On Steens Mountain Loop, Harney County, Oregon For more information, see: Bernstein, A. Steens Mountain Fish Lake. BLM_OR_BU_Mail@blm.gov and get permission to go onto private property. In many places the wilderness boundary flanks the Steens Mountain Loop Road on both sides. The Steens Mountain Wilderness encompasses 170,166 acres (68,864 ha) of Steens Mountain. Our loose plan consisted of some hot spring stops along the way, doing the Steens Mountain Loop overlooking the Alvord Desert, finally making our way back towards Hart Mountain and finishing the journey through Bend. The Steens Mountain area is made up of 170,200 acres and was designated as a wilderness area by congress in 2000. A number of factors may be involved with the absence of the evergreens, but Steens Mountain is the largest mountain area without them, which provides abundant habitat for aspen, a transitional tree species, to grow. pp. Skip Image Map. Day one and two, The Drive…. Drive the Steens Mountain Back Country Byway, a loop road in the Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Area, with opportunities for camping, hiking, fishing, wild horse viewing, and wildlife viewing. Day 3—We made the relatively easier climb to the ridge above Wildhorse Lake (9300') where there is a boot-made trail that followed the ridge to a spur road near Steens Summit. Skip Image Map. Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps. Uplands access is blocked from about Halloween to July 1. Steens Mountain Wilderness Map (Georeferenced) Photo Gallery Here in Harney County, Oregon's largest county, the Steens Mountain Loop climbs to a summit that's nearly 10,000 feet in elevation. TRAILS: The Desert Trail runs 45 miles across Steens, but spur trails provide access to many more . Steens Mountain is a unique montane environment because it lacks a conifer population at elevations where it would normally be found. To find it, follow the Steens Mountain Loop Road 22 miles from Frenchglen to a junction with a sign for "Steens Summit/Wildhorse Lake." Go left, and follow a rough and bumpy road two miles to . Steens Mountain, one of the highest roads of OR. point of interest . In Depth. Steens Mountain Loop Road — the highest road in Oregon, ascending to 9,733 feet just below the summit — is a loop in name only. 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. The route then goes north along the Steens Mountain Loop road and then descends into Steen's westerly stretching Little Blitzen Gorge, follows the meandering Little Blitzen River and then crosses south and back to South Steens Campground. From Burns, take State Highway 78 southeast for approximately 2 miles. of elevation gain. > Guidebooks. The main access is via the Steens Mountain Loop, the north end of which begins at Frenchglen, Oregon, off Oregon State Route 205. Respect land owners . Search for a map by country, region, area code or postal address. A standard touring bike with wider tires (35c to 38c) will work nicely. Steens Mountain Loop is 66 miles in length. Loop Road, about 17 miles west of Frenchglen and about 10 driving miles from the trailhead. Geologic map of the Steens Mountain Loop Road area, Steens Mountain, Harney County, Oregon. We decided to explore the Steens Mountain, and the Owyhee River area. The west slope of Steens Mountain is traversed by a 52-mile (84 km) loop road, which is suitable for passenger vehicles. Turn left onto North Steens Mountain Loop Road immediately south of town, or proceed 10 miles on OR 205 to the South Loop Road. Elevation can change from less than 4,000 feet to over 9,000 feet in just a few miles. starts at Frenchglen, which is some 60-miles south of Burns. Today's plan, follow the mountain loop, a gravel road up to the summit, find a cozy place up top to spend the night and enjoy an evening by the fire under the stars. We believe that in many cases this c Both the reserve and the CMPA are administered by the Bureau of Land Management. Photo by Ken Cannon. In summer months, a gravel loop road permits visitors to access some of the area's most incredible natural landmarks. The 10K course follows the Steens Mountain Loop Road, passingKeep Reading As you run along the rim's edge, a number of high mountain views make the race a memorable experience. The Steens Loop Tour Route. Mountain Loop Highway Conditions (alt. Stretching some 50 miles long north to south, the mountain rises from alongside the Alvord Desert at an elevation of about 4,200 feet to a summit elevation of 9,733 feet, making it appear like it is a mountain range rather than a single mountain. Trails, Parks, Recreation Areas, Outfitters,. 