The high desert region of Oregon covers a vast area characterized by arid landscapes, rugged canyons, and expansive sagebrush plains. This region includes notable landmarks such as the Steens Mountain, the Alvord Desert, and the John Day Fossil Beds. The high desert’s unique environment is a stark contrast to Oregon’s more famous green and rainy western half, offering a different kind of beauty and adventure.
Steens Mountain Wilderness
Steens Mountain is a prominent feature of Oregon’s high desert, rising dramatically to nearly 10,000 feet. This area offers a range of hiking opportunities, from challenging summit treks to more accessible trails.
Big Indian Gorge Trail
Distance: 17 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
This trail takes hikers through one of the most beautiful gorges in the Steens Mountain Wilderness. The Big Indian Gorge Trail offers stunning views of steep canyon walls, wildflower-filled meadows, and rushing streams.
Highlights:
Wildlife: Keep an eye out for bighorn sheep, mule deer, and golden eagles.
Scenic Beauty: The trail provides picturesque views of the gorge, especially in spring and early summer when the wildflowers are in bloom.
Fun Fact: Steens Mountain was named after Major Enoch Steen, an explorer and army officer who surveyed the area in the mid-19th century.
Wildhorse Lake Trail
Distance: 2 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Starting from the Steens Mountain Summit Road, this short but steep trail leads down to Wildhorse Lake, a pristine alpine lake nestled in a glacial cirque.
Highlights:
Alpine Scenery: Enjoy breathtaking views of the lake surrounded by wildflowers and rugged mountain terrain.
Fishing: The lake is stocked with trout, making it a popular spot for anglers.
Fun Fact: Wildhorse Lake sits at an elevation of about 9,000 feet, making it one of the highest lakes in Oregon.
Alvord Desert
The Alvord Desert is a vast, dry lakebed located at the base of Steens Mountain. This otherworldly landscape offers unique hiking experiences that you won’t find anywhere else in Oregon.
Alvord Hot Springs and Desert Trail
Distance: Varies
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Exploring the Alvord Desert involves hiking across the flat, cracked playa and visiting the nearby Alvord Hot Springs. There are no marked trails, giving hikers the freedom to create their own routes.
Highlights:
Hot Springs: Soak in the natural hot springs with views of the desert and mountains.
Stargazing: The Alvord Desert is one of the best places in Oregon for stargazing due to its remote location and minimal light pollution.
Fun Fact: The Alvord Desert receives less than 7 inches of rainfall annually, making it one of the driest places in Oregon.
John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
This national monument is renowned for its well-preserved layers of fossilized plants and animals, which offer a window into Oregon’s ancient past. The area is divided into three units: Clarno, Painted Hills, and Sheep Rock, each offering unique hiking opportunities.
Painted Hills Overlook Trail
Distance: 0.5 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy
This short trail offers stunning views of the Painted Hills, named for their vibrant red, yellow, and gold stripes formed by ancient volcanic ash layers.
Highlights:
Geological Wonders: The colors and patterns of the hills change with the angle of the sun, providing a different view throughout the day.
Photography: This area is a photographer’s dream, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Fun Fact: The Painted Hills are estimated to be over 33 million years old, with each color representing a different geological era.
Blue Basin Overlook Trail
Distance: 3.25 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Located in the Sheep Rock Unit, this trail offers a loop hike with panoramic views of the Blue Basin, known for its striking blue-green claystone formations.
Highlights:
Fossils: Interpretive signs along the trail provide information about the fossils found in the area.
Scenic Views: The overlook provides a breathtaking view of the basin and surrounding landscape.
Fun Fact: The Blue Basin gets its color from the mineral celadonite, which formed from volcanic ash millions of years ago.
Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge
Hart Mountain offers a unique blend of high desert landscapes and opportunities to see wildlife, including pronghorn antelope.
Warner Peak Trail
Distance: 14 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
This trail takes hikers to the summit of Warner Peak, the highest point in the refuge, offering expansive views of the surrounding desert and mountains.
Highlights:
Wildlife: In addition to pronghorn antelope, the refuge is home to bighorn sheep, sage grouse, and a variety of bird species.
Scenic Overlooks: The trail provides numerous scenic overlooks with panoramic views.
Fun Fact: Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge was established in 1936 to protect the pronghorn antelope, the fastest land mammal in North America.
Conclusion
Oregon’s high desert region is a treasure trove of outdoor adventures, offering a diverse array of hiking trails that showcase the area’s unique landscapes and natural beauty. From the towering heights of Steens Mountain to the colorful formations of the Painted Hills, there is something for every hiker to enjoy. Whether you’re seeking challenging summit hikes, serene desert walks, or opportunities to encounter wildlife, the high desert of Oregon provides an unforgettable hiking experience. So pack your gear, lace up your boots, and explore the stunning high desert trails that await in Oregon.
