there. The road can be rough on the descent, with some washboarding, but its a small price to pay for seeing the land youre riding through. Because the Steens Mountain Loop was on husband's bucket list, we added it on to our annual late June Bend birthday/anniversary trip. You can find just about anything to suit your fancy here whether youre into glacier views of Mount Hood or exploring remote jeep roads and sleeping in the sagebrush. Steens Mountain makes you feel like you are on top of the world. 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. 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. The North Loop road is not as steep as the South Loop. Looming over Kiger is the eponhymously named Gunsight notch also glacially carved. The area surrounding the lake is pr Driving on the 205 you will turn onto the Steens Mountain LoopRoad at the Frenchglen Hotel State Heritage Site, then continue to drive 27 miles up into the Steens Mountain Wilderness, following the main road until you see the turnoff towards the summit. At the top, there are three glacial gorges the most spectacular of which is Kiger Gorge which is perfectly U-shaped. 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. Parents refers to a larger category under which an object falls. Order a free Oregon Scenic Byways guide, or view a map of the Steens Loop Tour Routeonline. As you crest and start downhill, take the time to stop for Kiger Gorge, perhaps the most magnificent of the glacial gorges carved into this mountain. Although located in the Southeast corner of Oregon hundreds of miles from any major cites, the mountain is very accessible given a tolerance for driving. You can expect any other roadsindicated by dashed lines on a mapto be passable by four-wheel drive vehicles only. I wish I had better words to tell you how amazing this place is. From Kiger Gorge, continue for 3 more miles to East Rim Overlookwhere you overlookthe Alvord Desert from the highest point of the mountain. Planning a road trip at the end of this month to the Steens and just wondering if there's a chance of the Steens Loop being open yet? 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. Livestock and wildlife on roadwaysmuch of southeast Oregon is open range. 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. Blustery, 100-degree days are common and snow can fall year-round. Steens Mountain is simply awesome. The average gradient is 3.87%. It took up about 3 hours with view stops and lunch. Over this distance the elevation gain is 1.689 meters. 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. Get access to thousands of Trails Offroad Trail Guides with. Steens Mountain was originally called Snow Mountain back in the 19th century.Devine Rock is named for John S. Devine, the first cattle baron to arrive into the Alvord Basin. THnaks MOrgan, BLM campgrounds with drinking water and vault toilets are located at Page Springs, Fish Lake, Jackman Park, and South Steens. mountain in the summer to graze their stock on the lush meadows that thrive ecosystems from the valley floor to the mountain top. We are 2 couples planning our Steens trip. Its designated a Wild and Scenic River from here to its head-waters atop the mountain. 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. The road to the summit opens every June, and its gates remain unlocked until October or whenever snowfall makes passage unsafe. Located at the Malheur Wildlife Refuge and open year round.Frenchglen Wayside State Park:No camping spaces, but picnic spaces and a vaulted toilet. There is a strong cell service and a wi fi. Mann Lake is one of only a couple lakes along the eastside of Steens Mountain that does not dry up. 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. 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. Mann Lake (Mile 137) offers a camping spot to split the distance from Crystal Crane to Fields. That being said, the trip up to snow line was breathtaking and beautiful! Thats more than a mile, nearly straight down. Both ranches continue to operate to this day. Every year, the Bureau of. Do you know any spectacular road?Click here to send us all the info, and we'll publish it! Ambitious hikers can head down 1,100 ft. to the beautiful Wildhorse Lake, but everyone else should definitely make the half-mile trip up to the 9,733 ft. summit of Steens Mountain. Over 12 miles, youll climb about 4,400 feet but the scenery will distract you, as you ascend the ridge between the Little Blitzen and Indian gorges; make sure to stop for every viewpoint along here. I hadnt researched the excursion much before we grabbed a map In French Glen and hit the loop. Traveling with a current map of the area is essential! Your safety and enjoyment are important. High quality tires are a must for all vehicles, even when traveling on maintained routes. 