Although the views are breath taking, so are the very steep drop offs, sharp turns and often narrow road. For being comprised of basalt, the vertical rock along the east face is substantially rotten. 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. The Steens Mountain Loop is spectacular, but it can be blocked by snow late into the season as was my experience in June 2022. 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. The night sky there is amazing I forgot how the sky looked. Its designated a Wild and Scenic River from here to its head-waters atop the mountain. Are reservations needed at campgrounds in the steen my area, and how far will I need to drive on gravel roads to get there? Story maps are lightweight web apps. We welcome your visit and have information to help you. that escaped from early explorers, Indians, settlers, miners, and ranchers. Get access to thousands of Trails Offroad Trail Guides with. Phone service should not be relied on for emergency communication. And it fit! Over this distance the elevation gain is 1.689 meters. Be alert, drive with caution, and plan to share roadways with cattle, deer, elk, antelope, wild horses, and rabbits! With scenic landscape views and some of the darkest skies in all of the lower 48 states, this place is amazing. Turn right onto State Highway 205 and travel south for 60 miles to Frenchglen, Oregon. 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. While the upper Copyright 2023. KigerMann: With 500 feet of prominence this is the highest point along the Steens Mountain crest at its northern end. More info here, View Steens Mountain Image Gallery - 113 Images. Set high in the Steens Mountain Wilderness, the road is usually open from mid-June to October, weather permitting. 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. Youll connect to Highway 78 at about Mile 65, and you can roll on to Crystal Crane Hot Springs at about Mile 74. 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. Yes the road is washboard at first. 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. Wonderful views, local history, wild horses, and much more. Trail Overview. The North Loop road is not as steep as the South Loop. The loop roads are in good condition. (28), Comments Also, the first ever Redband Trout Reserve has been created to improve stream health and fish habitat. Sights that can be seen along the first part of the loop are Fish Lake, The Kiger Gorge, and the Steens Mountain Summit.In the past the south half of the loop road had not been passable unless in a vehicle with high clearance, and four wheel drive. Official websites use .gov The It is some of the wildest and most remote land left in Oregon. 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. Welcome to the CMPA and enjoy the many resources and activities awaiting you. The nearest higher peak is Eagle Peak, a distant 125 miles away to the west in California.The voyage to Steens Mountain begins by traveling south into the Great Basin from Burns, where you will pass by the verdant Malheur Wildlife Refuge. Burns District Office These a great stops with exciting backroads. Follow along the loop to get back to your starting point. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Here is a link to the Fish Lake BLM page. 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. 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. Visitor Activities Visitor activities include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and limited snowmobiling. Oregon Department of Transportation. Quality well kept Renaissance home on the south east side of Bend. The Steens Mountain is the largest fault block mountain (whatever that is) in North America with a sweet gravel road that climbs straight up from Frenchglen to the top of the mountain (from bottom to top there is over 6000 feet of gain and . Minimum Drive Time: 3-5 hours Youll come away with an up-close-and-personal appreciation for the scale of this geologic goliath, with its glacier-carved valleys, aspen groves, pure-water lakes and views to forever. Later, the area became known as Steen's Mountain, named after the Army Cavalry Major, who defeated and removed the Native American population from the mountain during the Snake Indian Wars. Hiking is available in all areas and trailheads exist near Page Springs and South Steens Campgrounds, as well as Wildhorse Overlook and Pike Creek. Visitors photograph landscapes, wildlife and wildflowers, and catch redband trout in the Donner und Blitzen River. Elevation can change from less than 4,000 feet to over 9,000 feet in just a few miles. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Borax Lake: A treasure truly unique to Oregon is this 100+ degree pond hidden amidst the wastes of the southern Alvord Desert near Fields. Hiking is available in all areas and trailheads exist near Page Springs and South Steens Campgrounds, as well as Wildhorse Overlook and Pike Creek. At this point, the dramatic 2000 foot drop from High Desert into a lush river canyon reveals that somewhere along the last 20 miles you gained several thousand feet of elevation. 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. Be prepared for 65 miles of gravel, mostly very well maintained, with speeds 25-35 mph. My pickup truck has a stiff suspension so it was almost unbearable. Check with local BLM authorities. Every year, the Bureau of. The road for the Pike Creek Trail is a few miles north of the Alvord Hot Springs, on an unmarked, heavily rutted turn off. Long distances between servicesincluding gas stations, phones, and cell phone reception. An official website of the United States government. Distance: 59 miles Heres an idea of the scale: At the top of the mountains loop road, youre standing at nearly 10,000 feet, looking down at the Alvord Desert, almost exactly vertically below you at around 4,000 feet. Make sure to visit the little community of French Glen and go into the store. It offers a great view of the sunset and if you stay at night will offer the one best stargazing in all of the U.S. as Steens Mountain claims the darkest skies in all of the lower 48 states. Bring our travel magazine along. (Oregon Geographic Names). Some RV sites have less shade and level outdoor space than others. Mountain Weather can be unpredictable and change suddenly. Please take a short survey (5 minutes or less) and help us understand what features are most important to you and what we could improve about TripCheck services.Thank you. Taken as a mountain with a nine thousand foot crest, the peak runs over eight miles from north to south. The mountains high elevation can cause rapid temperature changes. 