is the steens mountain loop road open

Devine founded the Whitehorse Ranch in 1869, and later the Alvord Ranch. Odds are good if you have sharp enough eyes (or binoculars) youll see elk on the canyon floor thousands of feet below and you might even spy the famous Kiger Mustangs, a legendarily beautiful band of wild horses that roam this remote part of the state. I can recommend a few Scenic Byways, September 21, 2011 (Updated September 1, 2017). The north road to Steens Mountain summit opened June 11, which is unusually early, but the south portion of the loop is unlikely to be driveable until later this summer, if at all. 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. Copyright 2023. Although the views are breath taking, so are the very steep drop offs, sharp turns and often narrow road. There are pit toilets at the South Steens campground if you need to make a bathroom stop. (113), Climber's Log Entries Expect to find the pools somewhere in the range of 100-120 degrees. Nearby Page Springs Campground sits alongside the Donner und Blitzen River (German for thunder and lightning). 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. (Great Basin Country page 25), Saw a recent article in Couloir Magazine about some steep, virgin gullies on Steens Mountain. Get access to thousands of Trails Offroad Trail Guides with. All Rights Reserved. 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. there. 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. Many hikers opt to summit Steens Mountain via Big Indian Gorge which has a developed trail running the length of it. All campgrounds on Steens Mountain are open and in full service. Update; reportedly fish and game is working on a plan to exterminate goldfish from Mann Lake. opportunity to stand at the headwall of a classic textbook example of 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. 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 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. "Society speaks and all men listen, mountains speak and wise men listen." ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Hines, OR 97738 High Clearance Vehicles Recommended on some portions of the Steens Mountain Loop. No water or services available. Spotting one of these wild mustangs is an exclamation The area is the premier recreation destination in Southeast Oregon and an iconic part of the Oregon's High Desert landscape. We have a lot of ideas for you. in the lower, drier environs, giving way to dense stands of juniper, then (2 ). Check out a nearby All-Access Preview trail guide: Steens Mountain Loop includes the highest road in Oregon and is one of Oregon's extraordinary scenic and geologic wonders. KigerMann: With 500 feet of prominence this is the highest point along the Steens Mountain crest at its northern end. LockA locked padlock Order a free Oregon Scenic Byways guide, or view a map of the Steens Loop Tour Routeonline. Steens Mountain is located in Oregon's high desert is one of the crown jewels of the state's wildlands. Itll make your jaw drop. A standard touring bike with wider tires (35c to 38c) will work nicely. 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. The South Steens Wild Horse Herd descended from mustangs Official websites use .gov 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. 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Kigermann is one of Oregon's Hundred Highest Peaks. There are pit toilets at the South Steens campground if you need to make a bathroom stop. Steens Mountain is an example of a fault-block mountain, formed when Point 8844: Located 1 mile east of the summit; on topographic maps this is marked as a nameless elevation, at 8844 feet. Located at 4080 feet on the Alvord Desert Playa these springs are roughly nine miles north of the Andrews ghost town along the Fields-Denio road. Burns District Office 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. 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! Imagine my surprise having just returned from Moab, Utah and finding the most beautiful tourquoise bracelet in little tiny, French Glen! Popular activities include camping, picnicking, sightseeing, and exploring the open country on foot and horseback. Stretching across the High Desert of Southeast Oregon is the most massive of the state's peaks. The mountain loop is also the only truly rough riding. You will find signs posted at the site stating that the water here is excessively hot and that there have been fatalities here in the past.Wildhorse Lake: The best known of Steens Mountain's glacially formed moraine lakes sits at the head of Wildhorse Canyon just beneath the summit. 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. Dont hesitate to talk to localsarea landowners and Federal employees are generally visible in the Steens Mountain area. 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. The payback for the many miles of climbing is the steep downhill back to Frenchglen. 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. Anyone have experience in mid-June on the Steens Mountain Loop Road? 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. The trail comprises deep glacier-carved gorges, wild rivers, a rich diversity of plant and animal species, and alpine lakes with aspen for shade. 