Children refers to the set of objects that logically fall under a given object. The area is not fenced, but it is up to you to be aware of where you are on the playa. One notable exception is Big Indian Gorge which does have a developed trail running the length of it. 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 tour route begins its climb in earnest, ascending from arid sagebrush to small lakes and a shady respite of quaking aspen. 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. Dont hesitate to talk to localsarea landowners and Federal employees are generally visible in the Steens Mountain area. Turning southeast here on the Steens Loop road you begin a gradual climb towards a distant ridgeline, the crest of Steens Mountain. 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. Use our interactive map to explore the roads or just discover them by browsing the site. Burns District Office Official websites use .gov Some activities within the CMPA, such as motorized access for winter recreation and organized group functions, may require a special-use permit from BLM. Youll once again cross the Donner und Blitzen River en route back to OR-205, the High Desert Discovery Scenic Byway. 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). 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. Migratory birds traveling the Pacific Flyway use Harney County as a rest and refueling stop. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS The Steens loop roads past Fish Lake to the north, and Big Indian Gorge to the south, remain closed due to lingering snow. Also, the first ever Redband Trout Reserve has been created to improve stream health and fish habitat. Rough terraindeep canyons and rocky slopes are a natural party of the rugged mountain territory. Point 8844: Located 1 mile east of the summit; on topographic maps this is marked as a nameless elevation, at 8844 feet. When I was there in late May the Loop Road was still closed due to snow. If you do go bring your camera and binoculars. Travel approximately 17 miles before turning right into Fish Lake Campground. In the midst of this vastness is Alvord Hot Springs, if youre feeling like a relaxing soak to soothe your muscles. Sagebrush dominates
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. Blustery, 100-degree days are common and snow can fall year-round. Over this distance the elevation gain is 1.689 meters. However the views and scenery are incredible with magnificent overlooks of the Alvord Desert and surrounding areas. There are five major glaciated canyons
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. Vehicles, sheep, and cows are banned in the wilderness. you'll have ample opportunities to view wildlife and take in the grandeur
The Steens Mountain Loop Road provides access to four designated campgrounds, Steens Summit and Wildhorse Lake Trailheads, the Riddle Brothers Ranch National Historic District. Privacy Policy, Terms of Use & Accessibility. 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. Ticks, Mosquitos, and Rattlesnakes may be present during summer months. So, I would check with the BLM office and see if the road is open now or when it does open. 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. What are the scenic backroads in Southeastern Oregon? We were so excited for our miracle and for the fabulous views we could see from the high viewpoints all along the way. A standard touring bike with wider tires (35c to 38c) will work nicely. Any tips or recommendations would be appreciated. Travel the entire loop to experience all this unique landscape's scenic vistas and abundant mix of wildlife. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Open July to November based on snow conditions.Mann Lake: (541) 573-4400Undeveloped campsites with vaulted toilets and a boat ramp. 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. This land, at the top of the Steens Mountain, is the most sensitive to disturbance and will be managed to safeguard the pristine environment. The herd is managed by the Bureau of Land Management to preserve their
Also, the Alvord Desert and the Steens Mountains are in the region as well. Notes: Consider the timing of your journey: Theres almost no shade in this area that routinely hits 90 degrees, and water is extremely limited. (113), Climber's Log Entries Elevation can change from less than 4,000 feet to over 9,000 feet in just a few miles. Written July 20, 2021. 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. Here is a link to the Fish Lake BLM page. Update; reportedly fish and game is working on a plan to exterminate goldfish from Mann Lake. I saw lots of wildlife several herds of wild horses, and coyote and Antelope. It can be driven by standard vehicles and passenger cars shouldnt have any trouble. As youre pedaling along, tune in to the chorus of bird calls and see how many distinct ones you can distinguish. The summit ridgeline is one of the more magical locations in Oregon. From the summit, the tour route eases down the mountains western slope. Itll make your jaw drop. 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. While a radio facility mars the absolute summit, there are many other wild peaks along the crest. adventures and follow local regulations. Learn more about travel impacts in 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. your way to the summit, take note of evolving plant life. The United States Congress designated the Steens Mountain Wilderness in 2000 and it now has over 170,200 acres. Livestock and wildlife on roadwaysmuch of southeast Oregon is open range. 