While Borax hot springs and lake may not be safe for soaking, the amount of geothermal activity is impressive. Jump back on the pavement heading south to Fields Station (you'd be wise to fuel up here too!), before heading over to Borax hot springs (DP7).

There are a number of old ranch buildings still standing, and a hiking trail if you'd like to venture our further on foot. Both the East Rim Lookout (DP4) and Steens Mountain (DP5) provide fantastic 360 degree views, especially of the Alvord Desert 5,000 feet below.įrom Steens Mountain descend down the gravel road to the old Riddle Brothers ranch and homestead (DP6). Kiger Gorge (DP3) is the largest of the 4 glacier carved gorges in Steens Mountain, and the short out-and-back drive to the viewpoint is definitely worth it.

Just note, it can get a bit bumpy depending on seasonal weather patterns! There's a trio of nice campgrounds near the top before reaching Kiger Gorge. Moonhill is a great way to experiences Steens Mountain, as it sees little traffic and impressive views as you climb higher and higher. This first section of the route follows a seres of paved county roads, until reaching the dirt at Moon Hill Road (DP2). The first discovery point along the route is at Malheur Lake (DP1), which is a major migratory stop as well as breeding ground for over 300 species of foul. This is rugged, wild, and ranching country, where the cattle outnumber local population by 14 to 1. Your adventure begins in Burns, Oregon, made infamous by the Bundy Brothers who led a 41 day occupation at Malheur Wildlife Refuge in 2016. During late spring, Steens Mountain and its four glacier carved gorges awaken with life- an explosion of wildflowers! Just keep in mind, that during year's of heavy snowfall, Steens' may not be accessible until late June or even early July! Of course, when you have geothermal activity you're bound to have hot springs! And yes, there are a few that are great for soaking (more on that below), and a few that are dangerous either due to extreme temperatures or deadly arsenic levels. This corner of Oregon also happens to have some of the darkest skies in the lower 48, and is a popular destination for serious and amateur stargazers alike. And like the majestic Cascades, this land was also formed by violent geothermal activity- the dark reds and burnt maroon rocks on the mountainslopes provide the most obvious evidence of the region's coming of age. At nearly 10,000 feet (9,733 to be exact), Steens Mountain is to blame as it creates a nearly 70 mile long rain shadow, squeezing whatever moisture may be left in the heavens before cloudfronts move eastward over the Alvord. This is the Alvord Desert, which sees a mere 6 inches of rain per year. Far away from the temperate rainforests along Oregon's western front, there's a place that sits on the northern range of the Great Basin desert, a place where mountains rise a mile from the desert floor into magnificently blue skies.

High desert adventure bend