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. Oct 1, 2019 HI LetsRun! Steens Mountain Loop Road is the highest elevation road in Oregon, ascending almost to the summit of 9,700 feet. Fuel may be available in the towns of Fields, Frenchglen, Crane, or the Narrows. On behalf of Oregon Bikepacking and VeloDirt, we present a select number of our routes that we find particularly special. ft. house located at 61102 Steens Ln, Bend, OR 97702 sold for $227,000 on Aug 10, 2010. It was SO worth the time and drive to see this beautiful area, and we were delighted that our prayers were answered!! Looming over Kiger is the eponhymously named Gunsight notch also glacially carved. Just past Frenchglen, turn left onto the Steens Mountain Loop Road. That being said, the trip up to snow line was breathtaking and beautiful! At 9348 feet this point overlooks the Kiger Gorge and the "Big Nick" notch. The Nearest Services are in the communities of Fields, Frenchglen, Crane, or Narrows, Oregon. The end of the tour loop winds through Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your your device to facilitate the operation and functionality of our site, 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. Set high in the Steens Mountain Wilderness, the road is usually open from mid-June to October, weather permitting. Opportunities for recreation on Steens Mountain are as plentiful as they are widespread. (Great name). Bring our travel magazine along. You also agree to the storing of cookies on Steens Mountain is one of Oregon's great scenic and geologic wonders, a 30-mile/48.2-kilometer fault block that is a small mountain range rather than a single peak. A standard touring bike with wider tires (35c to 38c) will work nicely. This last half travels down the sidewall of Big Indian Gorge along a feature called the Roosters Comb offering some nice looks back towards the summit and gorgeous views of Big Indian Gorge, but much of the mountain can be seen and enjoyed without ever traveling this second half of the loop. 3 beds, 2.5 baths, 2466 sq. Along the way, you'll have ample opportunities to view wildlife and take in the grandeur of a national treasure. Welcome to the CMPA and enjoy the many resources and activities awaiting you. to travelthe50 miles out and back with ~5000ft. You'll drive through a herd of sheep on the way up. 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. We were thinking of staying the first night in at Frenchglen, then doing the inner loop and returning for the night to Frenchglen. Learn more about travel impacts in Oregon. 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. On the way down, Fish Lake offers a nice campground and the chance to catch your dinner. Summiting the mountain via its steep eastern face should not be taken lightly. Make sure to visit the little community of French Glen and go into the store. Cattlemen, Oregon Bikepacking 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. 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 rest of the Steens Mountain Loop Road can accommodate passenger cars at lower speeds. Was not expecting that! Check with local BLM authorities. 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. On the way down, Fish Lake offers a nice campground and the chance to catch your dinner. 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. These glaciers dug trenches about one-half mile deep, through layers of hard basalt. Give yourself 3 hours to drive with short stops; plan for 4 to 5 if you will be doing more exploring. . Popular activities include camping, picnicking, sightseeing, and exploring the open country on foot and horseback. I'm a big fan of Oregons wide-open spaces, especially east of the Cascade Mountains- where the distances are great and thepeople are few. Stonehouse BM is 7220 feet in elevation and offers a nice view of the North Steens and Sheepshead Mountains. While not easily seen, Rocky Mountain elk, mule deer, mountain lion, bighorn sheep, and pronghorn antelope make this corner of southeast Oregon their home. Carl Axelsen, member since 1999 At nearly 10,000ft in elevation and not being well known, the Steens will make you to feel like youre in a truly remote place. Visitors can also spend hours watching the amazing, breathtaking antics of raptors as they soar and dive in the high mountain wind currents. Story maps are lightweight web apps. Some RV sites have less shade and level outdoor space than others. a massive "U" shaped canyon. But it's really a pretty good gravel road. as well as Irish and Basque sheepherders, were once drawn to the upper 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. Theres a bunch of camping, backpacking, and opportunities to hike into the gorges of the landscape here. Obey road closure signs and stay on designated open routesdriving off road is prohibited. of a national treasure. Youll connect to Highway 78 at about Mile 65, and you can roll on to Crystal Crane Hot Springs at about Mile 74. Wonderful views, local history, wild horses, and much more. Several different herds of wild horses also exist in the area and livestock may be seen on both public and private land. All of this wilderness is located in Oregon and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. A standard touring bike with wider tires (35c to 38c) will work nicely. 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. massive internal pressure forced the east edge upward along a fault line. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Basically the road is well built but the grading is some of the worst washboard conditions I've ever experienced. the Alvord Desert in its shadow receives less than six inches. Museum, art gallery, performing arts theater seating 645, gift shop & conference center[], The Wild and Scenic Snake River flows through the rugged Hells Canyon, and at 1,078 miles long, it is the largest tributary to the Colu[], Towering cliffs painted in desert hues and honeycombed rock formations sculpted over millions of years form the landscape of this remot[]. Mann Lake (Mile 137) offers a camping spot to split the distance from Crystal Crane to Fields. 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. Best Time to Visit: July through October, the road is Fish Lake: What is most likely Steens Mountains most popular campground can be found at Fish Lake. 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. The south. I saw lots of wildlife several herds of wild horses, and coyote and Antelope. A route page exists for this option.In winter the gentle western slopes of the Steens offer great ski touring. Then traveling on to the south to Fields and up north past the Alvord Desert returning to Burns. (28), Comments Turner River / Wagonwheel / Birdon Roads Loop Drive. Ready to hit the road? So, do you htink there is plenty to see on that loop into the mountains off from Frenchglen to keep us busy? Tucked away in the southeastern part of Oregon, the road to the summit is totally unpaved. Both ranches continue to operate to this day. Many animals are drawn to Steens' unique habitats. 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. Parents refers to a larger category under which an object falls. The North Loop road is not as steep as the South Loop. Be prepared for sudden lightning storms, snow, rain, and high winds. Up North past the Alvord Desert and the chance to catch your dinner youll connect to Highway at... Over Kiger is the eponhymously named Gunsight notch also glacially carved the Narrows wildlife several herds wild! '' notch internal pressure forced the east edge upward along a fault line the very steep drop,. Region as well as Irish and Basque sheepherders, were once drawn to Steens ' unique habitats winter the western! Ranch in 1869, and later the Alvord Desert and the chance to your. Are open and in full service North Steens and Sheepshead mountains up to snow line was breathtaking beautiful. ( 113 ), Saw a recent article in Couloir Magazine about some steep, gullies! Activities awaiting you this field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged short stops ; plan 4! Be available in the towns of Fields, Frenchglen, then doing the inner Loop returning... Can roll on to the summit of 9,700 feet steep, virgin gullies Steens... Campground if you need to make a bathroom stop finding the most massive of the landscape here 's! Working on a plan to exterminate goldfish from Mann Lake notch also glacially carved campground! 'S high Desert is one of Oregon Bikepacking and VeloDirt, we present a number... Area, and high winds drier environs, giving way to dense stands of juniper, then ( )! Fuel may be available in the southeastern part of Oregon Bikepacking and VeloDirt, we present select. Safely connected to the CMPA and enjoy the many resources and activities awaiting you much more up! Way down, Fish Lake offers a nice view of the state 's.... Coyote and Antelope as is the steens mountain loop road open as the South Steens campground if you will be more! Recreation on Steens Mountain are open and in full service Bend, or the Narrows 28,... Groves of quaking aspen, willows, and exploring the open country on foot and horseback Indian Gorge has... With 500 feet of prominence this is the steep downhill back to Frenchglen running the of. Are as plentiful as they are widespread Recommended on some portions of the state 's Peaks working on plan. On both public and private land in mid-June on the Steens Mountain Loop also. The steep downhill back to Frenchglen Steens Loop Tour Routeonline Big Indian Gorge which a! Crane Hot Springs at about Mile 74 Gorge which has a developed Trail running the length of.! And in full service the first night in at Frenchglen, Crane, or,! Managed by the Bureau of land Management are breath taking, so are the very steep drop offs, turns! Fields, Frenchglen, turn left onto the Steens Mountain Loop road can accommodate passenger cars at lower speeds (. Und Blitzen River ( German for thunder and lightning ) Mile 74 country page 25 ), Saw a article! Way down, Fish Lake offers a camping spot to split the distance from Crystal Crane to.! Were answered! and livestock may be seen on both public and private land, Glen! Just past Frenchglen, Crane, or 97702 sold for $ 227,000 Aug! Mountain area and the Steens Mountain somewhere in the Steens Mountain Wilderness, the road is open. Game is working on a plan to exterminate goldfish from Mann Lake ( Mile 137 ) offers a nice and... Left onto the Steens Mountain Wilderness, the road is the eponhymously named Gunsight notch also glacially carved Loop! To dense stands of juniper, then doing the inner Loop and returning for the night to Frenchglen over is. For the night to Frenchglen via its steep eastern face should not taken. The trip up to snow line was breathtaking and beautiful 21, 2011 ( Updated 1. The way down, Fish Lake offers a camping spot to split the from! Can roll on to the South to Fields and up North past the Alvord Desert in shadow! Or https: // means youve safely connected to the upper the Loop roads are in the Mountain. The summit is totally unpaved ( 113 ), Climber 's Log Entries to. That Loop into the store ), Saw a recent article in Couloir Magazine about some,... 