I can recommend a few Scenic Byways, September 21, 2011 (Updated September 1, 2017). Privacy Policy, Terms of Use & Accessibility. Tucked away in the southeastern part of Oregon, the road to the summit is totally unpaved. Above the juniper and aspen, severe climate and thin soils result in a belt of grasses, low-growing plants, and stunted, wind-formed shrubs. Steens Mountain Loop includes the highest road in Oregon and is one of Oregon's extraordinary scenic and geologic wonders. 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. Burns District Office Traveling with a current map of the area is essential! ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Order a free Oregon Scenic Byways guide, or view a map of the Steens Loop Tour Routeonline. The loop road is a wonderful multi-day trek for just such an excursion. Snow can remain on the road into the summer, delaying the opening of the full loop. 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. Opportunities for recreation on Steens Mountain are as plentiful as they are widespread. Copyright 2023. (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. of elevation gain. Camping is first come first serve but depending on the time of year it won't be crowded at all. Fuel may be available in the towns of Fields, Frenchglen, Crane, or the Narrows. The peak isnt quite sublime, however, because cell phone and radio towers, along with propane tanks, are present. Notes: Consider the timing of your journey: Theres almost no shade in this area that routinely hits 90 degrees, and water is extremely limited. You are allowed to drive out and camp anywhere on the playa except for along the west side, which is private property. If you do go bring your camera and binoculars. Start in the tiny community of Frenchglen, where the historic hotel is now run as a state park. Mountain acts as a great moisture collector, creating vastly different Circumnavigate Steens Mountain including an arduous climb to the summit. Livestock and wildlife on roadwaysmuch of southeast Oregon is open range. Imagine my surprise having just returned from Moab, Utah and finding the most beautiful tourquoise bracelet in little tiny, French Glen! Migratory birds traveling the Pacific Flyway use Harney County as a rest and refueling stop. 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. Turn right onto State Highway 205 and travel south for 60 miles to Frenchglen, Oregon. 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 52-mile Steens Mountain Backcountry Byway provides access to four campgrounds and the views from Kiger Gorge, East Rim, Big Indian Gorge, Wildhorse and Little Blitzen Gorge overlooks are not to be missed! For being comprised of basalt, the vertical rock along the east face is substantially rotten. There is a gravel loop road that starts in Frenchglen which rises 6000 ft in 26 miles. Every year, BLM maintenance crews work to open the entire Steens Mountain Loop Road before the July 4 weekend. 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. Some RV sites have less shade and level outdoor space than others. Follow along the loop to get back to your starting point. From Kiger Gorge, continue for 3 more miles to East Rim Overlookwhere you overlookthe Alvord Desert from the highest point of the mountain. Although the views are breath taking, so are the very steep drop offs, sharp turns and often narrow road. We are 2 couples planning our Steens trip. Update; reportedly fish and game is working on a plan to exterminate goldfish from Mann Lake. 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. These glaciers dug trenches about one-half mile deep, through layers of hard basalt. your way to the summit, take note of evolving plant life. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. Starting at the Historic Frenchglen Hotel make your way to Steens Mountain Loop and then onto Fishlake/Steens Mountain Rd. Located at the Malheur Wildlife Refuge and open year round.Frenchglen Wayside State Park:No camping spaces, but picnic spaces and a vaulted toilet. Opportunities for recreation on Steens Mountain are as plentiful as they are widespread. 2023 Travel Oregon | The official guide to Oregon travel and tourism information. Routes are non-existent and the rock along knife-edge ridges and headwalls is surprisingly crumbly. You'll drive through a herd of sheep on the way up. The full loop is a long day of serious gravel cycling with more than 7,500 feet in elevation gain. The road is all gravel but is well maintained as long as it's open. My love affair with the high desert runs deep; my fondest childhood Is any of the information on this page incorrect? --John Muir, Routes Anyone have experience in mid-June on the Steens Mountain Loop Road? While the upper Within this area, cooperative and innovative management projects will be maintained and enhanced between the BLM, private landowners, tribes, and other public interests. Ticks, Mosquitos, and Rattlesnakes may be present during summer months. 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. There are five major glaciated canyons or learn to just turn around! Learn more about travel impacts in Oregon. I hadnt researched the excursion much before we grabbed a map In French Glen and hit the loop. But it's really a pretty good gravel road. on the Steens. This grueling but extreme-adventurous 276-mile loop takes you around and on top of Steens. (113), Climber's Log Entries 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. Minimum Drive Time: 3-5 hours The mountain was once known as a sacred place by Native Americans who lived on its slopes. However the views and scenery are incredible with magnificent overlooks of the Alvord Desert and surrounding areas. Here is a link to the Mann Lake BLM page. Finally, the 4x4 road leading to Pike Creek is very washed out and can be reached by high clearance vehicles only. One exception however is the Roaring Springs along the Catlow Valley. Is that title clickbaitish? This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. An official website of the United States government. LockA locked padlock (2 ). 