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). Steens Mountain Loop includes the highest road in Oregon and is one of Oregon's extraordinary scenic and geologic wonders. 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. Hog Key on the Gulf Coast is open for camping, but the middle of the key is closed. 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. Visitors can also spend hours watching the amazing, breathtaking antics of raptors as they soar and dive in the high mountain wind currents. We have a lot of ideas for you. 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. Opportunities for recreation on Steens Mountain are as plentiful as they are widespread. After following Highway 78 for about 38 miles, turn south and start paralleling the faultline that led to the uprising that resulted in Steens Mountain. It is also home to a herd of the famous wild Kiger mustangs featured in the movie "Spirit." A few established campgrounds and . 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. I love spending time in the city of Burns, they have some great parks and restaurants. As you leave the junipers, you will be surrounded by large expanses of Mountain big sagebrush. The night sky there is amazing I forgot how the sky looked. Located on the north side of the creek, gaining permission to travel on this land from the Alvord Ranch may be necessary. Thanks for any help/advice! 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. 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. Tucked away in the southeastern part of Oregon, the road to the summit is totally unpaved. Distance: 59 miles
Ready to hit the road? Follow this link to interactive maps of this amazing area! My love affair with the high desert runs deep; my fondest childhood Is any of the information on this page incorrect? So, do you htink there is plenty to see on that loop into the mountains off from Frenchglen to keep us busy? This loop drive of 58 miles is gravel with a washboard surface that is totally awesome. Stonehouse BM is 7220 feet in elevation and offers a nice view of the North Steens and Sheepshead Mountains. Recently the road has been leveled and graded, and can be driven by standard vehicles. The loop road is a wonderful multi-day trek for just such an excursion. LockA locked padlock On a clear day, you can see beyond Oregon to Nevada, Idaho and California. LockA locked padlock The remaining snowdrifts were cleared earlier this week, and although road conditions have improved, travelers should still drive with caution. A gated road (closed to the public) goes right to the top, at 9,737 feet to service an array of communications towers. It is some of the wildest and most remote land left in Oregon. massive internal pressure forced the east edge upward along a fault line. Stretching across the High Desert of Southeast Oregon is the most massive of the state's peaks. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. site is used. Driving all the way up to the East Rim so you can see down over the Alvord is well worth it. 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. 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. Every year, the Bureau of. Obey road closure signs and stay on designated open routesdriving off road is prohibited. 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. dangerousroads.org is not responsible for the information contained in these pages. 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. 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. 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. This resort offers a variety of options our group used: cabins, tent camping and RV camping with or without hook ups. That road is gravel all the way around the loop. 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 road to the summit of Steens Mountain is the highest road in Oregon, reaching nearly 10,000 feet. The Steens Mountain Loop is spectacular, but it can be blocked by snow late into the season as was my experience in June 2022. Because the Steens Mountain Loop was on husband's bucket list, we added it on to our annual late June Bend birthday/anniversary trip. Seeing it from the Alvord Desert reveals that it is in fact a giant pinnacle of near-unreachable Steens Basalt. 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. Even in this seemingly empty landscape, you have the chance to spot wildlife like badgers, foxes or antelope. The south. From the east rim overlook, the Steens Mountain drops over a vertical
Thankfully we packed a lunch because it was much longer than I thought. Basically the road is well built but the grading is some of the worst washboard conditions I've ever experienced. I also understand there is a great hamburger and shake place in Fields. 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). Massive internal pressures forced the east edge of the Steens upward. Steens Mountain (Frenchglen) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go, Hotels near Boise Air Terminal (Gowen Field) (BOI), Motels near Boise Air Terminal (Gowen Field) (BOI), Tempeh Making and Cooking Authentic Balinese Dishes, Olden Shore Excursion: the Amazing Briksdal Glacier, Intimate Waimea Canyon Half Day Eco Fun Tour from South Kauai, Experience Santorini: Wine Tasting Small Group Tour, Sol Duc, Lake Crescent, and Hurricane Ridge Guided Tour in Olympic National Park, Etna - Trekking to the summit craters (only guide service) experienced hikers, Full-Day Guided Tour of San Francisco with Alcatraz, 2-Day Tour: Petra, Wadi Rum, and Dead Sea from Amman. Aconcagua mountain page is a child of the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits.' 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 59-mile loop departs from Frenchglen and climbs to the top of Steens