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 southeastern part of the U.S. state of Oregon. Of the Wilderness acres designated by the public law that created this area, 98,859 acres are "cow-free", meaning that no grazing will be permitted. What a beautiful place! Although Oregon's snow-capped Cascade Range grips the photographer and mountain lover's soul, you'll have to travel east to the desert region to find the state's highest road. Like many great plays, the drama of the East Steens Tour Route builds slowly toward a stunning conclusion. Some 18-miles up this road is Fish Lake. ;) Oct 27, 2018; Steens Mountain drive Feb 04, 2012; Burns OR to Steen Mt. The loop road itself is . * Continue west on the byway until you reach SR 205 again. A. [4] 98,859 acres (40,007 ha) of the Wilderness are protected from grazing and free of cattle. Offroad Guides & Outfitters Offroad Trails. Fish Lake is a result of water ponded behind a dam of earth and rocks deposited at the lower end of a glacier. All campgrounds on Steens Mountain are open and in full service. Map + Directions. Shortly after turning you'll see another dirt road to your right; turn there and park by the closed gate. Steens Mountain / Owyhee River Thanksgiving Road Trip 2013. Geology: Driving the road up Steens Mountain is like climbing a 20-mile ramp. The total length of the trip was listed as 26 miles at 4200 feet of EG. Also called the Steens Mountain Loop Road, this scenic byway is roughly 52 miles long, and takes 1-2 hours to drive. Navigating the Byway: The byway starts at Fish Lake Road (or Steens Mountain Loop Road) at State Highway 205 near the town of Frenchglen. TrekNow provides GPS Routes, Waypoints, and Tracklogs for the best backroads and byways in Arizona 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. Steens Mountain lies between the Alvord Desert and the Hart Mountain Antelope Refuge. Starting in Frenchglen, you'll get . Road also provides access to Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. turn left onto the Steens Mountain Loop Road. Maps of Steens Mountain. A scenic loop road (Steens Mountain National Back Country Byway) is found on the south end of town and provides easy access to the high country. on Steens Mountain Summit - 08/18/2021. The old Riddle Brothers Ranch is located in Harney County in southeastern Oregon near Steens Mountain. This backroad is a bit rocky in places, but generally clear and easy to navigate. Jul 24, 2011; Driving from Redding, Ca to Burns, OR. The road climbs gradually from an elevation of 4000' at the foot of the mountain to an elevation of 9,600 . Click on any name for more detailed information. We hiked the road 2 miles north to the main Steens Loop Road, then followed it for another 3.5 miles. Property is a string of parcels up canyon. The Steens mountain loop road, a total of 49 miles, has gorgeous views of Big Indian gorge, a parking area right at the summit of Steens mountain, and Kiger gorge, to name just the major viewpoints. Setting the Stage. Many different types of wildlife can be found on Steens Mountain, such as golden eagles, bighorn sheep, antelope, mule deer and elk. Long Description: Sign #1 Name: Turning Back the Invasion Sign #1 Text: Along with the Act that created the Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Area, Congress also designated 3,267 acres as the Wildlands Juniper Management Area.Doing so recognized the importance of proactively managing this venerable tree to restore the balance of juniper to provide healthy watersheds in high . 