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. was off the roadway and we could see the Alvord Desert below as well as mountain peaks in the distance and d A must do if ever in this part of Oregon! I did not see any mustangs while there. 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. of elevation gain. 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. 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. Several private outfitters and guides offer opportunities for personalized tours or other activities. Routes are non-existent and the rock along knife-edge ridges and headwalls is surprisingly crumbly. (Great Basin Country page 25), Saw a recent article in Couloir Magazine about some steep, virgin gullies on Steens Mountain. Learn more about travel impacts in Oregon. The entire Steens Mountain Loop Road has just been opened. The mountain loop is also the only truly rough riding. Sounds like the road may not be open for the season yet (research tells me July-October is usually. My love affair with the high desert runs deep; my fondest childhood Is any of the information on this page incorrect? 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. One notable exception is Big Indian Gorge which does have a developed trail running the length of it. Starting at OR-205, near Frenchglen, the road is 43.61km (27.1 miles) long. Every year, BLM maintenance crews work to open the entire Steens Mountain Loop Road before the July 4 weekend. High Clearance Vehicles Recommended on some portions of the Steens Mountain Loop. So, I would check with the BLM office and see if the road is open now or when it does open. Phone service should not be relied on for emergency communication. I decided to camp next to the lake (>200 ft. away of course), which holds water all year long. Visitors bike on rugged mountain roads, photograph landscapes, wildlife and wildflowers, and catch redband trout in the Donner und Blitzen River. The area is not fenced, but it is up to you to be aware of where you are on the playa. For some reason I heard it in my head in the voice of those guys that do the Monster Truck event comme. sometimes be spotted negotiating rocky escarpments; pronghorn antelope, 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. 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. Bighorn sheep can It is an awesome place hot springs pond to enjoy. Driving all the way up to the East Rim so you can see down over the Alvord is well worth it. Follow this link to interactive maps of this amazing area! If not for the road beating I'd rate it a 5.0 The weather up there can be quite a bit different than down at Frenchglen so prepare for possible wind and cold. The Steens Mountain Loop Road will open all the way up to almost 8,000 feet elevation starting tomorrow! Steens Mountain is an example of a fault-block mountain, formed when Even in this seemingly empty landscape, you have the chance to spot wildlife like badgers, foxes or antelope. It is some of the wildest and most remote land left in Oregon. A series of much hotter pools can be found on the north slope of Borax Lake. The Steens Mountain Loop Road provides access to four designated campgrounds, Steens Summit and Wildhorse Lake Trailheads, the Riddle Brothers Ranch National Historic District. Starting at the tiny, historic town of Frenchglen, on OR-205, the ascent is 43.61km (27.1 miles) long. Located north of the Alvord Desert on the east side of the mountain. the Alvord Desert in its shadow receives less than six inches. 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. Steens Mountain is a mighty fault-block edifice that rises dramatically from its surroundings. And for you, if you are returning be sure and consider staying at Crystal Crane Springs, in Hines (5 mi from Burns). Weather UV Index Daylight Saturday 27 / 11 F Sunday 19 / 3 F Monday 2006-2021 SummitPost.org. It isnt until the Kiger Gorge overlook that the sense of elevation really takes hold. We have a lot of ideas for you. Overviews and short trails offer looks into the picturesque canyons of Big Indian Gorge and Little Blitzen Gorge. (Great name). At the base of the mountain, where water is scarce, is a belt of sagebrush. ft. house located at 61102 Steens Ln, Bend, OR 97702 sold for $227,000 on Aug 10, 2010. Download a detailed guide (PDF). 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 full loop is a long day of serious gravel cycling with more than 7,500 feet in elevation gain. You can ride this loop in either direction, but for the sake of this description lets assume you want to save the most stupendous views for later in the trip. 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 rises up from the sagebrush desert to nearly 10,000 feet /3,048 meters. 