Alvord Desert, Oregon
Top Spots in and near Alvord Desert
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Princeton, Oregon
Camp on the Alvord Desert
5.0You can drive onto the desert from several different dirt access roads along the Fields-Denio Rd, coming from the town Fields. You are allowed to drive out and camp anywhere on the playa except for along the west side, which is private property. The area is not fenced, but it is up to you to be a...Read more -
Princeton, Oregon
Soak in Alvord Hot Springs
5.00.25 miAlvord 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 ...Read more -
Princeton, Oregon
Hike Pike Creek Trail in the Steens Mountains
5.4 mi / 1500 ft gainStarting at approximately 4300’, Pike Creek trail is about 5.4 miles RT to Pike’s Knob, out and back, however the entire hike is stunning and there is no wrong place to turn back. The road for the Pike Creek Trail is a few miles north of the Alvord Hot Springs, on an unmarked, heavily rutted tu...Read more -
Princeton, Oregon
Hike to Wildhorse Lake
2.5 mi / 1200 ft gainFrom 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. The stunning geography of Steens is on display the entire way, with views over the Alvord Desert at th...Read more -
Princeton, Oregon
Take in the View from Steens Mountain Summit
0.8 mi / 100 ft gainDriving on the 205 you will turn onto the Steens Mountain Loop Road 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. (There is a collection of cell towers on t...Read more -
Princeton, Oregon
Camp at Mann Lake
Mann Lake can be found in the Steens Mountain Wilderness area. Camping is first come first serve but depending on the time of year it won't be crowded at all. I visited in the early fall and there was one other car. I decided to camp next to the lake (>200 ft. away of course), which holds wat...Read more -
Harney County, Oregon
Drive the Steens Mountain Loop
5.0Steens Mountain makes you feel like you are on top of the world. At nearly 10,000ft in elevation and not being well known, the Steens will make you to feel like you’re in a truly remote place. It offers a great view of the sunset and if you stay at night will offer the one best stargazing in all ...Read more -
Humboldt County, Nevada
Soak in Bog Hot Springs
Tucked away in a remote corner of northwest Nevada on the Oregon border, Bog Hot Springs is perhaps the ideal of the Nevada Hot Springs experience: public land, no amenities, minimal-to-no-development, an abundance of wildlife, and solitude almost year round (hunting season excepted). The Hot Spr...Read more -
Jordan Valley, Oregon
Float the Wild and Scenic Owyhee River
5.049.5 mi / -900 ft gainOverviewLocated in remote southeastern Oregon the Owyhee River offers an off the grid adventure through the high desert that you will not soon forget. The 50 mile section of river from Rome to Birch Creek is usually boated between March and June when there is adequate runoff to support larger bo...Read more
Top Activities
Camping and Lodging in Alvord Desert
Diamond, Oregon
Jackman Park Campground
Jackman Park Campground is located on the flanks of Steens Mountain, within the Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protective Are...
Fields-Denio Road
Mann Lake Campground
Overview:Located below the east face of Steens Mountain, Mann Lake attracts anglers as much for its remote, rugged splendor as for its ab...
Princeton, Oregon
South Steens Campground
Overview:South Steens Campground is located in the heart of Steens Mountain. Visitors will find picnic tables and grills at 36 family ca...