on the Steens Loop road you begin a gradual climb towards a distant ridgeline, the crest of Steens Mountain. We heard about the loop from our RV site neighbors. By clicking "ACCEPT", you agree to be the terms and conditions of each Over this distance the elevation gain is 1.689 meters. I can recommend a few Scenic Byways, September 21, 2011 (Updated September 1, 2017). Wouldn't recommend driving down the South Loop in any season. If you time it right, you could view fulll moon rise from the top. Terrible washboard conditions for miles, which is a shame since it's such a spectacular area once you get up top. It's an amazingly scenic drive that is a worthy part of any trip to the Steens. One notable exception is Big Indian Gorge which does have a developed trail running the length of it. 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. There is a strong cell service and a wi fi. Get access to thousands of Trails Offroad Trail Guides with. The area is the premier recreation destination in Southeast Oregon and an iconic part of the Oregon's High Desert landscape. Turner River / Wagonwheel / Birdon Roads Loop Drive. 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. Finally, the 4x4 road leading to Pike Creek is very washed out and can be reached by high clearance vehicles only. to travelthe50 miles out and back with ~5000ft. your way to the summit, take note of evolving plant life. Steens Mountain is located in Oregon's high desert is one of the crown jewels of the state's wildlands. Visitors photograph landscapes, wildlife and wildflowers, and catch redband trout in the Donner und Blitzen River. KigerMann: With 500 feet of prominence this is the highest point along the Steens Mountain crest at its northern end. 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. --John Muir, Routes This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. LockA locked padlock On the way down, Fish Lake offers a nice campground and the chance to catch your dinner. Hood, the Three Sisters, Mt. The trail comprises deep glacier-carved gorges, wild rivers, a rich diversity of plant and animal species, and alpine lakes with aspen for shade. Bring our travel magazine along. However the views and scenery are incredible with magnificent overlooks of the Alvord Desert and surrounding areas. The herd is managed by the Bureau of Land Management to preserve their Alvord Hot Springs: Unquestionably the most popular of the Steens Mountain area hot springs. The road to the summit opens every June, and its gates remain unlocked until October or whenever snowfall makes passage unsafe. Also I stayed 3 nights at the steens mountain resort which is an RV park with complete hookups some trees and grass bathrooms and a dump station for your RV. Collaborative Action and Dispute Resolution. The stunning geography of Steens is on display the entire way, with views over the Alvord Desert at the trailhead and a sweeping vista down the canyon below the lake. I would never pull a travel trailer up there. 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. Parents refers to a larger category under which an object falls. Oregon Bikepacking dangerousroads.org is not responsible for the information contained in these pages. 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. A route exists to the summit and explained in detail in 75 Scrambles In Oregon. So, do you htink there is plenty to see on that loop into the mountains off from Frenchglen to keep us busy? They combine web maps created using ArcGIS Online, ESRI's mapping system, with multimedia contenttext, photos, video, and audioto let you know about the rich diversity of Oregon/Washington BLM's programs and places. A standard touring bike with wider tires (35c to 38c) will work nicely. Blustery, 100-degree days are common and snow can fall year-round. 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. . My love affair with the high desert runs deep; my fondest childhood Is any of the information on this page incorrect? You are still completely responsible for your decisions, your actions, and your safety. Always start your trip with a full tank of fuel and call ahead for current information about fuel availability in the Steens Mountain area. 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. Burns District Office One exception however is the Roaring Springs along the Catlow Valley. An official website of the United States government. Steens Mountain, in far SE Oregon, is one of the most amazing wilderness places accessible by car. Starting at the Historic Frenchglen Hotel make your way to Steens Mountain Loop and then onto Fishlake/Steens Mountain Rd. (12), Additions & Corrections Every year, the Bureau of. 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. enhance and customize your user experience, and to analyze how our 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. Ready to hit the road? 2023 Travel Oregon | The official guide to Oregon travel and tourism information. Escape to the hot springs of southeastern Oregon for a rejuvenating soak among natural marvels. the Alvord Desert in its shadow receives less than six inches. 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. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. In the midst of this vastness is Alvord Hot Springs, if youre feeling like a relaxing soak to soothe your muscles. Youll connect to Highway 78 at about Mile 65, and you can roll on to Crystal Crane Hot Springs at about Mile 74. The mountain loop is also the only truly rough riding. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your 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 is a link to the Fish Lake BLM page. 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. As cyclists, were spoiled living in Oregon. your device to facilitate the operation and functionality of our site, I decided to camp next to the lake (>200 ft. away of course), which holds water all year long. Give yourself 3 hours to drive with short stops; plan for 4 to 5 if you will be doing more exploring. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. 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 Steens Loop Tour Route This 59-mile loop departs from Frenchglen and climbs to the top of Steens Mountain, which rests in the clouds at nearly 10,000 feet. 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. 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. As youre pedaling along, tune in to the chorus of bird calls and see how many distinct ones you can distinguish. The South Steens Wild Horse Herd descended from mustangs Its called Steens Mountain Loop Road. 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. Starting at the tiny, historic town of Frenchglen, on OR-205, the ascent is 43.61km (27.1 miles) long. 