2023 Travel Oregon | The official guide to Oregon travel and tourism information. Steens Mountain makes you feel like you are on top of the world. Its bumpy in places, but much of the surface has been upgraded and improved in recent years, except for one short, narrow, steep section of the road near the viewpoints of Big Indian and Little Blitzen gorges. 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. Turner River / Wagonwheel / Birdon Roads Loop Drive. 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. 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. Steens Mountain is located in Oregon's high desert is one of the crown jewels of the state's wildlands. Although the views are breath taking, so are the very steep drop offs, sharp turns and often narrow road. 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. 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[]. 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. From Frenchglen, the first 5 miles/ 8 kilometers of the route along North Loop Road traverse the southern end of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. There is a gravel loop road that starts in Frenchglen which rises 6000 ft in 26 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. (Oregon Geographic Names). Oct 1, 2019 HI LetsRun! 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!" 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. Solitude at it's finest. Fish Lake is stocked with Rainbows although other types of trout may be found also. The climb up and west from Fields on Highway 205 will give you a miniature preview of what youll encounter scaling Steens later on. But it's really a pretty good gravel road. enhance and customize your user experience, and to analyze how our The climb up and west from Fields on Highway 205 will give you a miniature preview of what youll encounter scaling Steens later on. Hiking is available in all areas and trailheads exist near Page Springs and South Steens Campgrounds, as well as Wildhorse Overlook and Pike Creek. 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. Visitors photograph landscapes, wildlife and wildflowers, and catch redband trout in the Donner und Blitzen River. 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. Privacy Policy, Terms of Use & Accessibility. Burns District Office of Bureau of Land Management (541-573-4400), Burns BLM PageMalheur National Wildlife RefugeBorax Lake on the Nature Conservancy PageSteens Mountain CanyonsOld Steens Mountain Summitpost Page originally created by Mutant1, Steens Mountain is named for Eunoch Steen an Army Major who led campaigns against the Northern Paiutes on the mountain. Some RV sites have less shade and level outdoor space than others. 23 Campsites with picnic tables and fire grates; first come, first serve. Over this distance the elevation gain is 1.689 meters. LockA locked padlock So, I would check with the BLM office and see if the road is open now or when it does open. 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. We spent well over 3 hours completing the entire drive. The Steens Mountain Loop is spectacular, but it can be blocked by snow late into the season as was my experience in June 2022. Wouldn't recommend driving down the South Loop in any season. Many animals are drawn to Steens' unique habitats. Spotting one of these wild mustangs is an exclamation 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. Thats more than a mile, nearly straight down. THnaks MOrgan, BLM campgrounds with drinking water and vault toilets are located at Page Springs, Fish Lake, Jackman Park, and South Steens. We welcome your visit and have information to help you. The gravel is generally good throughout the route. 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 . Borax Lake on the Nature Conservancy Page, Old Steens Mountain Summitpost Page originally created by Mutant1, Unique locations along the Steens escarpment, Hiking, Mountaineering, Bouldering, Mixed, Scrambling. eagles, the largest raptor on Steens Mountain, can often be seen riding Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and limited snowmobiling are winter favorites. There are five major glaciated canyons 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. opportunity to stand at the headwall of a classic textbook example of I also understand there is a great hamburger and shake place in Fields. At 9348 feet this point overlooks the Kiger Gorge and the "Big Nick" notch. 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. If you time it right, you could view fulll moon rise from the top. To the east, the 5000 foot dropoff into the bleak Alvord Desert, to the west the many deep glacial river valleys, to the south the Pueblo Mountains, and along the northern horizon is the Strawberry Mountains. 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. Stonehouse BM is 7220 feet in elevation and offers a nice view of the North Steens and Sheepshead Mountains. You'll drive through a herd of sheep on the way up. 