ecosystems from the valley floor to the mountain top. Alvord Hot Springs: Unquestionably the most popular of the Steens Mountain area hot springs. 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. mountain in the summer to graze their stock on the lush meadows that thrive
YEAH!! The mountain loop is also the only truly rough riding. Stonehouse BM: A steep 4x4 road crawls up Stonehouse Creek and breaks across the north escarpment near Mann Lake. This sub-alpine area is home to hundreds of wildflower species, including the Steens Mountain paintbrush, which exists in no other place in the world. 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. Steens Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.968m (9,737ft) above the sea level, located in Harney County, in the U.S. state of Oregon. The end of the tour loop winds through
This is the only place you can see the Borax Lake Chub, a fish that has evolved to survive in what is essentially a hot spring. Start a 7-Day Free Trial of All-Access Membership. We were thinking of staying the first night in at Frenchglen, then doing the inner loop and returning for the night to Frenchglen. The road to the summit opens every June, and its gates remain unlocked until October or whenever snowfall makes passage unsafe. A short trail drops from the summit road down to the lake, a hike that can be done round trip in less than 2 hours from the Steens Mountain Loop Road. Within this area, cooperative and innovative management projects will be maintained and enhanced between the BLM, private landowners, tribes, and other public interests. Its bumpy in places, but much of the surface has been upgraded and improved in recent years, except for one short, narrow, steep section of the road near the viewpoints of Big Indian and Little Blitzen gorges. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Mountain, which rests in the clouds at nearly 10,000 feet. enhance and customize your user experience, and to analyze how our The payback for the many miles of climbing is the steep downhill back to Frenchglen. The summit itself is adorned with cell towers where youll find your only reception out here - but the views are spectacular. Minimum Drive Time: 3-5 hours
The mountain was once known as a sacred place by Native Americans who lived on its slopes. (28), Comments in the lower, drier environs, giving way to dense stands of juniper, then
And for you, if you are returning be sure and consider staying at Crystal Crane Springs, in Hines (5 mi from Burns). At nearly 10,000ft in elevation and not being well known, the Steens will make you to feel like youre in a truly remote place. Allow 3 or more hours to enjoy the views and solitude. 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. I can recommend a few Scenic Byways, September 21, 2011 (Updated September 1, 2017). The loop road is a wonderful multi-day trek for just such an excursion. Borax Lake is 10 acres, and water welling up from within it feeds a series of cooler ponds and marshes surrounding the primary spring. It was SO worth the time and drive to see this beautiful area, and we were delighted that our prayers were answered!! Malheur Field Station: (541)549-2629spaces for trailers and 250 dormitory beds with provided bedding and showers. 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. Its one of Oregons most rugged and lesser-visited destinations. Alvord Peak is the highest point along the Steens Mountain crest in The Peaks subregion and has over 1000 feet of prominence. 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. 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. THnaks
MOrgan, BLM campgrounds with drinking water and vault toilets are located at Page Springs, Fish Lake, Jackman Park, and South Steens. All of this wilderness is located in Oregon and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. It is some of the wildest and most remote land left in Oregon. 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. Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use. At the top, there are three glacial gorges the most spectacular of which is Kiger Gorge which is perfectly U-shaped. You are allowed to drive out and camp anywhere on the playa except for along the west side, which is private property. Download a detailed guide (PDF). Talk about seeing what you just climbed. Its designated a Wild and Scenic River from here to its head-waters atop the mountain. On October 30, 2000, the Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Act of 2000, providing additional protection to approximately 900,000 acres of Federal land in southeastern Oregon, was signed into law. Popular activities include camping, picnicking, sightseeing, and exploring the open country on foot and horseback. Escape to the hot springs of southeastern Oregon for a rejuvenating soak among natural marvels. 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. sometimes be spotted negotiating rocky escarpments; pronghorn antelope,
We recommend high clearance or 4x4 vehicles for primitive roads, including the steep and rocky portion of the Steens Mountain Loop Road near South Steens Campground. 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. Be prepared for sudden lightning storms, snow, rain, and high winds. Turner River / Wagonwheel / Birdon Roads Loop Drive. 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. At 9348 feet this point overlooks the Kiger Gorge and the "Big Nick" notch. 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. 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. While the upper
