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. mountain in the summer to graze their stock on the lush meadows that thrive The payback for the many miles of climbing is the steep downhill back to Frenchglen. The loop roads are in good condition. It is also home to a herd of the famous wild Kiger mustangs featured in the movie "Spirit." 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. 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. (Great name). And for you, if you are returning be sure and consider staying at Crystal Crane Springs, in Hines (5 mi from Burns). The Steens Mountain Loop is spectacular, but it can be blocked by snow late into the season as was my experience in June 2022. 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. 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 . Are reservations needed at campgrounds in the steen my area, and how far will I need to drive on gravel roads to get there? Thanks for any help/advice! A standard touring bike with wider tires (35c to 38c) will work nicely. We stayed at South Steens campground and hiked both Little Blitzen and Big Indian trails. 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. 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. Let someone at home know where you plan to go and when you plan to return. . We were so excited for our miracle and for the fabulous views we could see from the high viewpoints all along the way. 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. Do you know any spectacular road?Click here to send us all the info, and we'll publish it! An official website of the United States government. All of this wilderness is located in Oregon and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Thankfully we packed a lunch because it was much longer than I thought. Take State Highway 205 to Frenchglen and follow the signs east to the Steens Mountain Loop Road. Sagebrush dominates It'd been years since we'd visited Steens and best of all, nothing has changed. Looming over Kiger is the eponhymously named Gunsight notch also glacially carved. Weather conditionsthe mountains high elevation can cause rapid temperature changes. Multiple streams running off of Steens Mountain's east face flow onto the Alvord Desert where you might find some accumulation in spring. Ambitious hikers can head down 1,100 ft. to the beautiful Wildhorse Lake, but everyone else should definitely make the half-mile trip up to the 9,733 ft. summit of Steens Mountain. Thats more than a mile, nearly straight down. Deep in the southeast section of Oregon, the road is a spectacular gem in the high desert and provides sweeping views of the region, including Wildhorse Lake and Keigor Gorge. Hiking is available in all areas and trailheads exist near Page Springs and South Steens Campgrounds, as well as Wildhorse Overlook and Pike Creek. This land, at the top of the Steens Mountain, is the most sensitive to disturbance and will be managed to safeguard the pristine environment. Steens Mountain (Frenchglen) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go, Hotels near Boise Air Terminal (Gowen Field) (BOI), Motels near Boise Air Terminal (Gowen Field) (BOI), Tempeh Making and Cooking Authentic Balinese Dishes, Olden Shore Excursion: the Amazing Briksdal Glacier, Intimate Waimea Canyon Half Day Eco Fun Tour from South Kauai, Experience Santorini: Wine Tasting Small Group Tour, Sol Duc, Lake Crescent, and Hurricane Ridge Guided Tour in Olympic National Park, Etna - Trekking to the summit craters (only guide service) experienced hikers, Full-Day Guided Tour of San Francisco with Alcatraz, 2-Day Tour: Petra, Wadi Rum, and Dead Sea from Amman. Give yourself 3 hours to drive with short stops; plan for 4 to 5 if you will be doing more exploring. Then, cross the Donner und Blitzen River and get ready for some mountain-climbing on two wheels. If you want one last hit of civilization before heading out into the wilderness, book a room here (you can also camp on the lawn) and enjoy a family-style meal or two. Livestock and wildlife on roadwaysmuch of southeast Oregon is open range. Make sure to visit the little community of French Glen and go into the store. Also, the first ever Redband Trout Reserve has been created to improve stream health and fish habitat. Check with local BLM authorities. A private campground, gas, phone, and store is available at Frenchglen. 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. 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. So head north out of Frenchglen up Highway 205 to get warmed up; after almost 18 miles of pavement, veer off the highway toward Diamond (even smaller than Frenchglen, but another great historic hotel/restaurant) and then onto the first stretch of the many, many miles of unpaved road youll experience. policy linked to above. Steens Mountain is a mighty fault-block edifice that rises dramatically from its surroundings. (28), Comments Alvord Peak: Overlooking Fields is this mountain at 7132 feet. A land exchange provision blocks up nearly 100,000 acres of livestock-free wilderness within the designated 175,000-acre Steens Mountain Wilderness. Remarkable Rocks The website is for information purposes only and we assume no liability for decisions made as a result of the information provided here. Making Then traveling on to the south to Fields and up north past the Alvord Desert returning to Burns. Open May to November depending on snow. 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. Steens Mountain, in far SE Oregon, is one of the most amazing wilderness places accessible by car. Update; reportedly fish and game is working on a plan to exterminate goldfish from Mann Lake. You also agree to the storing of cookies on Borax Lake is 10 acres, and water welling up from within it feeds a series of cooler ponds and marshes surrounding the primary spring. Fish Lake: What is most likely Steens Mountains most popular campground can be found at Fish Lake. Let's keep in touch. Snow can remain on the road into the summer, delaying the opening of the full loop. The road is not difficult at all. opportunity to stand at the headwall of a classic textbook example of More rides by this ambassador on rideswithgps.com, Privacy Policy, Terms of Use & Accessibility. 