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. Open May to November depending on snow. Located north of the Alvord Desert on the east side of the mountain. Open July to November based on snow conditions.Mann Lake: (541) 573-4400Undeveloped campsites with vaulted toilets and a boat ramp. Spotting one of these wild mustangs is an exclamation Phone service should not be relied on for emergency communication. 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). Make sure to visit the little community of French Glen and go into the store. 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. Ticks, mosquitoes, and rattlesnakes in certain areas during spring and summer. Quality well kept Renaissance home on the south east side of Bend. Travel approximately 17 miles before turning right into Fish Lake Campground. the updrafts in search of prey. We are 2 couples planning our Steens trip. Go big or go home . When I was there in late May the Loop Road was still closed due to snow. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Ready to hit the road? Written July 20, 2021. Others enjoy hunting for wild game and visiting special places such as Riddle Brothers Ranch, the Kiger Wild Horse Viewing Area, and the nearby historic P-Ranch. Check links on the Burns BLM page for updates on the loop road conditions and when it opens. You can find just about anything to suit your fancy here whether youre into glacier views of Mount Hood or exploring remote jeep roads and sleeping in the sagebrush. 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. The road also provides access to Steens Summit and the Riddle Brothers Ranch National Historic District campgrounds. Yes the road is washboard at first. Ivisited in the early fall and there was one other car. We are 2 couples planning our Steens trip. 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. Let's keep in touch. Mountain, which rests in the clouds at nearly 10,000 feet. From the summit, the tour route eases down the mountains western slope. 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 . 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. This land, at the top of the Steens Mountain, is the most sensitive to disturbance and will be managed to safeguard the pristine environment. Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use. The showers are very clean, as is the whole campground. Mann Lake is one of only a couple lakes along the eastside of Steens Mountain that does not dry up. The United States Congress designated the Steens Mountain Wilderness in 2000 and it now has over 170,200 acres. Many animals are drawn to Steens' unique habitats. The CMPA encompasses an extraordinary landscape with deep glacier carved gorges, stunning scenery, wilderness, wild rivers, a rich diversity of plant and animal species, and a way of life for all who live there. It is some of the wildest and most remote land left in Oregon. Farther up, increased moisture creates ideal conditions for a dense belt of juniper. The Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Area (CMPA) consists of 428,156 acres of public land offering diverse scenic and recreational experiences. Couloir climbing may be an option, but should be approached as a multiday trek with the possibility of avalanche from giant cornices that mass along the summit crest.Check links on the Burns BLM page for updates on the loop road conditions and when it opens. The mountains high elevation can cause rapid temperature changes. Journey 27 miles through dwarf cypress forest, pine forests, hardwood hammocks, and some of the most photographed landscape in the Preserve. From there you will continue for about 22 miles to find yourself at Kiger Gorge Lookout. Best Time to Visit: July through October, the road is 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. 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. 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. Nearby Page Springs Campground sits alongside the Donner und Blitzen River (German for thunder and lightning). YEAH!! Hines, OR 97730. Sightseeing in Kiger Gorge at Steens Mountain. 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. These a great stops with exciting backroads. The result was four immense U-shaped gorgesKiger, Little Blitzen, Big Indian, and Wildhorse. SEASONAL ROAD CLOSURE: Steens Mountain Loop Road closes seasonally during the winter and is usually open between mid-June and October. Make sure to visit the little community of French Glen and go into the store. The Nearest Services are in the communities of Fields, Frenchglen, Crane, or Narrows, Oregon. The trail comprises deep glacier-carved gorges, wild rivers, a rich diversity of plant and animal species, and alpine lakes with aspen for shade. 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. Imagine my surprise having just returned from Moab, Utah and finding the most beautiful tourquoise bracelet in little tiny, French Glen! For the full loop, an early start is recommended, and for us, that meant sharing the road with surprised deer. The Steens Mountain Loop Road is now open to about 9,200 feet elevation, according to BLM road crews actively working in freezing temperatures and whiteout snow conditions. 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. The remaining snowdrifts were cleared earlier this week, and although road conditions have improved, travelers should still drive with caution. Itll make your jaw drop. Oct 1, 2019 HI LetsRun! The mountain was once known as a sacred place by Native Americans who lived on its slopes. 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. Sagebrush dominates Permits, Fees, Limitations Hines, OR 97738 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. 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). 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. Fuel may be available in the towns of Fields, Frenchglen, Crane, or the Narrows. mountain in the summer to graze their stock on the lush meadows that thrive Livestock and wildlife on roadwaysmuch of southeast Oregon is open range. 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. 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). Is that where you may see wild mustangs? Mountain Weather can be unpredictable and change suddenly. 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. That being said, the trip up to snow line was breathtaking and beautiful! ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Conditions No conditions reported in the past 7 days Want to report conditions for this trail? 