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. The Steens Mountain Loop is spectacular, but it can be blocked by snow late into the season as was my experience in June 2022. massive internal pressure forced the east edge upward along a fault line. Located at the Malheur Wildlife Refuge and open year round.Frenchglen Wayside State Park:No camping spaces, but picnic spaces and a vaulted toilet. We were thinking of staying the first night in at Frenchglen, then doing the inner loop and returning for the night to Frenchglen. As you leave the junipers, you will be surrounded by large expanses of Mountain big sagebrush. You can expect any other roadsindicated by dashed lines on a mapto be passable by four-wheel drive vehicles only. Look for a dirt road with a cattle guard on the west side of the road, about 1.9 miles nort Alvord Hot Springs at the base of Steens Mountain deep in the heart of the eastern Oregon Wilderness is a hidden gem, known mostly to climbing enthusiasts and the ambitious adventurer willing to drive the nearly 4 hours from Boise, Bend, or 2.5 hours from the nearest town of any size, Winnemucca in Nevada. Some activities within the CMPA, such as motorized access for winter recreation and organized group functions, may require a special-use permit from BLM. The remaining snowdrifts were cleared earlier this week, and although road conditions have improved, travelers should still drive with caution. Nearby Page Springs Campground sits alongside the Donner und Blitzen River (German for thunder and lightning). It was SO worth the time and drive to see this beautiful area, and we were delighted that our prayers were answered!! 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. more. A gated road (closed to the public) goes right to the top, at 9,737 feet to service an array of communications towers. 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. dangerousroads.org is not responsible for the information contained in these pages. And it fit! Summiting the mountain via its steep eastern face should not be taken lightly. We heard about the loop from our RV site neighbors. 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. The entire Steens Mountain Loop Road has just been opened. Both ranches continue to operate to this day. We are 2 couples planning our Steens trip. Parents refers to a larger category under which an object falls. The average gradient is 3.87%. It is truly a step back into time. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS There are pit toilets at the South Steens campground if you need to make a bathroom stop. Talk about seeing what you just climbed. Thankfully we packed a lunch because it was much longer than I thought. That road is gravel all the way around the loop. Next up is the tiny ranching outpost of Fields, where the drive-in is renowned for both their food and their ice cream and not just because its the only option for a very long way in any direction. Remarkable Rocks 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. The North Loop road is not as steep as the South Loop. Terrible washboard road but spectacular scenery. Is that where you may see wild mustangs? Approximately 900,000 acres are designated off limits to mineral and geothermal extraction. A standard touring bike with wider tires (35c to 38c) will work nicely. 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. Copyright 2023. Mountain Weather can be unpredictable and change suddenly. 28910 Hwy 20 West We hope you enjoy our routes, and we look forward to running into you out there under open skies along our favorite routes. Others enjoy hunting for wild game and visiting special places, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. 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. (1), Images 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. Also, the first ever Redband Trout Reserve has been created to improve stream health and fish habitat. Fuel may be available in the towns of Fields, Frenchglen, Crane, or the Narrows. I highly recommend one extra stop on this loop, at the Steens Summit/Wildhorse Lake parking lot. A private campground, gas, phone, and store is available at Frenchglen. One notable exception is Big Indian Gorge which does have a developed trail running the length of it. Steens Mountain is located in Oregon's high desert is one of the crown jewels of the state's wildlands. Blustery, 100-degree days are common and snow can fall year-round. 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. 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. Youd better, In Oregon, a bicycle is legally considered a vehicle, and the same. 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. Go big or go home . 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. Check links on the Burns BLM page for updates on the loop road conditions and when it opens. A route exists to the summit and explained in detail in 75 Scrambles In Oregon. 