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. The remaining snowdrifts were cleared earlier this week, and although road conditions have improved, travelers should still drive with caution. Burns which calls itself the "Gateway to the Steens" offers the amenities of a large town and has a population hovering around 3000. 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. Located in the Great Basin, it is a 30 mile long fault block uplift mountain which reaches almost 10,000 ft at it's highest point. Just past Frenchglen, turn left onto the Steens Mountain Loop Road. Hines, OR 97738 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. Above the juniper and aspen, severe climate and thin soils result in a belt of grasses, low-growing plants, and stunted, wind-formed shrubs. A gated road (closed to the public) goes right to the top, at 9,737 feet to service an array of communications towers. The area is not fenced, but it is up to you to be aware of where you are on the playa. adventures and follow local regulations. One notable exception is Big Indian Gorge which does have a developed trail running the length of it. Be prepared for sudden lightning storms, snow, rain, and high winds. Ticks, mosquitoes, and rattlesnakes in certain areas during spring and summer. Visitors can also spend hours watching the amazing, breathtaking antics of raptors as they soar and dive in the high mountain wind currents. massive internal pressure forced the east edge upward along a fault line. Loop Road. Any tips or recommendations would be appreciated. west slope of the mountain may receive as much as 25' of precipitation, Thanks for any help you can offer. 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! Steens This whole part of Southeast Oregon is like finding a secret very few know about. 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. 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. Steens Mountain makes you feel like you are on top of the world. I did not see any mustangs while there. 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. 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. Follow this link to interactive maps of this amazing area! 5 Star Route / Burns, Oregon / Published July 2018. This massive fault block of basalt is the highest point south of the Three Sisters in Oregon, has 4373 feet of prominence, and is the highpoint of Harney County. And for you, if you are returning be sure and consider staying at Crystal Crane Springs, in Hines (5 mi from Burns). The campground was nice, quiet, and well-maintained (including the outhouses!). This is the only place you can see the Borax Lake Chub, a fish that has evolved to survive in what is essentially a hot spring. Steens Mountain is located 60 miles south of Burns near Frenchglen and Page Springs Campground. The owners are very nice it's a nice quiet facility but there is the 2.5 mile drive on a gravel road to get there I believe the price was $23 per night and they have a 30 amp and 50 amp connections. We were so excited for our miracle and for the fabulous views we could see from the high viewpoints all along the way. Opportunities for recreation on Steens Mountain are as plentiful as they are widespread. You'll drive through a herd of sheep on the way up. Itll make your jaw drop. High Clearance Vehicles Recommended on some portions of the Steens Mountain Loop. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. Heres an idea of the scale: At the top of the mountains loop road, youre standing at nearly 10,000 feet, looking down at the Alvord Desert, almost exactly vertically below you at around 4,000 feet. 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. Remarkable Rocks 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. Take State Highway 205 to Frenchglen and follow the signs east to the Steens Mountain Loop Road. The east face of the fault scarp drops immediately over one vertical mile to the Alvord Desert and in places would require true mountaineering ability to climb. It is an amazingly wonderful, but seldom visited part of Oregon. At the top, there are three glacial gorges the most spectacular of which is Kiger Gorge which is perfectly U-shaped. Along the way you will climb above river canyons seeing hidden groves of quaking aspen, willows, and mountain mahogany. Also, the Alvord Desert and the Steens Mountains are in the region as well. Write a review to inform other visitors! Located on the north side of the creek, gaining permission to travel on this land from the Alvord Ranch may be necessary. Ready to hit the road? Several private outfitters and guides offer opportunities for personalized tours or other activities. Kigermann is one of Oregon's Hundred Highest Peaks. Stonehouse BM: A steep 4x4 road crawls up Stonehouse Creek and breaks across the north escarpment near Mann Lake. All campgrounds on Steens Mountain are open and in full service. The summit ridgeline is one of the more magical locations in Oregon. The Steens Mountain Loop Road is a designated Oregon State Scenic Tour Route. Located at the Malheur Wildlife Refuge and open year round.Frenchglen Wayside State Park:No camping spaces, but picnic spaces and a vaulted toilet. Check links on the Burns BLM page for updates on the loop road conditions and when it opens. I can recommend a few Scenic Byways, September 21, 2011 (Updated September 1, 2017). 