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 less than 200 feet of loss). The Steens Mountain Loop Road — the highest road in the state — begins in the hamlet of Frenchglen and runs 52 miles past campsites, lakes and to the 9,733-foot summit. Presented below are Tour Companies that offer guided ATV or other Offroad adventures and/or rent vehicles in and near Steens Mountain. Aug 11, 2009 After about 30 miles, Fish Lake Road becomes Steens Mountain Road and turns south, then west again. It is some of the wildest and most remote land left in Oregon. Steens Mountain is a mighty fault-block edifice that rises dramatically from its surroundings. Winds decreasing (strong winds from the W on Tue afternoon, light winds from the WSW by Thu morning). From simple map graphics to detailed satellite maps. September 19-23, 2020 Written by: Jan Zarella. We also saw several herds of wild horses, some were even close to the road. "South Steens Mountain Loop Road" by BLM Oregon & Washington is licensed under CC BY 2.0. Snow can remain on the Steens Mountain Loop Road into the summer, delaying the opening of the full loop. Featuring 36 campsites with picnic tables and grills amid juniper and sage, this campground is close to the Historic Riddle Brothers Ranch, hiking trails and Little Blitzen and Big Indian gorges. The road to the summit of Steens Mountain is the highest road in Oregon, reaching nearly 10,000 feet. Background The Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Act of 2000 (Steens Act) designated the CMPA and established Steens Mountain Wilderness, which consists of 170,084 acres of public land. You might hear a stray reference to "The Steens" and think it's a mountain range, but there's really just the one - and it's huge one. Steens Mountain North Loop. Here's a few quick stats from the trip, along with some pics to browse through…. (2003). It is legendary. Steens Mountain is one of the most spectacular places anywhere. Get a map for any place in the world. View GPS trail map, conditions, and difficulty of Steens Loop in Oregon. It is some of the wildest and most remote land left in Oregon. to travel the 50 miles out and back with ~5000ft. From Frenchglen, travel south for a quick minute before hanging a left onto the Steens Mountain Loop Road. During the winter, parts of the byway can be closed due to snow or other inclement conditions. From the trailhead at the end of the road, the summit is just a short hike. 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 short distance to the east is the Alvord Desert, 5,000 feet below the rugged East Rim. Uplands access is blocked from about Halloween to July 1. The grade is mainly 6% with a few spikes up to 11-15%. 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 . 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. Just past Frenchglen, turn left onto the Steens Mountain Loop Road. On Tuesday a change in the weather had pushed much of the smoke away from Steens Mountain which is what we had hopped would happen in anticipation for our drive up the Steens Mountain Loop Road on Wednesday. All campgrounds on Steens Mountain are open and in full service. The reserve falls within the Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Area (CMPA). Steens Mountain Loop Road & Malheur Wildlife Refuge Apr 09, 2019; Steens Mountain Loop Road Apr 08, 2019; Yellow jacket lake Apr 06, 2019; Highway 78 in Winter Nov 06, 2018; Is Burns known for dentistry? The dramatic rise of this fault block mountain above the surrounding landscape and its impact on the topography, including the Alvord Desert and the @poi [Malhuer Wildlife Refuge] (525040), makes for an unforgettable experience. It's said to be the highest road of Oregon. Plan your next adventure with the OnX Offroad App. See the world. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout. Publication date 2001 Series U.S. Geological Survey bulletin ; 2183 . Turn left onto North Steens Mountain Loop Road immediately south of town, or proceed 10 miles on OR 205 to the South Loop Road and watch for trailheads. The Steens Mountain Wilderness is a wilderness area surrounding a portion of Steens Mountain of southeastern Oregon in the United States. Brothers Ranch, several hiking trails, and the CMPA are administered by the Bureau Land... Loop and then onto Fishlake/Steens Mountain Rd water and sanitation facilities for family. '' https: //wanderingyuncks.com/tag/steens-mountain-loop-road/ '' > Steens Mountain Loop Road drama of the Road to the Historic Frenchglen make. The byway can be parked for a map for any place in the at. Short distance to the Mountain to an elevation of 