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. Dont hesitate to talk to localsarea landowners and Federal employees are generally visible in the Steens Mountain area. A. Frenchglen Hotel is located next door.Located on the south end of Frenchglen.Page Springs: (541)573-440036 Campsites along the Blitzen River with toilets, water, garbage service, fire rings and picnic tables.Located 3 miles east of Frenchglen on the Steens Mountain Loop Road and open year round.Jackman Park: (541)573-44006 Campsites with toilets, water, garbage service, fire rings and picnic tables.Located 19 miles east of Frenchglen on the Steens Mountain Loop Road near Fish Lake. Steens Mountain is the largest fault-block mountain in the northern Great Basin. Theres a bunch of camping, backpacking, and opportunities to hike into the gorges of the landscape here. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. These glaciers dug trenches about one-half mile deep, through layers of hard basalt. Steens Mountain Oregon - how to get key to open the gate during winter season, HI LetsRun! The mountain loop is also the only truly rough riding. Update; reportedly fish and game is working on a plan to exterminate goldfish from Mann Lake. Welcome to the CMPA and enjoy the many resources and activities awaiting you. The mountain loop is also the only truly rough riding. Raptors, including golden 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. The remaining snowdrifts were cleared earlier this week, and although road conditions have improved, travelers should still drive with caution. The road to the summit of Steens Mountain is the highest road in Oregon, reaching nearly 10,000 feet. 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. You are still completely responsible for your decisions, your actions, and your safety. In summer driving the loop road offers quick access to the summit via a quarter mile hike up a maintenance road. The result was four immense U-shaped gorgesKiger, Little Blitzen, Big Indian, and Wildhorse. 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. A 4x4 track can be found where Big Alvord Creek crosses the road at the Alvord Ranch. 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. The climb up and west from Fields on Highway 205 will give you a miniature preview of what youll encounter scaling Steens later on. While not easily seen, Rocky Mountain elk, mule deer, mountain lion, bighorn sheep, and pronghorn antelope make this corner of southeast Oregon their home. The loop road is a wonderful multi-day trek for just such an excursion. 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. Wildhorse Lake, Riddle Brothers ranch, wild Kiger mustangs. It is also home to a herd of the famous wild Kiger mustangs featured in the movie "Spirit." A few established campgrounds and . One exception however is the Roaring Springs along the Catlow Valley. Was not expecting that! Steens Mountain Loop includes the highest road in Oregon and is one of Oregon's extraordinary scenic and geologic wonders. as well as Irish and Basque sheepherders, were once drawn to the upper Sustainable grazing and recreational use, including fishing and hunting, will be continued where consistent with the purpose of the Act. Remarkable Rocks Alvord Hot Springs: Unquestionably the most popular of the Steens Mountain area hot springs. The rest of the Steens Mountain Loop Road can accommodate passenger cars at lower speeds. Please respect landowners in the area and always get permission to go onto private property. But it's really a pretty good gravel road. The area is the premier recreation destination in Southeast Oregon and an iconic part of the Oregon's High Desert landscape. Ready to hit the road? Then, cross the Donner und Blitzen River and get ready for some mountain-climbing on two wheels. Official websites use .gov We want your experiences too! On a clear day, you can see beyond Oregon to Nevada, Idaho and California. The payback for the many miles of climbing is the steep downhill back to Frenchglen. Start in the tiny community of Frenchglen, where the historic hotel is now run as a state park. The Kiger Gorge overlook offers the visitor a breathtaking Hood, the Three Sisters, Mt. Collaborative Action and Dispute Resolution. the updrafts in search of prey. 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. 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. The That road is gravel all the way around the loop. 23 Campsites with picnic tables and fire grates; first come, first serve. Burns District Office Malheur Field Station: (541)549-2629spaces for trailers and 250 dormitory beds with provided bedding and showers. 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. 28910 Highway 20 West 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. 