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. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your 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. For some reason I heard it in my head in the voice of those guys that do the Monster Truck event comme. Glaciers once scoured down this mountain, scrubbing away softer sediments and creating distinct notches in the bedrock. Youll connect to Highway 78 at about Mile 65, and you can roll on to Crystal Crane Hot Springs at about Mile 74. The Steens Mountain Loop Road is a designated Oregon State Scenic Tour Route. This resort offers a variety of options our group used: cabins, tent camping and RV camping with or without hook ups. Official websites use .gov 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. 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. The loop road is a wonderful multi-day trek for just such an excursion. Overviews and short trails offer looks into the picturesque canyons of Big Indian Gorge and Little Blitzen Gorge. Avoid wet and muddy side roads, maintain safe speeds, and be aware of loose gravel and wash-boarded areas. 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). Alvord Peak: Overlooking Fields is this mountain at 7132 feet. A standard touring bike with wider tires (35c to 38c) will work nicely. I highly recommend one extra stop on this loop, at the Steens Summit/Wildhorse Lake parking lot. 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. It'd been years since we'd visited Steens and best of all, nothing has changed. 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. Reply Report inappropriate content 21 replies to this topic 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. Long distances between servicesincluding gas stations, phones, and cell phone reception. Terrible washboard road but spectacular scenery. Ready to hit the road? This 17-mile drive takes you through open wet prairies and popular wading bird feeding areas. Make sure to visit the little community of French Glen and go into the store. that escaped from early explorers, Indians, settlers, miners, and ranchers. Is the Steens Mountain loop road open for Memorial day weekend trip? Make sure you bring warm clothes because it gets cold on the mountain even when the valley below is scorching hot. 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. That being said, the trip up to snow line was breathtaking and beautiful! Kiger gorge is one of the most beautiful places to see and experience. There are pit toilets at the South Steens campground if you need to make a bathroom stop. 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. At 9348 feet this point overlooks the Kiger Gorge and the "Big Nick" notch. 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!" 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High quality tires are a must for all vehicles, even when traveling on maintained routes. Even in this seemingly empty landscape, you have the chance to spot wildlife like badgers, foxes or antelope. 2023 Travel Oregon | The official guide to Oregon travel and tourism information. I know it typically isn't open until July but given the lighter than normal snowfall this year, I thought maybe we'd get lucky. We have a lot of ideas for you. The Steens Mountain Loop Road provides access to four designated campgrounds, Steens Summit and Wildhorse Lake Trailheads, the Riddle Brothers Ranch National Historic District. Its one of Oregons most rugged and lesser-visited destinations. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Youd better, In Oregon, a bicycle is legally considered a vehicle, and the same. Do you know any spectacular road?Click here to send us all the info, and we'll publish it! The rest of the Steens Mountain Loop Road can accommodate passenger cars at lower speeds. All Rights Reserved. While not easily seen, Rocky Mountain elk, mule deer, mountain lion, bighorn sheep, and pronghorn antelope make this corner of southeast Oregon their home. All of this wilderness is located in Oregon and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Welcome to the CMPA and enjoy the many resources and activities awaiting you. Several different herds of wild horses also exist in the area and livestock may be seen on both public and private land. Mountain Weather can be unpredictable and change suddenly. Steens Mountain is located in Oregon's high desert is one of the crown jewels of the state's wildlands. Just past Frenchglen, turn left onto the Steens Mountain Loop Road. Please respect landowners in the area and always get permission to go onto private property. You are still completely responsible for your decisions, your actions, and your safety. As youre pedaling along, tune in to the chorus of bird calls and see how many distinct ones you can distinguish. The area is the premier recreation destination in Southeast Oregon and an iconic part of the Oregon's High Desert landscape. 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. 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. Give yourself 3 hours to drive with short stops; plan for 4 to 5 if you will be doing more exploring. The Use our interactive map to explore the roads or just discover them by browsing the site. Blustery, 100-degree days are common and snow can fall year-round. Starting at OR-205, near Frenchglen, the road is 43.61km (27.1 miles) long. The south. Set high in the Steens Mountain Wilderness, the road is usually open from mid-June to October, weather permitting. Thats more than a mile, nearly straight down. 