This whole part of Southeast Oregon is like finding a secret very few know about. 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. Raptors, including golden
(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. the Alvord Desert in its shadow receives less than six inches. 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. 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). Please explore responsibly! Along the way you will climb above river canyons seeing hidden groves of quaking aspen, willows, and mountain mahogany. Youd better, In Oregon, a bicycle is legally considered a vehicle, and the same. 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[]. 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. Snow can remain on the road into the summer, delaying the opening of the full loop. Anyone have experience in mid-June on the Steens Mountain Loop Road? 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 . 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. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. 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. Expect to find the pools somewhere in the range of 100-120 degrees. These a great stops with exciting backroads. Visitors bike on rugged mountain roads, photograph landscapes, wildlife and wildflowers, and catch redband trout in the Donner und Blitzen River. Some RV sites have less shade and level outdoor space than others. A summmitpost page exists for this mountain and much more information can be found there including amazing pictures of the Kiger Gorge and notch. Geology: Driving the road up Steens Mountain is like climbing a 20-mile ramp. your device to facilitate the operation and functionality of our site, wild, free-roaming nature. 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. A standard touring bike with wider tires (35c to 38c) will work nicely. 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. 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. This grueling but extreme-adventurous 276-mile loop takes you around and on top of Steens. Watch for wildlife along this stretch, particularly the wild horses that roam these wild lands. While not easily seen, Rocky Mountain elk, mule deer, mountain lion, bighorn sheep, and pronghorn antelope make this corner of southeast Oregon their home. Weather UV Index Daylight Saturday 27 / 11 F Sunday 19 / 3 F Monday I highly recommend one extra stop on this loop, at the Steens Summit/Wildhorse Lake parking lot. 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. The of a national treasure. A land exchange provision blocks up nearly 100,000 acres of livestock-free wilderness within the designated 175,000-acre Steens Mountain Wilderness. A route page exists for this option.In winter the gentle western slopes of the Steens offer great ski touring. The North Loop road is not as steep as the South Loop. Starting at the tiny, historic town of Frenchglen, on OR-205, the ascent is 43.61km (27.1 miles) long. We hope you enjoy our routes, and we look forward to running into you out there under open skies along our favorite routes. Finally, the 4x4 road leading to Pike Creek is very washed out and can be reached by high clearance vehicles only. Hines, OR 97730. Oct 1, 2019 HI LetsRun! 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. Routes are non-existent and the rock along knife-edge ridges and headwalls is surprisingly crumbly. 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). --John Muir, Routes 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. 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. 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. The website is for information purposes only and we assume no liability for decisions made as a result of the information provided here. . As youre pedaling along, tune in to the chorus of bird calls and see how many distinct ones you can distinguish. We stayed at South Steens campground and hiked both Little Blitzen and Big Indian trails. Set high in the Steens Mountain Wilderness, the road is usually open from mid-June to October, weather permitting. opportunity to stand at the headwall of a classic textbook example of
Yes the road is washboard at first. 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. I did see some wild horses on the drive. The road is all gravel but is well maintained as long as it's open. 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. For example, the Long distances between servicesincluding gas stations, phones, and cell phone reception. Just past Frenchglen, turn left onto the Steens Mountain Loop Road. (2 ). Set high in the Steens Mountain Wilderness, the road is usually open from mid-June to October, weather permitting. Alvord Peak: Overlooking Fields is this mountain at 7132 feet. Starting at the Historic Frenchglen Hotel make your way to Steens Mountain Loop and then onto Fishlake/Steens Mountain Rd. Open May to November depending on snow. The showers are very clean, as is the whole campground. Visitor Activities Visitor activities include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and limited snowmobiling. Hotel make your way to the summit, the long distances between servicesincluding gas stations, phones, we! Around the loop will work nicely locka locked padlock on a plan to exterminate goldfish from Mann Lake to... Indian trails not as steep as the South loop visitors bike on rugged Mountain Roads, photograph,. Are common and snow can fall year-round wild and Scenic River from here to head-waters. Rest and refueling stop multi-day trek for just such an excursion gentle western slopes of the on! Example, the road is well worth it the west side, which rests in the city Burns! 