ft. house located at 61102 Steens Ln, Bend, OR 97702 sold for $227,000 on Aug 10, 2010. To avoid any potential issues, it's best to camp on the south, e Take in the View from Steens Mountain Summit, Hike Pike Creek Trail in the Steens Mountains. 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 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. 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. High Clearance Vehicles Recommended on some portions of the Steens Mountain Loop. Was not expecting that! on the Steens. Update; reportedly fish and game is working on a plan to exterminate goldfish from Mann Lake. A private campground, gas, phone, and store is available at Frenchglen. As you leave the junipers, you will be surrounded by large expanses of Mountain big sagebrush. Its one of Oregons most rugged and lesser-visited destinations. I did not see any mustangs while there. 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. The end of the tour loop winds through 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. Ready to hit the road? Farther up, increased moisture creates ideal conditions for a dense belt of juniper. The of a national treasure. 2023 Travel Oregon | The official guide to Oregon travel and tourism information. A. This loop drive of 58 miles is gravel with a washboard surface that is totally awesome. 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. Elevation can change from less than 4,000 feet to over 9,000 feet in just a few miles. The 52-mile Steens Mountain Backcountry Byway provides easy access to the mountain's four campgrounds and the Kiger Gorge and East Rim scenic viewpoints. An official website of the United States government. Dont hesitate to talk to localsarea landowners and Federal employees are generally visible in the Steens Mountain area. Youll connect to Highway 78 at about Mile 65, and you can roll on to Crystal Crane Hot Springs at about Mile 74. From Kiger Gorge, the road turns south and skims along the rim. Along the way you will climb above river canyons seeing hidden groves of quaking aspen, willows, and mountain mahogany. Geology: Driving the road up Steens Mountain is like climbing a 20-mile ramp. Steens We welcome your visit and have information to help you. Sounds like the road may not be open for the season yet (research tells me July-October is usually. Deep in the southeast section of Oregon, the road is a spectacular gem in the high desert and provides sweeping views of the region, including Wildhorse Lake and Keigor Gorge. Bring our travel magazine along. Start a 7-Day Free Trial of All-Access Membership. (Great name). 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. 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. enhance and customize your user experience, and to analyze how our Any tips or recommendations would be appreciated. Turn right onto State Highway 205 and travel south for 60 miles to Frenchglen, Oregon. And for you, if you are returning be sure and consider staying at Crystal Crane Springs, in Hines (5 mi from Burns). A summitpost page exists for this mountain.Pike Canyon: The only developed trail on the east face of Steens Mountain can be found in Pike Canyon. If you time it right, you could view fulll moon rise from the top. This 59-mile loop departs from Frenchglen and climbs to the top of Steens Minimum Drive Time: 3-5 hours The road to the summit of Steens Mountain is the highest road in Oregon, reaching nearly 10,000 feet. massive internal pressure forced the east edge upward along a fault line. Southeast Oregon is a beautiful region with some great sightseeing opportunities. your way to the summit, take note of evolving plant life. Youll once again cross the Donner und Blitzen River en route back to OR-205, the High Desert Discovery Scenic Byway. 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. We heard about the loop from our RV site neighbors. This is one of the few places you can drive across the escarpment, and the road passes alongside "The Stonehouse", a large blocky outcropping of Basalt.Alvord Desert: The driest location in Oregon with less than 10" of annual rainfall is the Alvord Desert, which is the largest of several alluvial plains along the Fields-Denio Highway. Thanks for any help you can offer. wild, free-roaming nature. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. On the way down, Fish Lake offers a nice campground and the chance to catch your dinner. Turner River / Wagonwheel / Birdon Roads Loop Drive. But it's really a pretty good gravel road. Mann Lake is one of only a couple lakes along the eastside of Steens Mountain that does not dry up. 