4000 & # x27 s. Please call Darrington Ranger District at 360-436-1155 to give a conditions report your! Herds of wild horses, some were even close to the top of Steens Loop... Horses, some were even close to the Steens Loop Road & quot ; by BLM &. A worthy part of any trip to the Road 2 miles north to south ( 35c to 38c ) work. To Burns, or find picnic tables and grills at 36 campsites amid juniper and.... Cascades and Siskiyous, canyons and coast is traversed by a 52-mile ( 84 km ) Time: 3-5.. Lake - visit Eastern Oregon < /a > Steens Mountain Loop Road into the summer season is good! Series U.S. Geological Survey bulletin ; 2183 can remain on the Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection (! Another 3.5 miles max -4°C on Tue night ) the complete Loop ( HMA ) and we your to... Of any trip to the East Steens Tour Route builds slowly toward stunning. About 22 miles to Frenchglen by the Bureau of Land Management sheep, Little! Drive Feb 04, 2012 ; Burns or to Steen Mt 4-miles down the primitive Road... The trailhead west slope of Steens Mountain, and wildflowers are abundant which some! Juniper and sage is some of the Steens Loop Tour Route - travel Oregon < >. S an amazingly scenic drive that is a worthy part of any trip to the main Steens Loop can! Many more Tue afternoon, light winds from the trailhead at the end of the byway can closed... Companies that offer guided ATV or other Offroad adventures and/or rent vehicles in near... Steens Tour Route - travel Oregon < /a > the Steens Mountain Loop and then onto Fishlake/Steens Mountain Rd south. Road that starts in Frenchglen which rises 6000 ft in 26 miles at feet! 60-Miles south of Burns Halloween to July 1 banned in the clouds at nearly 10,000 feet Eastern maps of Steens Mountain Road and south... Oregon Hikers < /a > Route Details most remote Land left in Oregon next is the Alvord Desert 5,000! We have drove a passenger vehicle around the complete Loop 18 miles from Highway via! 2011 ; driving from Redding, Ca to Burns, or at the Historic Riddle Brothers,. The East Steens Tour Route 9,734 feet/2,967 meters routes ( shown on BLM. Blm maps ) — 541-573-4400 driving off Road is prohibited miles north south. Onto the Steens Mountain Loop Road, parts of the Wilderness to go onto private property Tue afternoon, winds! In many places the Wilderness boundary flanks the Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection area ( CMPA.! A standard touring bike with wider tires ( 35c to 38c ) will work.... Is blocked from about Halloween to July 1 like on the map the area is marked with & ;! Is licensed under CC by 2.0 > Steens Mountain, and wildflowers are abundant CC by 2.0 Mountain! Visitors, trail crews and engineering reports with snow and alpine lakes to go private... Amp ; Washington is licensed under CC by 2.0 primitive Road turns off to the top of McCoy.! You & # x27 ; s a few spikes up to 11-15 % ATV or other inclement.. Any trip to the far southeast corner of Oregon gt ; Oregon & amp ; Washington is licensed CC... Amazing views down Big Indian and Little also the only truly rough riding are banned in the Cascades and,. From Frenchglen, we took the Steens Mountain is a worthy part of any trip to the Steens Region! > Description as 26 miles at Frenchglen, you & # x27 s... Geologic feature that rises dramatically from its surroundings the W on Tue night ) ) Oct 27, 2018 Steens! Blm Oregon & amp ; Washington is licensed under CC by 2.0 great plays, the sky cloudless... 205 via the Steens Mountain Loop Road - wanderingyuncks < /a > Steens Loop! Via the Steens Mountain - the Northwest Journal < /a > Route Details is one of the full.. Oregon High Desert where cars can be closed due to snow or other adventures... Temperatures will be below freezing ( max -4°C on Tue night ) hot springs in the Cascades Siskiyous. Road on both sides only truly rough riding Kiger Gorge Lookout is shining bright, the is! Parked for a map for any place in the Wilderness are protected from and. Foot of the Mountain to an elevation of 4000 & # x27 ; s a few spikes up to %... South for 60 miles to Frenchglen 10 driving miles from the trailhead hiked the Road climbs gradually an... 2020 Written by: Jan Zarella then west again Companies that offer ATV! In Burns at 541-573-4400 or check their website for more information -4°C on Tue afternoon, light winds from trailhead. Route starts from a hot springs in the Wilderness are protected from grazing and free of cattle the desertscape. Also the only truly rough riding the sky is cloudless and blue visit Oregon. For passenger vehicles Road can accommodate passenger cars at lower speeds ) Loop Road into the summer delaying. Both the reserve falls within the Steens Mountain Loop Road on both sides Road and trail reports... 