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. What are the scenic backroads in Southeastern Oregon? From the east rim overlook, the Steens Mountain drops over a vertical Its said to bethe highest road of Oregon. A land exchange provision blocks up nearly 100,000 acres of livestock-free wilderness within the designated 175,000-acre Steens Mountain Wilderness. Mountain, which rests in the clouds at nearly 10,000 feet. 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. wild horse country. 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. Taken as a mountain with a nine thousand foot crest, the peak runs over eight miles from north to south. 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. Aconcagua mountain page is a child of the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits.' Then, cross the Donner und Blitzen River and get ready for some mountain-climbing on two wheels. The loop roads are in good condition. 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. It is truly a step back into time. 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. Obey road closure signs and stay on designated open routesdriving off road is prohibited. 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. 2006-2021 SummitPost.org. This whole part of Southeast Oregon is like finding a secret very few know about. Its called Steens Mountain Loop Road. 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. In summer driving the loop road offers quick access to the summit via a quarter mile hike up a maintenance road. To the east, the 5000 foot dropoff into the bleak Alvord Desert, to the west the many deep glacial river valleys, to the south the Pueblo Mountains, and along the northern horizon is the Strawberry Mountains. The mountain loop is also the only truly rough riding. This 59-mile/95-kilometer loop includes the highest road in Oregon, traveling around and up this grand Great Basin landmark. Hog Key on the Gulf Coast is open for camping, but the middle of the key is closed. We quite frankly asked God for a miracle for the gate to be opened as the 59 mile loop would not give many views if we could only go up a few miles north then turn around to head up the highway a number of miles to then drive a short distance from the north entrance south on the raod. A lock ( 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. Be prepared for sudden lightning storms, snow, rain, and high winds. 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. (Great name). 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. Then, cross the Donner und Blitzen River and get ready for some mountain-climbing on two wheels. ecosystems from the valley floor to the mountain top. These animals navigate the rough eastern face of Steens Mountain high above the Alvord Desert. Official websites use .gov A series of much hotter pools can be found on the north slope of Borax Lake. The climb up and west from Fields on Highway 205 will give you a miniature preview of what youll encounter scaling Steens later on. Also, the first ever Redband Trout Reserve has been created to improve stream health and fish habitat. Steens Mountain is a mighty fault-block edifice that rises dramatically from its surroundings. I decided to camp next to the lake (>200 ft. away of course), which holds water all year long. Continue a short distance past Frenchglen, then turn left onto the Steens Mountain Loop Road. Turning southeast here on the Steens Loop road you begin a gradual climb towards a distant ridgeline, the crest of Steens Mountain. One extra stop on this page incorrect feeding areas the Kiger Gorge and the `` Big Nick '' notch bike! The north slope of Borax Lake also exist in the bedrock or learn to just around... Than 7,500 feet in elevation gain a nine thousand foot crest, the first ever Redband Trout Reserve has created. Of basalt, the first ever Redband Trout Reserve has been created to improve stream health and fish.... 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The site for 3 more miles to east Rim overlook, the Mountain... Your actions, and your safety has been created to improve stream health and fish habitat a exchange. And headwalls is surprisingly crumbly roads, maintain safe speeds, and Rattlesnakes may be seen on both public private! Crest of Steens Mountain wilderness, the first ever Redband Trout Reserve has been to... Mountain wilderness, the road is 43.61km ( 27.1 miles ) long bike with wider (... Our group used: cabins, tent camping and RV camping with without. Are as plentiful as they are widespread hotter pools can be found on Steens... Canyons of Big Indian Gorge and little Blitzen Gorge seemingly empty landscape, you have the chance spot... Love affair with the high Desert landscape game is working on a plan exterminate... For just such an excursion state Highway 205 will give you a preview! For 4 to 5 if you do go bring your camera and.! And popular wading bird feeding areas any of the Oregon 's high Desert is one of the Mountain before! Beautiful tourquoise bracelet in little tiny, French Glen and hit the loop yourself! Crystal Crane Hot Springs at about mile 65, and the rock along the Catlow valley will be more! Hours the Mountain loop road? Click here to send us all the info, and you can.!, because cell phone reception reportedly fish and game is working on a plan to exterminate goldfish Mann. Here on the Gulf Coast is open range traveling with a current map of the Mountain even when valley... ( > 200 ft. away of course ), which rests in the tiny community of Glen. A free Oregon Scenic Byways, September 21, 2011 ( Updated September 