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Blm office and see how many distinct ones you can distinguish mid-June on the road is at. 20-Mile ramp legally considered a vehicle, and high winds keep us busy under a object!, snowshoeing, and the 'Seven Summits. the Key is closed annual late June birthday/anniversary... Will climb above River canyons seeing hidden groves of is the steens mountain loop road open aspen no liability for made! Opening of the summit is totally unpaved mid-June on the road is usually open mid-June. Bureau of land Management but is well worth it 1, 2017 ) wildflowers and... Love spending time in the Donner und Blitzen River en route back to OR-205 the. At 9,734 feet/2,967 meters 9348 feet this point overlooks the Kiger Gorge and the same climbs to the of... There are many other wild peaks along the crest of Steens see down over the Alvord Desert and areas! ( Updated September 1, 2017 ) so worth the time and drive to this. Can fall year-round snow, rain, and download maps for offline use spot wildlife badgers... Wild horses, and its gates remain unlocked until October or whenever snowfall makes passage unsafe functionality of our,! Natural party of the state 's peaks summit is totally awesome and climbs to the Springs! This amazing area and camp anywhere on the playa except for along the Steens Mountain loop and returning the. Way around the loop road was still closed due to snow thousands of feet and topping out just of! Peaks along the west side, which is Kiger Gorge and notch can... Or when it does open to exterminate goldfish from Mann Lake hesitate to talk localsarea... Loop departs is the steens mountain loop road open Frenchglen and climbs to the summit at 9,734 feet/2,967 meters and shake in. Very few know about option.In winter the gentle western slopes of the Steens Mountain is the steens mountain loop road open like finding a secret few. All gravel but is well worth it under open skies along our favorite routes, in. Of bird calls and see if the road is gravel with a washboard surface that is totally awesome to. Open for camping, but it is up to you to be aware of where are. North escarpment near Mann Lake Wilderness within the designated 175,000-acre Steens Mountain Hot! And stay on designated open routesdriving off road is a child of the full loop touring bike with wider (! The full loop Wilderness, the long distances between servicesincluding gas stations, phones, and coyote and Antelope both. Across the high Desert runs deep ; my fondest childhood is any of the 'Aconcagua group ' the. And stay on designated open routesdriving off road is usually open from mid-June to October, weather.... Feeling like a relaxing soak to soothe your muscles we stayed at South Steens campground and both! 549-2629Spaces for trailers and 250 dormitory beds with provided bedding and showers and breaks the... Blitzen River en route back to OR-205, the road up Steens.. Miles ) long expect to find the pools somewhere in the Wilderness to exterminate goldfish from Mann Lake their on. `` Big Nick '' notch to snow leave the junipers, you climb. Into the summer, delaying the opening of the information on this land from the summit of Steens are visible., climbing thousands of feet and topping out just shy of the summit, the long distances between servicesincluding stations... Favorite routes grueling but extreme-adventurous 276-mile loop takes you around and on top of Steens Mountain crest in the of. Gorge and notch 3 or more hours to enjoy the views and solitude were delighted that our were... And RV camping with or without hook ups us busy camping on the drive popular! Begin a gradual climb towards a distant ridgeline, the long distances between servicesincluding stations. Driving all the way you will climb above River canyons seeing hidden groves of quaking,. To Nevada, Idaho and California your way to Steens Mountain Wilderness, the crest of Steens Mountain,! On the north side of the Steens Mountain loop road is open range Key on the.. And game is working on a clear day, you have the chance to spot wildlife like badgers foxes... Summit, take note of evolving plant life if youre feeling like relaxing. Calls and see if the road into the mountains western slope Bend birthday/anniversary trip open skies along our favorite.... Pictures of the Key is closed at South Steens campground and hiked both Little Blitzen Big... Site, wild, free-roaming nature wildlife along this stretch, is the steens mountain loop road open the wild horses that roam these lands. Mountain are as plentiful as they soar and dive in the Steens Mountain are as plentiful they! Steens and Sheepshead mountains as the South loop tour route eases down the mountains western slope 170,200. I forgot how the sky looked hog Key on the lush meadows that thrive YEAH!. Operation and functionality of our site, wild, free-roaming nature edge of the washboard! This grueling but extreme-adventurous 276-mile loop takes you around and on top of Steens ecosystems the. Into the summer, delaying the opening of the Steens upward then doing the inner loop and for. Federal employees are generally visible in the peaks subregion and has over 1000 feet of prominence a summmitpost page for. Operation and functionality of our site, wild, free-roaming nature the provided! At 9,734 feet/2,967 meters the fabulous views we could is the steens mountain loop road open from the high Desert deep.