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. Mountain acts as a great moisture collector, creating vastly different 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. Any tips or recommendations would be appreciated. No water or services available. When I was there in late May the Loop Road was still closed due to snow. Youll connect to Highway 78 at about Mile 65, and you can roll on to Crystal Crane Hot Springs at about Mile 74. Steens Mountain Loop includes the highest road in Oregon and is one of Oregon's extraordinary scenic and geologic wonders. 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. A 4x4 track can be found where Big Alvord Creek crosses the road at the Alvord Ranch. Several private outfitters and guides offer opportunities for personalized tours or other activities. Steens Mountain, Frenchglen: Address, Steens Mountain Reviews: 5/5. Then, cross the Donner und Blitzen River and get ready for some mountain-climbing on two wheels. From the east rim overlook, the Steens Mountain drops over a vertical You'll drive through a herd of sheep on the way up. All Rights Reserved. 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. the Alvord Desert in its shadow receives less than six inches. Well, it turned out he WAS and the gate opened 5 days early a few minutes before we got there!! These animals navigate the rough eastern face of Steens Mountain high above the Alvord Desert. I decided to camp next to the lake (>200 ft. away of course), which holds water all year long. Visitor Activities Visitor activities include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and limited snowmobiling. to travelthe50 miles out and back with ~5000ft. Wouldn't recommend driving down the South Loop in any season. The trail comprises deep glacier-carved gorges, wild rivers, a rich diversity of plant and animal species, and alpine lakes with aspen for shade. Carl Axelsen, member since 1999 Expect to find the pools somewhere in the range of 100-120 degrees. Steens Mountain is simply awesome. Conditions No conditions reported in the past 7 days Want to report conditions for this trail? 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. Journey 27 miles through dwarf cypress forest, pine forests, hardwood hammocks, and some of the most photographed landscape in the Preserve. 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. It isnt until the Kiger Gorge overlook that the sense of elevation really takes hold. Kiger gorge is one of the most beautiful places to see and experience. Glaciers once scoured down this mountain, scrubbing away softer sediments and creating distinct notches in the bedrock. Wonderful views, local history, wild horses, and much more. A wide variety of raptors can be seen here with golden eagles commonly seen roosting along highways, while ferriginous hawks and peregrine falcons will be seen hovering over the high plateau in search of field squirrels. A summmitpost page exists for this mountain and much more information can be found there including amazing pictures of the Kiger Gorge and notch. I did see some wild horses on the drive. Mann Lake (Mile 137) offers a camping spot to split the distance from Crystal Crane to Fields. Best Time to Visit: July through October, the road is Be aware of ticks, mosquitoes, and rattlesnakes in certain areas during spring and summer. 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. 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. I hadnt researched the excursion much before we grabbed a map In French Glen and hit the loop. We are 2 couples planning our Steens trip. Taken as a mountain with a nine thousand foot crest, the peak runs over eight miles from north to south. of elevation gain. 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. Even in this seemingly empty landscape, you have the chance to spot wildlife like badgers, foxes or antelope. 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. 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. For being comprised of basalt, the vertical rock along the east face is substantially rotten. quaking aspen and mountain mahogany as the moisture levels increase. 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. If you time it right, you could view fulll moon rise from the top. 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. The end of the tour loop winds through Finally, the 4x4 road leading to Pike Creek is very washed out and can be reached by high clearance vehicles only. mule deer and elk also call the mountain home. My pickup truck has a stiff suspension so it was almost unbearable. Steens Mountain is a mighty fault-block edifice that rises dramatically from its surroundings. Your safety and enjoyment are important. Set high in the Steens Mountain Wilderness, the road is usually open from mid-June to October, weather permitting. I wish I had better words to tell you how amazing this place is. This grueling but extreme-adventurous 276-mile loop takes you around and on top of Steens. 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 November if snow comes late in the year. (113), Climber's Log Entries LockA locked padlock Use our interactive map to explore the roads or just discover them by browsing the site. Loop Road. YEAH!! A series of much hotter pools can be found on the north slope of Borax Lake. The tour route begins its climb in earnest, ascending from arid sagebrush to small lakes and a shady respite of quaking aspen. your device to facilitate the operation and functionality of our site, Although located in the Southeast corner of Oregon hundreds of miles from any major cites, the mountain is very accessible given a tolerance for driving. On the way down, Fish Lake offers a nice campground and the chance to catch your dinner. 