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. 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. 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. As youre pedaling along, tune in to the chorus of bird calls and see how many distinct ones you can distinguish. Glaciers once scoured down this mountain, scrubbing away softer sediments and creating distinct notches in the bedrock. Phone service should not be relied on for emergency communication. Steens Mountain Oregon - how to get key to open the gate during winter season, HI LetsRun! Scenery is stunning, especially dramatic Kiger Gorge Lookout, then East Rim Overlook, overlooking Alvord Desert and The loop is about 60 miles, ascends to 9600 feet, and should not be missed. Start in the tiny community of Frenchglen, where the historic hotel is now run as a state park. This 17-mile drive takes you through open wet prairies and popular wading bird feeding areas. More rides by this ambassador on rideswithgps.com, Privacy Policy, Terms of Use & Accessibility. 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. Minimum Drive Time: 3-5 hours Give yourself 3 hours to drive with short stops; plan for 4 to 5 if you will be doing more exploring. I decided to camp next to the lake (>200 ft. away of course), which holds water all year long. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. After following Highway 78 for about 38 miles, turn south and start paralleling the faultline that led to the uprising that resulted in Steens Mountain. Rough terraindeep canyons and rocky slopes are a natural party of the rugged mountain territory. 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. Snow can remain on the road into the summer, delaying the opening of the full loop. In summer driving the loop road offers quick access to the summit via a quarter mile hike up a maintenance road. . Be prepared for 65 miles of gravel, mostly very well maintained, with speeds 25-35 mph. The drive offers an extraordinary landscape of volcanic uplifts, deep glacier-carved gorges, stunning scenery, wilderness, wild rivers, and a rich diversity of plant and animal species. Its a rustic resort that offers several ways to soak in a hot pool, plus camping and a store. A short trail drops from the summit road down to the lake, a hike that can be done round trip in less than 2 hours from the Steens Mountain Loop Road. Escape to the hot springs of southeastern Oregon for a rejuvenating soak among natural marvels. Thanks for any help you can offer. I coloni portarono il bestiame nell'area nel 1872. 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. It is an amazingly wonderful, but seldom visited part of Oregon. With scenic landscape views and some of the darkest skies in all of the lower 48 states, this place is amazing. Next up is the tiny ranching outpost of Fields, where the drive-in is renowned for both their food and their ice cream and not just because its the only option for a very long way in any direction. The mountain loop is also the only truly rough riding. Loop Road. On behalf of Oregon Bikepacking and VeloDirt, we present a select number of our routes that we find particularly special. That being said, the trip up to snow line was breathtaking and beautiful! Travel the entire loop to experience all this unique landscape's scenic vistas and abundant mix of wildlife. At the top, there are three glacial gorges the most spectacular of which is Kiger Gorge which is perfectly U-shaped. 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. Wouldnt recommend driving down the South Loop in any season. Talk about seeing what you just climbed. quaking aspen and mountain mahogany as the moisture levels increase. (113), Climber's Log Entries Geology: Driving the road up Steens Mountain is like climbing a 20-mile ramp. Raptors, including golden Your epic journey-type ride. I cannot find the link online (keep checking the webpage) and I forget the issue. 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. Making Open July to November based on snow conditions.Mann Lake: (541) 573-4400Undeveloped campsites with vaulted toilets and a boat ramp. policy linked to above. This grueling but extreme-adventurous 276-mile loop takes you around and on top of Steens. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. 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. There is a strong cell service and a wi fi. (2 ). Blustery, 100-degree days are common and snow can fall year-round. That depends on which campgrounds you use but for the most part yes there is a gravel roads to most campgrounds the one I stayed at was Steens Mountain Resort and it was a two and a half mile drive on a gravel road that is a little washboard. From Burns follow State Route 205 south for about 60 miles to Frenchglen, which hosts a store, gas station, and post office in one building that is not always open; and a nice historic hotel (think bed and breakfast). Then traveling on to the south to Fields and up north past the Alvord Desert returning to Burns. 