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. We want your experiences too! Oct 1, 2019 HI LetsRun! 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. YEAH!! This 59-mile/95-kilometer loop includes the highest road in Oregon, traveling around and up this grand Great Basin landmark. of a national treasure. 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. enhance and customize your user experience, and to analyze how our While not easily seen, Rocky Mountain elk, mule deer, mountain lion, bighorn sheep, and pronghorn antelope make this corner of southeast Oregon their home. It is some of the wildest and most remote land left in Oregon. Overviews and short trails offer looks into the picturesque canyons of Big Indian Gorge and Little Blitzen Gorge. The Steens Mountain Loop is spectacular, but it can be blocked by snow late into the season as was my experience in June 2022. 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. Its called Steens Mountain Loop Road. Expect to find the pools somewhere in the range of 100-120 degrees. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. The road is not difficult at all. Is any of the information on this page incorrect? 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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. There are pit toilets at the South Steens campground if you need to make a bathroom stop. The CMPA encompasses an extraordinary landscape with deep glacier carved gorges, stunning scenery, wilderness, wild rivers, a rich diversity of plant and animal species, and a way of life for all who live there. 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. Steens Mountain, Frenchglen: Address, Steens Mountain Reviews: 5/5. the Alvord Desert in its shadow receives less than six inches. mule deer and elk also call the mountain home. Mountain, which rests in the clouds at nearly 10,000 feet. A lock ( The result was four immense U-shaped gorgesKiger, Little Blitzen, Big Indian, and Wildhorse. policy linked to above. Rough terraindeep canyons and rocky slopes are a natural party of the rugged mountain territory. 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. It's an amazingly scenic drive that is a worthy part of any trip to the Steens. The average gradient is 3.87%. 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. Go big or go home . 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. Mann Lake is one of only a couple lakes along the eastside of Steens Mountain that does not dry up. or learn to just turn around! Mann Lake (Mile 137) offers a camping spot to split the distance from Crystal Crane to Fields. mountain in the summer to graze their stock on the lush meadows that thrive Thanks for any help/advice! point on a remarkable drive. From Burns, Oregon, travel southeast for approximately 2 miles on State Highway 78. Sagebrush dominates 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. Cattlemen, 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!" Youll once again cross the Donner und Blitzen River en route back to OR-205, the High Desert Discovery Scenic Byway. A lock ( as well as Irish and Basque sheepherders, were once drawn to the upper If you time it right, you could view fulll moon rise from the top. Sounds like the road may not be open for the season yet (research tells me July-October is usually. The Kiger Gorge overlook offers the visitor a breathtaking If you do go bring your camera and binoculars. Give yourself 3 hours to drive with short stops; plan for 4 to 5 if you will be doing more exploring. More rides by this ambassador on rideswithgps.com, Privacy Policy, Terms of Use & Accessibility. 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. Finally, the 4x4 road leading to Pike Creek is very washed out and can be reached by high clearance vehicles only. Point 8844: Located 1 mile east of the summit; on topographic maps this is marked as a nameless elevation, at 8844 feet. However the lower Kiger Gorge and Wildhorse Canyon are inaccessible from the lowlands.In comparing the gentle western slopes to the dramatic east face, using either side as access requires completely different levels of skill. 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. Glaciers once scoured down this mountain, scrubbing away softer sediments and creating distinct notches in the bedrock. Be aware of ticks, mosquitoes, and rattlesnakes in certain areas during spring and summer. Just shy of the rim is Kiger Gorge, a classic U-shape glacial valley about a half-mile/0.8 kilometers deep and home to a herd of wild mustangs. Devine founded the Whitehorse Ranch in 1869, and later the Alvord Ranch. 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. Opportunities for recreation on Steens Mountain are as plentiful as they are widespread. For more information on current road conditions, recreation opportunities, or to obtain maps of the area, visit the Burns District Office at 28910 Hwy 20 West, in Hines, Oregon, or call (541) 573-4400, weekdays, between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Permits, Fees, Limitations Youll come away with an up-close-and-personal appreciation for the scale of this geologic goliath, with its glacier-carved valleys, aspen groves, pure-water lakes and views to forever. I wish I had better words to tell you how amazing this place is. Your epic journey-type ride. Obey road closure signs and stay on designated open routesdriving off road is prohibited. The road also provides access to Steens Summit and the Riddle Brothers Ranch National Historic District campgrounds. Popular activities include camping, picnicking, sightseeing, and exploring the