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. Talk about seeing what you just climbed. 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. With scenic landscape views and some of the darkest skies in all of the lower 48 states, this place is amazing. KigerMann: With 500 feet of prominence this is the highest point along the Steens Mountain crest at its northern end. I was first introduced to SE Oregon through the Giant Loop Motorcycle Tour. I debated how to write it. The area is the premier recreation destination in Southeast Oregon and an iconic part of the Oregon's High Desert landscape. Opportunities for recreation on Steens Mountain are as plentiful as they are widespread. 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. 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. The Nearest Services are in the communities of Fields, Frenchglen, Crane, or Narrows, Oregon. Itll make your jaw drop. Distance: 59 miles closed in the winter months. Ticks, mosquitoes, and rattlesnakes in certain areas during spring and summer. On the way down, Fish Lake offers a nice campground and the chance to catch your dinner. The mountain loop is also the only truly rough riding. 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. Circumnavigate Steens Mountain including an arduous climb to the summit. This information has been taken directly from the most recent Harney County Informational Pamphlet available at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge headquarters. Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use. 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. I would never pull a travel trailer up there. The road is all gravel but is well maintained as long as it's open. For the full loop, an early start is recommended, and for us, that meant sharing the road with surprised deer. 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. A Trip to Steens, Oregons Secret Mountain, Relax at the Hot Springs of Southeastern Oregon. of a national treasure. Cattlemen, your way to the summit, take note of evolving plant life. Fuel may be available in the towns of Fields, Frenchglen, Crane, or the Narrows. Oregon Department of Transportation. Let's keep in touch. 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. 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. 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. Avoid wet and muddy side roads, maintain safe speeds, and be aware of loose gravel and wash-boarded areas. For example, theAconcagua mountain page has the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits' asparents and is a parent itself to many routes, photos, and Trip Reports. sometimes be spotted negotiating rocky escarpments; pronghorn antelope, That being said, the trip up to snow line was breathtaking and beautiful! Steens Mountain Loop Road is the highest elevation road in Oregon, ascending almost to the summit of 9,700 feet. Talk about seeing what you just climbed. THnaks MOrgan, BLM campgrounds with drinking water and vault toilets are located at Page Springs, Fish Lake, Jackman Park, and South Steens. 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. Seeing it from the Alvord Desert reveals that it is in fact a giant pinnacle of near-unreachable Steens Basalt. wild, free-roaming nature. The stunning geography of Steens is on display the entire way, with views over the Alvord Desert at the trailhead and a sweeping vista down the canyon below the lake. Ready to hit the road? Thanks for any help you can offer. in the lower, drier environs, giving way to dense stands of juniper, then Is that where you may see wild mustangs? Reply Report inappropriate content 21 replies to this topic Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. A lock ( From Kiger Gorge, the road turns south and skims along the rim. We were thinking of staying the first night in at Frenchglen, then doing the inner loop and returning for the night to Frenchglen. The peak isnt quite sublime, however, because cell phone and radio towers, along with propane tanks, are present. And Steens is not the only wonder youll experience; theres also the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, the aforementioned Alvord Desert, and the milkshakes in Fields. A lock ( 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. 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. Thats more than a mile, nearly straight down. This massive fault block of basalt is the highest point south of the Three Sisters in Oregon, has 4373 feet of prominence, and is the highpoint of Harney County. Yes the road is washboard at first. 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. Follow along the loop to get back to your starting point. Notes: Consider the timing of your journey: Theres almost no shade in this area that routinely hits 90 degrees, and water is extremely limited. Learn more about travel impacts in Oregon. Hiking is available in all areas and trailheads exist near Page Springs and South Steens Campgrounds, as well as Wildhorse Overlook and Pike Creek. 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Southeast Oregon is a beautiful region with some great sightseeing opportunities. At the base of the mountain, where water is scarce, is a belt of sagebrush. I cannot find the link online (keep checking the webpage) and I forget the issue. Located north of the Alvord Desert on the east side of the mountain. It takes about 2hrs. So head north out of Frenchglen up Highway 205 to get warmed up; after almost 18 miles of pavement, veer off the highway toward Diamond (even smaller than Frenchglen, but another great historic hotel/restaurant) and then onto the first stretch of the many, many miles of unpaved road youll experience. 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. Go big or go home . 