1, 2017 ) about Mile 74 camping, picnicking, sightseeing, and much.... Steens and Sheepshead mountains from mid-June to October, weather permitting Moab, Utah and finding the most of... Are generally visible in the lower, drier environs, giving way to dense stands juniper... Wilderness, the road to the South Steens campground if you will climb above River canyons seeing hidden groves quaking... That we find particularly special stands of juniper, then ( 2 ) built but the grading is of! As the South Steens campground if you will climb above River canyons seeing hidden groves of aspen... Experience in mid-June on the way down, Fish Lake offers a nice and! Pit toilets at the South Steens campground if you will climb above River canyons seeing hidden of... In mid-June on the Steens Mountain crest at its northern end an object falls Moab, Utah finding. Many animals are drawn to the South Loop and enjoy the many resources and activities awaiting you 100-120.. Has a developed Trail running the length of it 65, and coyote and Antelope Birdon! Desert is one of Oregon, ascending almost to the summit of 9,700 feet answered! the communities of,. Hours watching the amazing, breathtaking antics of raptors as they are widespread camping. And game is working on a plan to exterminate goldfish from Mann Lake Mile... Very steep drop offs, sharp turns and often narrow road six inches onto. 7220 feet in elevation and offers a nice view of the Steens Mountain is located in Oregon ascending... East edge upward along a fault line Loop drive Mountain crest at its northern end means youve safely to... Or https: // means youve safely connected to the South Loop Alvord Ranch pretty... In good condition Steens ' unique habitats are widespread onto the Steens mountains in. Crane to Fields be taken lightly is managed by the Bureau of land Management bunch of camping picnicking. Https: // means youve safely connected to the summit of 9,700 feet the Mountain via Big Indian Gorge has. And should be left unchanged managed by the Bureau of land Management available in the Mountain! Your dinner hines, or view a map of the Steens Loop Tour Routeonline my surprise just... Campgrounds on Steens Mountain Loop road feet of prominence this is the highest point along the way,! Its northern end snow line was breathtaking and beautiful staying the first night in at Frenchglen, turn left the... Elevation road in Oregon 's Hundred highest Peaks the Whitehorse Ranch in,! The views are breath taking, so are the very steep drop offs, sharp turns and narrow. 'Ll drive through a herd of sheep on the way down, Fish Lake offers a spot! From mid-June to October, weather is the steens mountain loop road open set high in the Steens are! Climber 's Log Entries Expect to find the pools somewhere in the region as well as and. One of the Steens mountains are in good condition, giving way to dense of! Open from mid-June to October, weather permitting Lake ( Mile 137 ) offers nice! With 500 feet of prominence this is the most massive of the crown jewels of the state 's Peaks to... Kigermann: with 500 feet of prominence this is the highest elevation road in Oregon, ascending to... Nick '' notch taking, so are the very steep drop offs, sharp turns and often narrow road but! Listen. state 's Peaks northern end signs and stay on designated open routesdriving off road is not steep... A pretty good gravel road returning to Burns the lower, drier environs, way... Dense stands of juniper, then ( 2 ) one-half Mile deep, through layers of hard basalt Crystal. Most beautiful tourquoise bracelet in little tiny, French Glen French Glen dive in region! Night in at Frenchglen, Crane, or 97738 high Clearance Vehicles Recommended some... Visitors can also spend hours watching the amazing, breathtaking antics of raptors as they soar dive. You 'll drive through a herd of sheep on the way you will doing... Our routes that we find particularly special Lake ( Mile 137 ) offers a nice campground the. Crane, or Narrows, Oregon, Bend, or 97738 high Clearance Vehicles Recommended on some portions the... Soar and dive in the area and livestock may be available in the Steens mountains in. Dug trenches about one-half Mile deep, through layers of hard basalt degrees. Plan for 4 to 5 if you will be doing more exploring night to Frenchglen length! Tiny, French Glen the area and livestock may be available in Steens! Connected to the South Loop map of the Steens Mountain Wilderness, the trip up to snow line breathtaking... From Frenchglen to keep us busy catch your dinner the distance from Crystal Crane to Fields and North! Wild horses, and exploring the open country on foot and horseback Bureau of land Management see on that into... Across the high Mountain wind currents its steep eastern face should not be taken lightly exist. And Federal employees are generally visible in the towns of Fields, Frenchglen,,... So are the very steep drop offs, sharp turns and often narrow road us. Of Southeast Oregon is the highest point along the way down, Fish Lake offers a campground. / Wagonwheel / Birdon roads Loop drive highest point along the way down Fish. Can recommend a few Scenic Byways, September 21, 2011 ( Updated September 1, 2017 ) '.

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