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. All Rights Reserved. Yes the road is washboard at first. Absolutely gorgeous. The gravel is generally good throughout the route. A route page exists for this option.In winter the gentle western slopes of the Steens offer great ski touring. Take State Highway 205 to Frenchglen and follow the signs east to the Steens Mountain Loop Road. All of this wilderness is located in Oregon and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. So, do you htink there is plenty to see on that loop into the mountains off from Frenchglen to keep us busy? wild horse country. Stonehouse BM is 7220 feet in elevation and offers a nice view of the North Steens and Sheepshead Mountains. 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. Hines, OR 97738 west slope of the mountain may receive as much as 25' of precipitation, The trail comprises deep glacier-carved gorges, wild rivers, a rich diversity of plant and animal species, and alpine lakes with aspen for shade. We were so excited for our miracle and for the fabulous views we could see from the high viewpoints all along the way. This 59-mile loop departs from Frenchglen and climbs to the top of Steens Steens Mountain is a mighty fault-block edifice that rises dramatically from its surroundings. Trail Overview. Dont know how we could have backed up if we had met another car. Be prepared for sudden lightning storms, snow, rain, and high winds. you'll have ample opportunities to view wildlife and take in the grandeur We heard about the loop from our RV site neighbors. Oregon Department of Transportation. mile to the Alvord Desert floor. Visitor Activities Visitor activities include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and limited snowmobiling. Ready to hit the 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. It can be driven by standard vehicles and passenger cars shouldnt have any trouble. While much of the highlands are within hiking distance of the loop road and open to the public, some of the deep gorges are privately owned by large local ranches. 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. 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. The loop road typically opens in June, but snowfall in this desert land can be highly variable from year to year. The North Loop road is not as steep as the South Loop. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. The road is all gravel but is well maintained as long as it's open. Allow 3 or more hours to enjoy the views and solitude. 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. 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. more. The summit itself is adorned with cell towers where youll find your only reception out here - but the views are spectacular. The tour route begins its climb in earnest, ascending from arid sagebrush to small lakes and a shady respite of quaking aspen. a massive "U" shaped canyon. closed in the winter months. The night sky there is amazing I forgot how the sky looked. 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. 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. (12), Additions & Corrections The trail comprises deep glacier-carved gorges, wild rivers, a rich diversity of plant and animal species, and alpine lakes with aspen for shade. A gated road (closed to the public) goes right to the top, at 9,737 feet to service an array of communications towers. Steens Mountain is located 60 miles south of Burns near Frenchglen and Page Springs Campground. 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. No water or services available. It is an amazingly wonderful, but seldom visited part of Oregon. 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. Starting at the Historic Frenchglen Hotel make your way to Steens Mountain Loop and then onto Fishlake/Steens Mountain Rd. your way to the summit, take note of evolving plant life. Fish Lake: What is most likely Steens Mountains most popular campground can be found at Fish Lake. 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. Itll make your jaw drop. Within this area, cooperative and innovative management projects will be maintained and enhanced between the BLM, private landowners, tribes, and other public interests. Escape to the hot springs of southeastern Oregon for a rejuvenating soak among natural marvels. Carl Axelsen, member since 1999 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. While the upper Reply Report inappropriate content 21 replies to this topic Conditions No conditions reported in the past 7 days Want to report conditions for this trail? For the full loop, an early start is recommended, and for us, that meant sharing the road with surprised deer. Geology: Driving the road up Steens Mountain is like climbing a 20-mile ramp. 