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. Borax Lake: A treasure truly unique to Oregon is this 100+ degree pond hidden amidst the wastes of the southern Alvord Desert near Fields. Anyone have experience in mid-June on the Steens Mountain Loop Road? Any snow was off the roadway and we could see the Alvord Desert below as well as mountain peaks in the distance and deep valleys below. That depends on which campgrounds you use but for the most part yes there is a gravel roads to most campgrounds the one I stayed at was Steens Mountain Resort and it was a two and a half mile drive on a gravel road that is a little washboard. Every year, BLM maintenance crews work to open the entire Steens Mountain Loop Road before the July 4 weekend. 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. It is some of the wildest and most remote land left in Oregon. site is used. 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. 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. At the East Rim Viewpoint, peer off the precipice to the Alvord Desert 1 mile/1.6 kilometers below. 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. (28), Comments We saw a white BLM pickup coming down at a fairly decent speed and thought, "maybe this is the guy who has opened the gate for us!" 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. The area is not fenced, but it is up to you to be aware of where you are on the playa. Just past Frenchglen, turn left onto the Steens Mountain Loop Road. I highly recommend one extra stop on this loop, at the Steens Summit/Wildhorse Lake parking lot. Watch for wildlife along this stretch, particularly the wild horses that roam these wild lands. The loop roads are in good condition. 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. I did not see any mustangs while there. The road to the summit of Steens Mountain is the highest road in Oregon, reaching nearly 10,000 feet. No water or services available. Absolutely gorgeous. of elevation gain. Looming over Kiger is the eponhymously named Gunsight notch also glacially carved. Steens Mountain Loop includes the highest road in Oregon and is one of Oregon's extraordinary scenic and geologic wonders. Malheur Field Station: (541)549-2629spaces for trailers and 250 dormitory beds with provided bedding and showers. An official website of the United States government. The entire Steens Mountain Loop Road has just been opened. Taken as a mountain with a nine thousand foot crest, the peak runs over eight miles from north to south. It takes about 2hrs. From Burns, Oregon, travel southeast for approximately 2 miles on State Highway 78. At the base of the mountain, where water is scarce, is a belt of sagebrush. Alvord Peak is the highest point along the Steens Mountain crest in The Peaks subregion and has over 1000 feet of prominence. Talk about seeing what you just climbed. Wood is not readily available, and the cutting down of trees should not be practiced at any cost, although its immediately apparent some of the aspens here have been cut down. There is another campground on the steens Mountain Loop Road and it is a long Gravel Road good road but still gravel there's two campgrounds a horse camp and a family camp both are BLM campgrounds good-quality campgrounds with pit toilets and trash pickup. Steens Mountain is located in Oregon's high desert is one of the crown jewels of the state's wildlands. There are five major glaciated canyons policy linked to above. 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. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. It seems like most people dont know about Steens Mountain, and fewer have been. 2023 Travel Oregon | The official guide to Oregon travel and tourism information. wild horse country. Aconcagua mountain page is a child of the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits.' Thanks for any help/advice! 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. Burns which calls itself the "Gateway to the Steens" offers the amenities of a large town and has a population hovering around 3000. quaking aspen and mountain mahogany as the moisture levels increase. (Great name). Well, it turned out he WAS and the gate opened 5 days early a few minutes before we got there!! 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. High quality tires are a must for all vehicles, even when traveling on maintained routes. Mountain acts as a great moisture collector, creating vastly different While not easily seen, Rocky Mountain elk, mule deer, mountain lion, bighorn sheep, and pronghorn antelope make this corner of southeast Oregon their home. 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. 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. We hope you enjoy our routes, and we look forward to running into you out there under open skies along our favorite routes. 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. 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. Theres a bunch of camping, backpacking, and opportunities to hike into the gorges of the landscape here. 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. A Trip to Steens, Oregons Secret Mountain, Relax at the Hot Springs of Southeastern Oregon. The Steens Mountain Loop is spectacular, but it can be blocked by snow late into the season as was my experience in June 2022. Cattlemen, Download a detailed guide (PDF). The payback for the many miles of climbing is the steep downhill back to Frenchglen. Thanks for any help you can offer. A lock ( Summiting the mountain via its steep eastern face should not be taken lightly. Although the views are breath taking, so are the very steep drop offs, sharp turns and often narrow road. Museum, art gallery, performing arts theater seating 645, gift shop & conference center[], The Wild and Scenic Snake River flows through the rugged Hells Canyon, and at 1,078 miles long, it is the largest tributary to the Colu[], Towering cliffs painted in desert hues and honeycombed rock formations sculpted over millions of years form the landscape of this remot[]. The loop road is a wonderful multi-day trek for just such an excursion. (There is a collection of cell towers on top so it is easy to spot, as well as being marked by signs)There is a parking lot from which you ca Mann Lake can be found in the Steens Mountain Wilderness area. 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. Story maps are lightweight web apps. Accessibility Description (ABA/ADA): Restrooms Because the Steens Mountain Loop was on husband's bucket list, we added it on to our annual late June Bend birthday/anniversary trip. 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. Please respect landowners in the area and always get permission to go onto private property. 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. Follow along the loop to get back to your starting point.
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