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 . The national historic site, open from mid-June to October, is reached on a rough . Bureau of Land Management, Oregon. Alvord Hot Springs. 59 miles (95 km) View bighorn sheep and golden eagles soaring above along the Steens Loop Tour Route. "Due to the weather, we are able to open the highway over a week earlier . The Loop Road, which begins in Frenchglen, is nearly 60 miles of jaw-dropping scenery and informative waysides. As you run along the rim's edge, a number of high mountain views make the race a memorable experience. This is where the Steens Mountain Loop Road begins, but make sure to check out one very cool attraction first. 3-5 hours. At a somewhat lower elevation of 7,800 feet (2,400 m) above sea level is the Jackman Park Campground. The Steens Mountain Loop Road, a 49 mile graveled Bureau of Land Management (BLM) road provides access points into the wilderness. . A standard touring bike with wider tires (35c to 38c) will work nicely. . Steens Mountain Wilderness Resort 35678 Resort Lane, Frenchglen, Oregon This resort offers cabins, tent spaces and full hook-up RV camping, as well as showers and coin laundry. From Jct of Hwy 205 & Steens Mountain North Loop Rd (S end of Frenchglen), SE 3 mi on Steens Mountain North Loop Rd (good gravel) to Resort Ln, W 0.1 mi (L). The best time to visit The Steens is from July-October. Steens Mountain-About the Area-Lodging. 3. level 1. Location: ~ Burns, OR. It's possible that it will be open, but not super likely. From there you will continue for about 22 miles to find yourself at Kiger Gorge Lookout. The dramatic rise of this fault block mountain above the surrounding landscape and its impact on the topography, including the Alvord Desert and the Malhuer Wildlife Refuge, makes for an unforgettable experience. Avoid wet and muddy side roads, maintain safe speeds, and be aware of loose gravel and wash-boarded areas. If you've extra time, however, consider exploring the East Steens Road . 7h 8m. Starting in Frenchglen, you'll get to completely . The mountain loop is also the only truly rough riding. Providing striking views of the high desert area west of Steens Mountain, it gives you a wide view of what other activities await you.Spend a day 'o. In the height of summer you may find the . The 10K course follows the Steens Mountain Loop Road, passing the headwaters of both Fish Creek and the Little Blitzen. It's usually open from mid-June to October, weather permitting. The road is usually open after the Fourth of July, but check with the Burns District BLM. Jackman Park: (541)573-4400 6 Campsites with toilets, water, garbage service, fire rings and picnic tables. Steens Mountain is only the 8th highest peak in Oregon, but the 52-mile loop road around it is the state's highest road, providing spectacular views of the region, including Wildhorse Lake and Keigor Gorge. The campground is open from mid-June to October and may require four-wheel-drive vehicles with high clearance to . Steens Mountain has become the premier recreation destination in Southeast Oregon. Give yourself 3 hours to drive with short stops; plan for 4 to 5 if you will be doing more exploring. — 2022 REGISTRATION IS OPEN . road STEENS CAMPGROUND HINES, Oregon The lower portion of the Steens Mountain Loop Road, from Highway 205 to South Steens Campground, will open Friday, May 15 for the summer season. First on the list is the Steens Mountain Loop road, which is not currently a loop (they're working on the last half), but you can get up to . Also called the Steens Mountain Loop Road, this scenic byway is roughly 52 miles long, and takes 1-2 hours to drive. . 1 talking about this. Steens Mountain is a fault block mountain which runs about 50 miles north to south. Steens Mountain is one of the most spectacular places anywhere. Previous Review. The road reaches an elevation of 9,700 feet. Steens Mountain, Frenchglen: See 62 reviews, articles, and 49 photos of Steens Mountain on Tripadvisor. Please call Darrington Ranger District at 360-436-1155 to give a conditions report after your visit. In many places the wilderness boundary flanks the Steens Mountain Loop Road on both sides. A gated road (closed to the public) goes right to the top, at 9,737 feet to service an array of communications towers. It's possible that it will be open, but not super likely. We drove through the Steens Mountain Wilderness on the Steens Mountain Loop on a lark. The southern portion of the Steens Mountain Loop Road from Black Canyon to Big Indian Overlook was opened in May. When it opens depends on snow, so you'll have to check right before you leave. The season for access via Steens Mountain Loop Road is limited - it's generally open from June to October. DRIVE TIME: Steens Mountain is about 400 miles (8 hours) southeast of Portland and 250 miles (41/2 hours) southwest of Boise, Idaho. At the bottom, you need to find your second wind. The beginning wasn't that exciting, but then the road dipped into some very pretty open grassland dotted occasionally with farm and ranch houses, and hemmed in occasionally by rotting basalt cliffs. You drive through the south edge of Malhure Wildlife refuge, open rangeland, and vast rolling hills. 3 reviews of Steens Mountain "Wow. of elevation gain. 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. 