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. There is a gravel loop road that starts in Frenchglen which rises 6000 ft in 26 miles. You are still completely responsible for your decisions, your actions, and your safety. We hope you enjoy our routes, and we look forward to running into you out there under open skies along our favorite routes. If you do go bring your camera and binoculars. Camping is first come first serve but depending on the time of year it won't be crowded at all. or learn to just turn around! Weather UV Index Daylight Saturday 27 / 11 F Sunday 19 / 3 F Monday To avoid any potential issues, it's best to camp on the south, e Take in the View from Steens Mountain Summit, Hike Pike Creek Trail in the Steens Mountains. 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. It is truly a step back into time. Malheur Field Station: (541)549-2629spaces for trailers and 250 dormitory beds with provided bedding and showers. This loop drive of 58 miles is gravel with a washboard surface that is totally awesome. A standard touring bike with wider tires (35c to 38c) will work nicely. Mann Lake is one of only a couple lakes along the eastside of Steens Mountain that does not dry up. 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. as well as Irish and Basque sheepherders, were once drawn to the upper The North Loop road is not as steep as the South Loop. 28910 Hwy 20 West Traveling with a current map of the area is essential! 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. The road also provides access to Steens Summit and the Riddle Brothers Ranch National Historic District campgrounds. (12), Additions & Corrections 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. Basically the road is well built but the grading is some of the worst washboard conditions I've ever experienced. Start a 7-Day Free Trial of All-Access Membership. Visitors photograph landscapes, wildlife and wildflowers, and catch redband trout in the Donner und Blitzen River. Written July 20, 2021. Here is a link to the Mann Lake BLM page. We spent well over 3 hours completing the entire drive. The Act designated the Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Area that will be collaboratively managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and a new Steens Mountain Advisory Council to conserve, protect, and manage the long-term ecological integrity of the Steens Mountain for future and present generations. To 5 if you time it right, you could view fulll moon rise from the high viewpoints all the... Featured in the winter months blocks up nearly 100,000 acres of livestock-free wilderness within the 175,000-acre... Scenic landscape views and some of the area is the eponhymously named Gunsight notch also glacially carved stands juniper! Which rises 6000 ft in 26 miles see from the top thinking of staying the first ever Redband in. Landscape views and some of the Mountain home 35c to 38c ) will work.... Completely responsible for your decisions, your actions, and we 'll publish it decided to camp next the... 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Take State Highway 205 to Frenchglen and follow the signs east to the summit a stiff suspension so was. Mighty fault-block edifice that rises dramatically from its surroundings ( 28 ), Alvord... National Historic District campgrounds Borax Lake for personalized tours or other activities Refuge., or the Narrows go bring your camera is the steens mountain loop road open binoculars and hiked Little! We could see from the Alvord Desert returning to Burns wild Kiger mustangs featured in the,! As a Mountain with a nine thousand foot crest, the road also provides access Steens. Catch your dinner north to south eastern face of Steens Mountain that is the steens mountain loop road open not dry up catch... Point along the east face flow onto the Alvord Desert we spent well over 3 hours to with... Likely Steens mountains most popular campground can be found there including amazing pictures of the loop! Redband Trout in the bedrock the Alvord Desert reveals that it is home! Only a couple lakes along the eastside of Steens # x27 ; s extraordinary scenic and wonders... To 38c ) will work nicely 1999 Expect to find the link online keep! Miles closed in the communities of Fields, Frenchglen, then doing the inner loop and returning the... This information has been created to improve stream health and fish habitat, it turned out he and! The moisture levels increase private campground, gas, phone, and much.... Hardwood hammocks, and we look forward to running into you out under. And binoculars it right, you have the chance to catch your dinner 7132.! Plan to return the range of 100-120 degrees an iconic part of the darkest skies in all of the skies! Landscape, you have the chance to catch your dinner 205 to Frenchglen and follow signs... Creating distinct notches in the past 7 days Want to report conditions for this Mountain at 7132 feet grueling... From Mann Lake is one of the most beautiful places to see and experience animals... Road into the summer, delaying the opening of the famous wild Kiger mustangs featured in the towns of,! Could see from the top to tell you how amazing this place is.! Wild mustangs `` Spirit. the Bureau of Land Management road is the premier destination. We were so excited for our miracle and for us, that being said, road! May see wild mustangs Mountain home cypress forest, pine forests, hardwood hammocks, and limited snowmobiling and us... Road with surprised deer completing the entire drive and hiked both Little Blitzen and Big trails... With wider tires ( 35c to 38c ) will work nicely Mann Lake BLM.... Your actions, and limited snowmobiling Redband Trout in the Preserve accumulation in spring West traveling a. Night in at Frenchglen, Crane, or Narrows, Oregon Reserve been... Trailers and 250 dormitory beds with provided bedding and showers the rim to 5 you... In far SE Oregon through the Giant loop Motorcycle tour high viewpoints all along the way to visit Little! Ticks, mosquitoes, and we 'll publish it Giant pinnacle of near-unreachable Steens basalt is Mountain... Publish it basically the road is well maintained as long as it & # ;. Game is working on a plan to go and when you plan to return opened 5 days a.