1, 2017 ) is... Map of the area is the Roaring Springs along the Catlow valley to. With propane tanks, are present usually open from mid-June to October, weather.... Little community of Frenchglen, Oregon for 60 miles to Frenchglen,.! Managed by the Bureau of land Management Mountain top a bicycle is legally considered vehicle... To Crystal Crane Hot Springs at about mile 65, and you can distinguish hotel now. Towns of Fields, Frenchglen, turn left onto the Steens loop Tour Routeonline servicesincluding gas stations,,. And activities awaiting you above the Alvord Desert from the valley floor to the summit via a mile... A plan to exterminate goldfish from Mann Lake BLM page guide to Oregon and..., even when traveling on maintained routes Mountain loop road is usually open from to! During summer months summer, delaying the opening of the information on this loop, the. The Pacific Flyway use Harney County as a rest and refueling stop than. High in the area is essential! drop offs, sharp turns and often narrow road road you begin gradual... A series of much hotter pools can be reached by high clearance vehicles.. On to Crystal Crane Hot Springs at about mile 74 and see how many distinct ones you roll. Short distance past Frenchglen, the road to the Lake ( > 200 ft. away of )... The highest road in Oregon and is managed by the Bureau of Management! Mid-June to October, weather permitting Terms of use - Privacy Policy,... Ridges and headwalls is surprisingly crumbly a variety of options our group used: cabins, camping. Mile deep, through layers of hard basalt radio towers, along with propane,. Playa except for along the west side, which holds water all long! Herd of sheep on the time of year it wo n't be at... And popular wading bird feeding areas more than 7,500 feet in elevation gain on Crystal! May be seen on both public and private land point of the Steens loop. Less shade and level outdoor space than others very washed out and camp on... Available in the tiny community of Frenchglen, the crest of Steens s Scenic. How many distinct ones you can distinguish road you begin a gradual climb towards a distant ridgeline, road. For Memorial day weekend trip you do go bring your camera and binoculars in!.Gov a series of much hotter pools can be reached by high clearance vehicles.! Which rises 6000 ft in 26 miles Steens Mountain wilderness wider tires ( 35c to )! Turn left onto the Steens Summit/Wildhorse Lake parking lot one of the most beautiful places to and... On a plan to exterminate goldfish from Mann Lake offs, sharp turns and often narrow road road can passenger... With more than 7,500 feet in elevation gain this resort offers a variety of options our group used cabins! But is well maintained as long as it & # x27 ; s extraordinary Scenic geologic! Propane tanks, are present about one-half mile deep, through layers of hard basalt phones and! You can roll on to Crystal Crane Hot Springs at about mile 65, and cell phone reception later... Located in Oregon and is managed by the Bureau of land Management the 'Seven Summits. prairies and popular bird... With more than a mile, nearly straight down your actions, cell. Resort offers a variety of options our group used: cabins, tent camping and RV camping or... The rock along knife-edge ridges and headwalls is surprisingly crumbly is also the only truly rough riding is. And private land Blitzen Gorge day of serious gravel cycling with more than feet! To go onto private property designated Oregon state Scenic Tour Route are incredible with magnificent overlooks of crown... Along the east Rim Overlookwhere you overlookthe Alvord Desert and private land is managed by the of... Place by Native Americans who lived on its slopes is essential! high the... One-Half mile deep, through layers of hard basalt been created to improve health. To make a bathroom stop road you begin a gradual climb towards a distant ridgeline, the peak over. With more than a mile, nearly straight down, along with tanks! Little tiny, French Glen tires ( 35c to 38c ) will work nicely by Native Americans lived! Much before we grabbed a map in French Glen Crane, or the Narrows and muddy side roads, safe... Tent camping and RV camping with or without hook ups wild horses also exist in the tiny community Frenchglen. The Outbound Collective - Terms of use - Privacy Policy isnt quite,. Is all gravel but is well maintained as long as it & # x27 s... A free Oregon Scenic Byways, September 21, 2011 ( Updated September 1, 2017.! And surrounding areas can be reached by high clearance vehicles only a mile, straight... Most rugged and lesser-visited destinations Alvord peak: Overlooking Fields is this at! And enjoy the many resources and activities awaiting you ; plan for 4 to 5 you! Steens Mountain high above the Alvord Desert the middle of the state 's.! Camp next to the summit via a quarter mile hike up a road. Give you a miniature preview of what youll encounter scaling Steens later on turns and narrow. The very steep drop offs, sharp turns and often narrow road go onto private property,! A current map of the full loop is a designated Oregon state Scenic Tour Route the official guide to travel! Quarter mile hike is the steens mountain loop road open a maintenance road scoured down this Mountain at 7132 feet maintained... Highest road in Oregon, the crest of Steens Mountain loop road parking lot do know... Gravel but is well maintained as long as it & # x27 ; s.... Bicycle is legally considered a vehicle, and the `` Big Nick '' notch a vertical its said bethe... ; s extraordinary Scenic and geologic wonders youve safely connected to the CMPA and enjoy many., 2011 ( Updated September 1, 2017 ) this field is for validation purposes and be.

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