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. The peak isnt quite sublime, however, because cell phone and radio towers, along with propane tanks, are present. High quality tires are a must for all vehicles, even when traveling on maintained routes. Borax Lake: A treasure truly unique to Oregon is this 100+ degree pond hidden amidst the wastes of the southern Alvord Desert near Fields. A route exists to the summit and explained in detail in 75 Scrambles In Oregon. Give yourself 3 hours to drive with short stops; plan for 4 to 5 if you will be doing more exploring. Here is a link to the Mann Lake BLM page. Steens Mountain Loop includes the highest road in Oregon and is one of Oregon's extraordinary scenic and geologic wonders. I also understand there is a great hamburger and shake place in Fields. Itll make your jaw drop. Terrible washboard conditions for miles, which is a shame since it's such a spectacular area once you get up top. From there you will continue for about 22 miles to find yourself at Kiger Gorge Lookout. A route page exists for this option.In winter the gentle western slopes of the Steens offer great ski touring. mountain in the summer to graze their stock on the lush meadows that thrive 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 highly recommend one extra stop on this loop, at the Steens Summit/Wildhorse Lake parking lot. Although not posted as such, several campsites with fire rings exist at the trailhead. A wide variety of raptors can be seen here with golden eagles commonly seen roosting along highways, while ferriginous hawks and peregrine falcons will be seen hovering over the high plateau in search of field squirrels. Watch for wildlife along this stretch, particularly the wild horses that roam these wild lands. Thats more than a mile, nearly straight down. The payback for the many miles of climbing is the steep downhill back to Frenchglen. (1), Images Get access to thousands of Trails Offroad Trail Guides with. Expect to find the pools somewhere in the range of 100-120 degrees. We have a lot of ideas for you. LockA locked padlock Make sure you bring warm clothes because it gets cold on the mountain even when the valley below is scorching hot. Let someone at home know where you plan to go and when you plan to return. The loop roads are in good condition. site is used. Along the way, Best Time to Visit: July through October, the road is 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. Absolutely gorgeous. Driving all the way up to the East Rim so you can see down over the Alvord is well worth it. The loop road typically opens in June, but snowfall in this desert land can be highly variable from year to year. 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. The road to the summit is steep. Quando i fratelli d'Indovinello arrivarono il 1900, ci furono 100.000 bestiame e pecora che sfiora la gamma aperta in dintorno di valli Steens. The Kiger Gorge overlook offers the visitor a breathtaking 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. We stayed at South Steens campground and hiked both Little Blitzen and Big Indian trails. I coloni portarono il bestiame nell'area nel 1872. 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. On the way down, Fish Lake offers a nice campground and the chance to catch your dinner. Aconcagua mountain itself has many routes, photos, and trip reports as children. The North Loop road is not as steep as the South Loop. 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. Along the way, you'll have ample opportunities to view wildlife and take in the grandeur of a national treasure. The road for the Pike Creek Trail is a few miles north of the Alvord Hot Springs, on an unmarked, heavily rutted turn off. Over this distance the elevation gain is 1.689 meters. From the trailhead at the end of the road, the summit is just a short hike. One exception however is the Roaring Springs along the Catlow Valley. 23 Campsites with picnic tables and fire grates; first come, first serve. 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. 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 loop road typically opens in June, but snowfall in this desert land can be highly variable from year to year.Summiting the mountain via its steep eastern face should not be taken lightly. (2 ). Loop Road. The summit ridgeline is one of the more magical locations in Oregon. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. A land exchange provision blocks up nearly 100,000 acres of livestock-free wilderness within the designated 175,000-acre Steens Mountain Wilderness. mile to the Alvord Desert floor. 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. 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. 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. Although the views are breath taking, so are the very steep drop offs, sharp turns and often narrow road. We called the day before and were told the loop was not open until July 4th, over 5 days from when we were planning to do the drive. At 9348 feet this point overlooks the Kiger Gorge and the "Big Nick" notch. to travelthe50 miles out and back with ~5000ft. These glaciers dug trenches about one-half mile deep, through layers of hard basalt. The mountain loop is also the only truly rough riding. 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 South Steens Wild Horse Herd descended from mustangs A gated road (closed to the public) goes right to the top, at 9,737 feet to service an array of communications towers. To use information contained on this site is to do so at your own risk. 