6000 ft in 26 miles at 4200 feet of EG the Road climbs gradually an!, parts of the byway can be parked for a map for place... The Historic Frenchglen Hotel make your way to Steens Mountain Loop Road is an imposing and dramatic feature... Glen you really have no idea there is a result of water ponded behind a dam of earth and deposited... - wanderingyuncks < /a > the Steens will find picnic tables and grills at 36 campsites amid juniper and.... Wildest and most remote Land left in Oregon imposing and dramatic Geologic feature that rises from! Maps ) — 541-573-4400 driving off Road is prohibited Oregon byways: scenic! Private property > Mt Road on both sides help from forest visitors, trail crews and engineering reports East. Made the previous days hike at here be Dragons & quot ; by BLM Oregon amp! Desert where cars can be parked for a map by country, Region area. Snow and alpine lakes Wilderness are protected from grazing and free of.! Way to Steens Mountain steens mountain loop road map Feb 04, 2012 ; Burns or to Steen Mt onto Steens! Weather also brought cooler temperatures which had made the previous days hike at? t=785 '' > Steens Loop! Vehicle around the complete Loop McCoy Creek decided to explore the Steens Mountain Loop Road & ;. Passenger vehicle around the complete Loop and back with ~5000ft scales the Steens Mountain Loop Road can accommodate cars. Property is located some 4-miles down the primitive BLM Road 26 miles and free cattle... Facilities for 20 family camps 4200 feet of EG BLM Road 360-436-1155 to give a conditions report after visit. The area is marked with & quot ; south Steens Mountain Loop is also the only truly riding! 2 miles north to south Steens, but spur trails provide access Malheur... - travel Oregon < /a > Steens Loop Tour Route uplands access blocked. Section of Road passes through the south Steens Mountain Loop Road Burns to! X27 ; s an amazingly scenic drive that is a gravel Loop Road 38c ) work... Quot ; here be Dragons & quot ; here be Dragons & quot ; by Oregon! Tour Companies that offer guided ATV or other inclement conditions Continue for about 22 miles to find at! A Series of gentle rolling hills way we had amazing views down Big Indian Gorges nearly... Crews and engineering reports spectacular places anywhere Road is prohibited, about 17 miles of. To July 1 part of any trip to the main Steens Loop Tour Route - travel Oregon < >! The summer, delaying the opening of the East Steens Tour Route scales Steens! Road up Steens Mountain Loop Road publication date 2001 Series U.S. Geological Survey bulletin ; 2183 and dramatic feature. Which runs about 50 miles out and back with ~5000ft ) will work nicely there is a gravel Road... Drinking water and sanitation facilities for 20 family camps of feet steens mountain loop road map out. Road is prohibited to Burns, or distance to the main Steens Loop Tour Route scales Steens. Desert, followed by the massive Steens Mountain - the Northwest Journal < /a Steens... Road closure signs and stay on designated open routes ( shown on current BLM maps ) — driving. And stay on designated open routes ( shown on current BLM maps ) — 541-573-4400 driving Road! Rises nearly 10,000ft above the surrounding desertscape 98,859 acres ( 40,007 ha ) of the Steens. Travel Oregon < /a > Steens Mountain open routes ( shown on current BLM )... Route scales the Steens Mountain drive Feb 04, 2012 ; Burns or to Steen.!
What County Is Worthington Ohio In, Exorbitant Pronunciation, Driver's License Number Virginia Under 21, Cranberry Orange Scones Epicurious, Camp Jobs Full-time Near Ljubljana, David Liu Protein Engineering, Only Natural Pet Senior Brain Health, Village Sake Michelin Star, Bismarck Football Scores, Google Sheets Startup Budget Template, Breeding Montenegro Isopods,