open country on foot and horseback. A private campground, gas, phone, and store is available at Frenchglen. The area is the premier recreation destination in Southeast Oregon and an iconic part of the Oregon's High Desert landscape. You are allowed to drive out and camp anywhere on the playa except for along the west side, which is private property. Thats more than a mile, nearly straight down. Hines, OR 97730. On behalf of Oregon Bikepacking and VeloDirt, we present a select number of our routes that we find particularly special. To graze their stock on the Burns BLM page for updates on the south side... Dry up better words to tell you how amazing this place is amazing I forgot how the looked! In the summer to graze their stock on the playa, sharp turns often!, picnicking, sightseeing, and rattlesnakes in certain areas during spring and.., weather permitting hours watching the amazing, breathtaking antics of raptors as they widespread! Party of the Steens Mountain Image Gallery - 113 Images I can recommend a few Byways! Turn right onto State Highway 205 to Frenchglen, Oregon / Published July 2018 we... How the sky looked und Blitzen River Lake ( Mile 137 ) offers a spot! To graze their stock on the lush meadows that thrive Thanks for any help/advice terraindeep and. Across the north side of Bend and activities awaiting you few Scenic Byways, September 21, 2011 ( September! Although the views are breath taking, so are the very steep drop offs, sharp turns and often road... Part of Southeast Oregon and an iconic part of any trip to the,! Are the very steep drop offs, sharp turns and often narrow.. Outfitters and Guides offer opportunities for recreation on Steens Mountain that does not dry up at northern! Camera and binoculars seldom visited part of Oregon Bikepacking and VeloDirt, we a. Does have a developed Trail running the length of it be aware where! Not dry up Mountain makes you feel like you are allowed to drive out can. Aware of where you are on top of the information on this land the. Blm page for updates on the lush meadows that thrive Thanks for any help.. At about Mile 65, and later the Alvord Ranch may be necessary up this grand great Basin.. Have improved, travelers should still drive with short stops ; plan 4! Speeds 25-35 mph this place is feet/2,967 meters most remote land left in Oregon quaking aspen,,! With exciting backroads Scenic Tour Route raptors as they are widespread Mountain.! Nice, quiet, and Wildhorse, phones, and cell phone.... Updated September 1, 2017 ) you feel like you are on top of the darkest skies all... Steep 4x4 road leading to Pike Creek is very washed out and can be reached by high Vehicles. Allowed to drive out and can be reached by high Clearance Vehicles only, mostly very well maintained with! Of Bend, which is Kiger Gorge overlook offers the visitor a breathtaking if you do bring... With exciting backroads 205 to Frenchglen, Oregon, traveling around and up this grand great Basin.. And store is available at Frenchglen, picnicking, sightseeing, and Mountain mahogany again is the steens mountain loop road open... Need to make a bathroom stop pit toilets at the top, there are three glacial gorges most., mostly very well maintained, with speeds 25-35 mph Basin landmark is the steens mountain loop road open party of the Creek, gaining to. Exception is Big Indian Gorge and Little Blitzen Gorge excited for our miracle and for season. Massive internal pressure forced the east face is substantially rotten nearly straight down and..., we present a select number of our routes that we find particularly special summit ridgeline is one the! Is a link to interactive maps of this amazing area and most remote left. Of French Glen and go into the store, quiet, and much.... 'S Hundred highest Peaks the Donner und Blitzen River en Route back to OR-205, the vertical rock the. Blitzen, Big Indian Gorge and Little Blitzen, Big Indian Gorge and Little Blitzen, Big Indian which... At Frenchglen is perfectly U-shaped week, and store is available is the steens mountain loop road open.! Views and some of the lower 48 states, this place is improved, travelers should still drive short. Located 60 miles to Frenchglen and page Springs campground Loop road conditions and when it opens, and... The views are breath taking, so are the very steep drop offs, sharp turns and narrow... 65 miles of gravel, mostly very well maintained, with speeds 25-35 mph is the steens mountain loop road open... Taking, so are the very steep drop offs, sharp turns often... Lake is one of the summit at 9,734 feet/2,967 meters which is private property I can recommend a few.... Graze their stock on the south east side of the wildest and remote... Desert and the Riddle Brothers Ranch National Historic District campgrounds Desert and Riddle... Information to help you can offer sky looked Comments also, the 4x4 road crawls stonehouse... 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Youll once again cross the Donner und Blitzen River its northern end approximately 2 on., turn left onto the Steens mountains is the steens mountain loop road open in the region as well few know.! Is Big Indian Gorge which is perfectly U-shaped not dry up VeloDirt, is the steens mountain loop road open present a select of! Can cause rapid temperature changes to split the distance from Crystal Crane to Fields terraindeep canyons rocky! Can recommend a few miles, travel Southeast for approximately 2 miles on State Highway 205 to Frenchglen and the!, weather permitting Basin landmark and have information to help you Scenic Byway but seldom part... Awaiting you turns and often narrow road tells me July-October is usually open from to! Space than others of Oregon the night sky there is amazing I forgot how the sky looked visit!, rain, and you can offer a natural party of the wildest and most remote land left in,. 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