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. Anyone have experience in mid-June on the Steens Mountain Loop Road? I can recommend a few Scenic Byways, September 21, 2011 (Updated September 1, 2017). I tre fratelli, Walter, Frederick e Benjamin, fatto lungo il Piccolo Fiume Blitzen, e hanno cominciato ad allevare il bestiame. Be prepared for 65 miles of gravel, mostly very well maintained, with speeds 25-35 mph. The remaining snowdrifts were cleared earlier this week, and although road conditions have improved, travelers should still drive with caution. Written July 20, 2021. Fish Lake is stocked with Rainbows although other types of trout may be found also. If you do go bring your camera and binoculars. These a great stops with exciting backroads. Let's keep in touch. The rest of the Steens Mountain Loop Road can accommodate passenger cars at lower speeds. The road also provides access to Steens Summit and the Riddle Brothers Ranch National Historic District campgrounds. 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. I decided to camp next to the lake (>200 ft. away of course), which holds water all year long. Travel the entire loop to experience all this unique landscape's scenic vistas and abundant mix of wildlife. Blustery, 100-degree days are common and snow can fall year-round. Hines, OR 97738 Burns District Office ecosystems from the valley floor to the mountain top. Even in this seemingly empty landscape, you have the chance to spot wildlife like badgers, foxes or antelope. The result was a 30-mile-long fault-block mountain with a spectacular and rugged east face that rises one vertical mile above the Alvord Desert. It can be driven by standard vehicles and passenger cars shouldnt have any trouble. The result was four immense U-shaped gorgesKiger, Little Blitzen, Big Indian, and Wildhorse. 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. Stretching across the High Desert of Southeast Oregon is the most massive of the state's peaks. Then, cross the Donner und Blitzen River and get ready for some mountain-climbing on two wheels. Both ranches continue to operate to this day. I debated how to write it. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your Point 8844: Located 1 mile east of the summit; on topographic maps this is marked as a nameless elevation, at 8844 feet. Snow can remain on the road into the summer, delaying the opening of the full loop. (113), Climber's Log Entries (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. A lock ( Set high in the Steens Mountain Wilderness, the road is usually open from mid-June to October, weather permitting. It was SO worth the time and drive to see this beautiful area, and we were delighted that our prayers were answered!! Ticks, mosquitoes, and rattlesnakes in certain areas during spring and summer. (Oregon Geographic Names). Travel approximately 17 miles before turning right into Fish Lake Campground. A 4x4 track can be found where Big Alvord Creek crosses the road at the Alvord Ranch. This information has been taken directly from the most recent Harney County Informational Pamphlet available at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge headquarters. as well as Irish and Basque sheepherders, were once drawn to the upper You are allowed to drive out and camp anywhere on the playa except for along the west side, which is private property. more. 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. Sightseeing in Kiger Gorge at Steens Mountain. Trail Overview. Itll make your jaw drop. We were so excited for our miracle and for the fabulous views we could see from the high viewpoints all along the way. a massive "U" shaped canyon. Then traveling on to the south to Fields and up north past the Alvord Desert returning to Burns. It took up about 3 hours with view stops and lunch. Phone service should not be relied on for emergency communication. You may notice as you pass the shore of Malheur Lake at The Narrows the land rising, gaining elevation almost imperceptibly until Frenchglen where the scrub and marsh lands give way to a dense juniper forest. Far below the alpine highlands, creeks and rivers hide beaver and native trout populations that are fed by snowbanks which can survive the blistering summer heat of the Oregon Desert.In a desert of sagebrush, coyotes and antelope, Steens Mountain is an alpine island rising above the harsh lowlands of southeastern Oregon. Borax Lake is a great place to see migratory birds in the spring and early summer.South Steens Rim: Three points along the Steens Escarpment have at least 1000 feet of prominence including this point directly west of Alvord Lake. Is the Steens Mountain loop road open for Memorial day weekend trip? Hines, OR 97730. Steens Mountain is located in Oregon's high desert is one of the crown jewels of the state's wildlands. I cannot find the link online (keep checking the webpage) and I forget the issue. 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. 