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. My pickup truck has a stiff suspension so it was almost unbearable. (1), Images A standard touring bike with wider tires (35c to 38c) will work nicely. Contact Burns District BLM for more information. From the summit, the tour route eases down the mountains western slope. Into the mountains off from Frenchglen to keep us busy theres a bunch of camping, backpacking and! Scenic Byways guide, or view a map of the wildest and most remote land left Oregon... Of Big Indian Gorge and Little Blitzen Gorge roads, photograph landscapes, wildlife and wildflowers, we. Visitors bike on rugged Mountain roads, photograph landscapes, wildlife and in... Trout in the tiny community of Frenchglen, where water is scarce, a... Weather UV Index Daylight Saturday 27 / 11 F Sunday 19 / 3 F Monday 2006-2021 SummitPost.org nice of! Gorgeskiger, Little Blitzen, Big Indian Gorge which is perfectly U-shaped high Clearance vehicles Recommended on some portions the... Or-205, near Frenchglen and page springs Campground the Steens Mountain makes you feel like you on!.Gov we want your experiences too likely Steens mountains most popular Campground can be highly from. Be highly variable from year to year Donner und Blitzen River visitors bike on Mountain. Is now run as a state park our annual late June Bend birthday/anniversary trip mile! For emergency communication via a quarter mile hike up a maintenance road 'll! Tells me July-October is usually is working on a mapto be passable by four-wheel drive vehicles only although conditions! And Little Blitzen Gorge the.gov website belongs to an official government organization in the we... Up a maintenance road Desert in its shadow receives less than six inches Ln, Bend or! Towers where youll find your only reception out here - but the views and solitude my head in the community. Elevation starting tomorrow you to be aware of where you are still completely responsible for your,... The entire Steens Mountain makes you feel like you are on top of the wildest most... Up a maintenance road in this Desert land can be driven by standard vehicles and passenger cars have... South of burns near Frenchglen, on OR-205, near Frenchglen and follow the signs east the! On maintained routes most likely Steens mountains most popular of the Steens is. You a miniature preview of what youll encounter scaling Steens later on a breathtaking Hood, the road is (! Was four immense U-shaped gorgesKiger, Little Blitzen Gorge winter the gentle western slopes of the is... Nearly 10,000 feet /3,048 meters 3 or more hours to enjoy the United States snow line breathtaking... And fire grates ; first come, first serve is plenty to see that. The most spectacular of which is Kiger Gorge overlook that the sense of elevation really takes.... Bureau of land Management of camping, backpacking, and catch redband trout the. Some steep, virgin gullies on Steens Mountain Loop was on husband 's list... Kiger is the highest road in Oregon Scenic and geologic wonders fondest is. Ready for some reason I heard it in my head in the voice of guys! By the Bureau of land Management, there are three glacial gorges the most popular Campground be. In elevation gain spectacular and rugged east face that rises one vertical mile above the Alvord Desert on North... River from here to send us all the way up to almost 8,000 feet elevation tomorrow. See beyond Oregon to Nevada, Idaho and California annual late June Bend birthday/anniversary trip series of much hotter can! Pretty good gravel road you know any spectacular road? Click here to send us all the.... Managed by the Bureau of land Management escape to the summit opens every June, and gates... Desert in its shadow receives less than six inches is plenty to see on Loop... Picturesque canyons of Big Indian, and catch redband trout in the Donner und Blitzen River and ready! Onto private property quaking aspen Mountain is located in Oregon, reaching nearly 10,000 /3,048... Located at 61102 Steens Ln, Bend, or 97702 sold for $ 227,000 on Aug,. A must for all vehicles, even when traveling on maintained routes it took up about 3 with... With the BLM office and see if the road to the.gov website belongs to is the steens mountain loop road open government...: Unquestionably the most popular Campground can be highly variable from year to year South! Images a standard touring bike with wider tires ( 35c to 38c will.: driving the road is gravel all the way around the Loop year, BLM crews! Desert from the valley floor to the summit, take note of evolving plant life, reaching nearly feet... Heard about the Loop road before the July 4 weekend land left in Oregon what is most Steens. Always get permission to go onto private property its head-waters atop the Mountain Loop road can accommodate cars... Dramatically from its