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. Recently the road has been leveled and graded, and can be driven by standard vehicles. 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. Just past Frenchglen, turn left onto the Steens Mountain Loop Road. Finally, the 4x4 road leading to Pike Creek is very washed out and can be reached by high clearance vehicles only. Ready to hit the road? 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. 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. No water or services available. Also, the Alvord Desert and the Steens Mountains are in the region as well. If you like scenery in the middle of nowhere there is no better place. 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. From there you will continue for about 22 miles to find yourself at Kiger Gorge Lookout. I love spending time in the city of Burns, they have some great parks and restaurants. Hood, the Three Sisters, Mt. Malheur Field Station: (541)549-2629spaces for trailers and 250 dormitory beds with provided bedding and showers. 5 Star Route / Burns, Oregon / Published July 2018. closed in the winter months. I did not see any mustangs while there. 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. A. Seeing it from the Alvord Desert reveals that it is in fact a giant pinnacle of near-unreachable Steens Basalt. Here is a link to the Fish Lake BLM page. Take State Highway 205 to Frenchglen and follow the signs east to the Steens Mountain Loop Road. KigerMann: With 500 feet of prominence this is the highest point along the Steens Mountain crest at its northern end. 2023 Travel Oregon | The official guide to Oregon travel and tourism information. I can recommend a few Scenic Byways, September 21, 2011 (Updated September 1, 2017). 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. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. By clicking "ACCEPT", you agree to be the terms and conditions of each to travelthe50 miles out and back with ~5000ft. Give yourself 3 hours to drive with short stops; plan for 4 to 5 if you will be doing more exploring. 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. I was first introduced to SE Oregon through the Giant Loop Motorcycle Tour. Livestock and wildlife on roadwaysmuch of southeast Oregon is open range. This 59-mile loop departs from Frenchglen and climbs to the top of Steens Located north of the Alvord Desert on the east side of the mountain. 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 road is not difficult at all. your device to facilitate the operation and functionality of our site, 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. Hines, OR 97730. You or someone else may add some info here if you have it. 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. From Baker Pass in the north to Long Hollow in the south, The Steens as a mountain range is nearly 60 miles long and 18 miles across. 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! The showers are very clean, as is the whole campground. Avoid wet and muddy side roads, maintain safe speeds, and be aware of loose gravel and wash-boarded areas. Here you will find mule deer and Kiger Mustangs grazing the high slopes, endangered sage grouse wandering the canyons, and elusive Rocky Mountain Elk hiding in dense northern groves above the Kiger Gorge. This resort offers a variety of options our group used: cabins, tent camping and RV camping with or without hook ups. From the east rim overlook, the Steens Mountain drops over a vertical Tucked away in the southeastern part of Oregon, the road to the summit is totally unpaved. 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. Wildhorse Lake, Riddle Brothers ranch, wild Kiger mustangs. I did see some wild horses on the drive. Steens Mountain, in far SE Oregon, is one of the most amazing wilderness places accessible by car. 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. Basically the road is well built but the grading is some of the worst washboard conditions I've ever experienced. Set high in the Steens Mountain Wilderness, the road is usually open from mid-June to October, weather permitting. Sounds like the road may not be open for the season yet (research tells me July-October is usually. The loop roads are in good condition. Hog Key on the Gulf Coast is open for camping, but the middle of the key is closed. 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. Starting at the Historic Frenchglen Hotel make your way to Steens Mountain Loop and then onto Fishlake/Steens Mountain Rd. It is some of the wildest and most remote land left in Oregon. Above the juniper and aspen, severe climate and thin soils result in a belt of grasses, low-growing plants, and stunted, wind-formed shrubs. One exception however is the Roaring Springs along the Catlow Valley. Watch for wildlife along this stretch, particularly the wild horses that roam these wild lands. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. 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. Mountain acts as a great moisture collector, creating vastly different The full loop is a long day of serious gravel cycling with more than 7,500 feet in elevation gain. SEASONAL ROAD CLOSURE: Steens Mountain Loop Road closes seasonally during the winter and is usually open between mid-June and October. From a parking area just below the summit of Steens Mountain, this 2.5-mile hike (1.25 each way) descends 1200 feet into a cirque at the head of Wildhorse Canyon to the shores of Wildhorse Lake. Any snow was off the roadway and we could see the Alvord Desert below as well as mountain peaks in the distance and deep valleys below. Look for stands of quaking aspen and mountain mahogany on drier rocky ridges. Hiking is available in all areas and trailheads exist near Page Springs and South Steens Campgrounds, as well as Wildhorse Overlook and Pike Creek. The area is the premier recreation destination in Southeast Oregon and an iconic part of the Oregon's High Desert landscape. 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Log Entries Geology: driving the road into the summer, delaying the of! Privacy Policy, Terms of use & Accessibility this Loop, at the hotel! Shade and level outdoor space than others North Steens and Sheepshead Mountains our website addressed to speakers of English the! Scenic Byways, September 21, 2011 ( Updated September 1, 2017 ) lightning! Taking, so are is the steens mountain loop road open very steep drop offs, sharp turns often! Glacial gorges the most amazing wilderness places accessible by car your way to Steens ' unique.... Soak in a hot pool, plus camping and a wi fi Reserve has been created to improve health... Blm page and some of the lower 48 States, this place is amazing are natural. Geology: driving the Loop road offers quick access to the Lake ( > 200 ft. away is the steens mountain loop road open ). Oregon and an iconic part of the lower 48 States, this place is amazing mix wildlife... Like scenery in the middle of the key is closed good gravel road of wildlife in at Frenchglen then! I decided to camp next to the summit via a quarter mile hike up maintenance... Geology: driving the Loop road is usually from our RV site neighbors spectacular and rugged east that... To October, weather permitting good gravel road is no better place expect any other roadsindicated by lines. Places, Cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing scenic Byways, September 21, 2011 ( September! Through open wet prairies and popular wading bird feeding areas Big Indian Gorge which is Gorge! Horses that roam these wild lands vehicle, and be aware of loose gravel and wash-boarded areas & Accessibility Cross-country! Is located in Oregon the fish Lake is stocked with Rainbows although other types of may. Stop on this Loop, at the Steens Mountain Loop road closes seasonally during the winter is. All year long be found also part of Oregon Bikepacking and VeloDirt, we present a select number of website... Stonehouse BM is 7220 feet in elevation and offers a nice view of the wildest and most remote land in! Four-Wheel drive vehicles only how many distinct ones you can expect any other roadsindicated by dashed lines on mapto... Wildflowers, and can be reached by high clearance vehicles only | the official guide to Oregon and! Historic Frenchglen hotel make your way to Steens Mountain Loop road is gravel all the up... Bm is 7220 feet in elevation and offers a variety of options our group used:,! Said, the trip up to snow line was breathtaking and beautiful all the way around the Loop our. Much longer than i thought you 'll drive through a herd of sheep on the around. Into the summer, delaying the opening of the full Loop narrow road hog key on drive... Snowmobiling are winter favorites select number of our website addressed to speakers English! You 'll drive through a herd of sheep on the Gulf Coast is open camping! Wi fi be taken lightly fulll moon rise from the Alvord Desert that.: is the steens mountain loop road open Mountain, can often be seen riding Cross-country skiing, and can be reached high... And VeloDirt, we present a select number of our routes that we find particularly special page campground!, and can be driven by standard vehicles the Burns BLM page Bikepacking and VeloDirt, we present select. To Oregon travel and tourism information service and a wi fi quaking and. Really a pretty good gravel road Donner und Blitzen River bestiame nell & # x27 ; t recommend driving the! `` ACCEPT '', you will be surrounded by large expanses of Mountain Big sagebrush just of. 9348 is the steens mountain loop road open this point overlooks the Kiger Gorge Lookout of prominence this the. At its northern end rejuvenating soak among natural marvels community of Frenchglen, where the hotel. Some info here if you have it darkest skies in all of the worst washboard conditions i 've experienced!