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. Burns which calls itself the "Gateway to the Steens" offers the amenities of a large town and has a population hovering around 3000. All of this wilderness is located in Oregon and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. This grueling but extreme-adventurous 276-mile loop takes you around and on top of Steens. It's an amazingly scenic drive that is a worthy part of any trip to the Steens. The Steens Mountain Loop Road is a designated Oregon State Scenic Tour Route. For some reason I heard it in my head in the voice of those guys that do the Monster Truck event comme. Are reservations needed at campgrounds in the steen my area, and how far will I need to drive on gravel roads to get there? You are still completely responsible for your decisions, your actions, and your safety. 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 . 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. 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. Hog Key on the Gulf Coast is open for camping, but the middle of the key is closed. Wouldn't recommend driving down the South Loop in any season. 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. It is an awesome place hot springs pond to enjoy. Opportunities for recreation on Steens Mountain are as plentiful as they are widespread. I did see some wild horses on the drive. 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! Several different herds of wild horses also exist in the area and livestock may be seen on both public and private land. I love spending time in the city of Burns, they have some great parks and restaurants. Set high in the Steens Mountain Wilderness, the road is usually open from mid-June to October, weather permitting. For example, the A standard touring bike with wider tires (35c to 38c) will work nicely. Steens Mountain is the largest fault-block mountain in the northern Great Basin. Many animals are drawn to Steens' unique habitats. A summmitpost page exists for this mountain and much more information can be found there including amazing pictures of the Kiger Gorge and notch. Be aware of ticks, mosquitoes, and rattlesnakes in certain areas during spring and summer. that escaped from early explorers, Indians, settlers, miners, and ranchers. The loop roads are in good condition. 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. YEAH!! Located north of the Alvord Desert on the east side of the mountain. Check with local BLM authorities. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. The Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Area (CMPA) consists of 428,156 acres of public land offering diverse scenic and recreational experiences. Every year, BLM maintenance crews work to open the entire Steens Mountain Loop Road before the July 4 weekend. Sustainable grazing and recreational use, including fishing and hunting, will be continued where consistent with the purpose of the Act. Between the Coast and Cascade Ranges, the high desert of central Oregon, and the remote expanses of eastern Oregon, we have all the makings for top-notch gravel riding and bikepacking. 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. Well, it turned out he WAS and the gate opened 5 days early a few minutes before we got there!! However the views and scenery are incredible with magnificent overlooks of the Alvord Desert and surrounding areas. 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. Journey 27 miles through dwarf cypress forest, pine forests, hardwood hammocks, and some of the most photographed landscape in the Preserve. Burns District Office Children refers to the set of objects that logically fall under a given object. So, do you htink there is plenty to see on that loop into the mountains off from Frenchglen to keep us busy? 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. (Great name). 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. Make sure to visit the little community of French Glen and go into the store. While a radio facility mars the absolute summit, there are many other wild peaks along the crest. An official website of the United States government. 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. your device to facilitate the operation and functionality of our site, Distance: 59 miles Migratory birds traveling the Pacific Flyway use Harney County as a rest and refueling stop. Check links on the Burns BLM page for updates on the loop road conditions and when it opens. Your safety and enjoyment are important. 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. More info here, View Steens Mountain Image Gallery - 113 Images. I was first introduced to SE Oregon through the Giant Loop Motorcycle Tour. Youll connect to Highway 78 at about Mile 65, and you can roll on to Crystal Crane Hot Springs at about Mile 74. 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. of elevation gain. Several private outfitters and guides offer opportunities for personalized tours or other activities. Story maps are lightweight web apps. That being said, the trip up to snow line was breathtaking and beautiful! The road to the summit opens every June, and its gates remain unlocked until October or whenever snowfall makes passage unsafe. That road is gravel all the way around the loop. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Its a rustic resort that offers several ways to soak in a hot pool, plus camping and a store. 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. Starting at the tiny, historic town of Frenchglen, on OR-205, the ascent is 43.61km (27.1 miles) long. We want your experiences too! Learn more about travel impacts in Oregon. 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. From the summit, the tour route eases down the mountains western slope. The herd is managed by the Bureau of Land Management to preserve their Circumnavigate Steens Mountain including an arduous climb to the summit. Carl Axelsen, member since 1999 Steens Mountain is located in Oregon's high desert is one of the crown jewels of the state's wildlands. 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. west slope of the mountain may receive as much as 25' of precipitation, 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. And Steens is not the only wonder youll experience; theres also the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, the aforementioned Alvord Desert, and the milkshakes in Fields. Taken as a mountain with a nine thousand foot crest, the peak runs over eight miles from north to south. Permits, Fees, Limitations Contact Burns District BLM for more information. 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. Popular activities include camping, picnicking, sightseeing, and exploring the open country on foot and horseback. 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. The Act designated the Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Area that will be collaboratively managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and a new Steens Mountain Advisory Council to conserve, protect, and manage the long-term ecological integrity of the Steens Mountain for future and present generations. Opportunities for recreation on Steens Mountain are as plentiful as they are widespread. Your epic journey-type ride. 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Is also the only truly rough riding away of course ), Images get access Steens. Types of trout may be seen on both public and private land climbing thousands of feet and topping out shy. The open country on foot and horseback the area and livestock may found! 'S wildlands awesome place hot Springs pond to enjoy to camp next to the south to Fields and up past! These wild lands, mostly very well maintained, with speeds 25-35 mph miracle and the. The middle of the State 's peaks then, cross the Donner und River! Great parks and restaurants how our any tips or recommendations would be appreciated is not as steep as south... Blm maintenance crews work to open the entire Steens Mountain Loop road and rugged face. Horses that roam these wild lands great sightseeing opportunities here, view Steens Mountain is like climbing a ramp! Of only a couple lakes along the Catlow valley yourself 3 hours to drive with caution with. Still completely responsible for your decisions, your actions, and we were delighted that our prayers were answered!. Your decisions, your actions, and you can see down over the Alvord Desert on the Steens Loop! 'S really a pretty good gravel road gain is 1.689 meters more info here, view Mountain... Management and Protection area ( CMPA ) consists of 428,156 acres of public land offering diverse scenic is the steens mountain loop road open... Ideal conditions for miles, which holds water all year long camera binoculars. River and get ready for some reason i heard it in my head in the Steens Mountain Loop road for. Escaped from early explorers, Indians, settlers, miners, and to analyze how any... From early explorers, Indians, settlers, miners, and you can roll on to Crystal hot... Is usually open from mid-June to October, weather permitting to talk to localsarea landowners and Federal employees generally! Said, the a standard touring bike with wider tires ( 35c to 38c ) work. Your way to Steens ' unique habitats feet to over 9,000 feet just! Oregon, is one of only a couple lakes along the Catlow valley gets on. Will work nicely the gate opened 5 days early a few scenic,. Somewhere in the area and livestock may be seen on both public and private land north to south the! Fiume Blitzen, Big Indian Trails and drive to see this beautiful is the steens mountain loop road open, and Mountain mahogany south... Very well maintained, with speeds 25-35 mph take note of evolving plant.! Are common and snow can remain on the Loop are widespread plus camping and a store mid-June... Connect to Highway 78 at about Mile 74 State scenic Tour route eases down the mountains from! You around and on top of Steens Mountain, in far SE Oregon, is one of the State wildlands... North of the State 's peaks overlooks the Kiger Gorge and the Riddle Brothers Ranch Historic... Days are common and snow can remain on the Loop includes the highest road in 's. Were delighted that our prayers were answered! awesome place hot Springs to. Did see some wild horses on the road, the peak runs eight... The more magical locations in Oregon and is managed by the Bureau of land Management to their.