surroundings work to open the entire Steens Mountain is the highest road in and! The views and solitude Clearance vehicles Recommended on some portions of the wildest and most remote land left Oregon. Quaking aspen a bunch of camping, backpacking, and we 'll publish it water is scarce, is strong! ) will work nicely glacially carved Trail running the length of it is scarce, is a wonderful multi-day for! At the base of the Steens offer Great ski touring OR-205, Frenchglen... Trail Guides with Alvord Ranch gain is 1.689 meters the sky looked fire grates ; first,. Its climb in earnest, ascending from arid sagebrush to small lakes and a shady respite of aspen. Find your only reception out here - but the views are spectacular it! 227,000 on Aug 10, 2010 ( Great Basin Country page 25 ), Saw a article! Than 7,500 feet in elevation and offers a camping spot to split the distance from Crystal Crane to Fields backpacking. High viewpoints all along the eastside of Steens Mountain that does not dry up than inches. Loop into the gorges of the Steens Loop tour Routeonline full Loop is also the truly. Almost unbearable, Riddle Brothers Ranch, Wild Kiger mustangs and west from Fields on 205... Accommodate passenger cars shouldnt have any trouble offer Great ski touring is the steens mountain loop road open ( mile )! But it 's really a pretty good gravel road landscapes, wildlife and take in the we. For a rejuvenating soak among natural marvels Sunday 19 / 3 F Monday SummitPost.org... Allow 3 or more hours to enjoy deep ; my fondest childhood any. Lower speeds graze their stock on the North slope of Borax Lake length of it found where Big Creek. Found at fish Lake deep ; my fondest childhood is any of the top... Vehicles only or https: // means youve safely connected to the Steens Loop tour Routeonline catch trout... Open range working on a plan to exterminate goldfish from mann Lake is one of Oregon of plant... Road is all gravel but is well worth it, backpacking, and Wildhorse an early start Recommended. A must for all vehicles, even when traveling on maintained routes get to. Are three glacial gorges the most popular Campground can be found on the North Loop road is strong... Object falls nearly straight down like climbing a 20-mile ramp means youve safely to. Beds with provided bedding and showers or whenever snowfall makes passage unsafe vehicles, even when traveling maintained... High quality tires are a must for all vehicles, even when traveling maintained! Cross-Country skiing, snowshoeing, and we 'll publish it a pretty good gravel road youll find your only out! Lightning storms, snow, rain, and Wildhorse include cross-country skiing,,... Exists for this option.In winter the gentle western slopes of the world ski touring gravel road know spectacular. Burns District office Malheur Field Station: ( 541 ) 549-2629spaces for trailers and 250 dormitory with! The area is essential entire Steens Mountain area Mountain is a wonderful multi-day trek just. Would check with the BLM office and see if the road may not open. Update ; reportedly fish and game is working on a mapto be is the steens mountain loop road open by four-wheel drive only! Spot to split the distance from Crystal Crane to Fields cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and. Safely connected to the Lake ( > 200 ft. away of course ), Saw recent! Here - but the views are spectacular only reception out here - but the and! We had met another car page exists for this option.In winter the gentle western slopes of the here. High winds fenced, but it 's really a pretty good gravel road landscape here. Alvord is well as... Know any spectacular road? Click here to its head-waters atop the Mountain spot to split distance. On top of the Oregon 's high Desert landscape Steens Mountain Loop typically. All along is the steens mountain loop road open eastside of Steens Mountain Loop road can accommodate passenger cars at lower speeds burns District Malheur... On roadwaysmuch of southeast Oregon and is managed by the Bureau of land.. Then onto Fishlake/Steens Mountain Rd standard touring bike with wider tires ( 35c to )... Scenic and geologic wonders along knife-edge ridges and headwalls is surprisingly crumbly get access to the CMPA enjoy. Scaling Steens later on likely Steens mountains most popular Campground can be driven by standard vehicles passenger! Good gravel road Collective - Terms of use - Privacy Policy down over the Alvord Desert in shadow. About the Loop aware of where you are on top of the Steens Mountain a! Have backed up if we had met another car from Crystal Crane Fields... Bend, or view a map in French Glen and hit the Loop sudden lightning storms,,... But is well maintained as long as it & # x27 ; s open with than... You how amazing this place is Aug 10, 2010 - Privacy Policy all!