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. The southern portion of the Steens Loop Road has been greatly improved in recent years, especially a steep (and formerly rutted) 4-mile section that follows a ridgeline between this canyon and Big . The site is generally open from July 4 through November 1. If you are going for the Steens Mountain Loop drive, it generally does not open until July 1st, so check before making your plans. It is an imposing and dramatic geologic feature that rises nearly 10,000ft above the surrounding desertscape. One of Oregon's protected areas, the Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Area is an incredible 500,000 acres of one of the nations most unique landscapes. The remaining portion of the Loop Road, from Fish Lake to Big Indian, will be opened as soon as additional snow melts and road conditions allow for vehicular travel. Pike Creek Canyon Trail. The United States Congress designated the Steens Mountain Wilderness in 2000 and it now has over 170,200 acres. Located 3 miles east of Frenchglen on the Steens Mountain Loop Road and open year round. From Frenchglen, we took the Steens Mountain Loop Road. LOGE Bend is open year-round. In ten miles you will drop 4,100 feet. The road seemed to grow from the rocky surface of the mountain. Luckily, that's no longer true as they've been laying a new layer of rock and gravel down. There are no trailhead amenities. Planning a road trip at the end of this month to the Steens and just wondering if there's a chance of the Steens Loop being open yet? Confirm by calling the Burns District Office 541-573-4400. If you want to experience snow on the mountain, go early. - The South Steens Campground is open when it is not . immediately we had less than ten-spot miles to go to reach Fields Station, a lonely outpost offer supplies . 5y. There are a lot of people in this area. The ranch is open to visit on summer weekends, when the gate is open to allow approach by vehicle. It's an amazingly scenic drive that is a worthy part of any trip to the Steens. Recommend the "Steens Mountain Loop!" 60 miles of gravel road but awesome view. After stopping through Fields Station, the locals suggested it would be worth the detour. There are few obstacles, but speed can make many of the corners dangerous, and you'll also find many steep grades. During the winter, parts of the byway can be closed due to snow or other inclement conditions. 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. MLS# 220128141. The mountain was named after explorer and military officer, Enoch Steen, and hosts a high-altitude running camp. Gnarled and knotty little . Wifi is available for overnight guests and Verizon cell coverage works here. Vehicles, sheep, and cows are banned in the wilderness. Fish Lake Campground, elevation 7,400 feet, and Jackman Park Campground, elevation 7,800 feet, will both be open and available on a first-come, first-served basis. ; located at 19221 S.W. The opening affords visitor access up to South Steens Campground and to the entrance gate for Riddle Brothers Ranch National Historic District. The highest elevations and best viewing areas are on up the Steens Mountain Loop Road from Fish Lake. . One species, no longer present, was the grizzly bear. 60 mi S of Burns For $10 to the office at Alvord Hot Springs, you can drive 0.75 miles into this trail where there are drive in campsites (for an additional fee) and a . 46 acre lot w/ RV parkin. The Steens Mountain Loop Road will open all the way up to almost 8,000 feet elevation starting tomorrow! — 2022 REGISTRATION IS OPEN . The Little Blitzen River Canyon (arrow) on the west side of Steens Mountain The trailhead parking is just beyond the 2 nd gate (which was open, although the road was still impassable further up due to snow), . (MLSCO) 4 beds, 3 baths, 3103 sq. Do not attempt to go around road closure signs and stay on designated open routes . Respect land owners and always get permission to go onto private property. hard (63) Length: 16.9 mi • Est. The only tense moments on the road were when meeting . The entire Steens Mountain Loop Road has just been opened. Wonderful SE Bend home on large . Advertisements From Frenchglen 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. Congress protected much of this 50-mile . The mountain is also a haven for bighorn sheep, a species in serious recovery. We had closely completed the second base day of our five-day cycle travel around Steens Mountain. Once you are done playing tourist, the fun just begins. You head out of town and up the Steens Loop road. Thanks for any help/advice! Backbone Campaign amplifies the aspirations of "We the People" with creative strategies and artful activism to manifest a world where life,. 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. All of this wilderness is located in Oregon and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. More info here and here. Give your brakes one final check and continue on the Steens Mountains Loop Road. I'm not familiar with the OSP site, but used to know the area fairly well, as my . Not only has the loop road to the summit been recently improved, but land exchanges have consolidated public ownership into nearly 500,000 acres of protected BLM land — including 175,000 acres of designated wilderness (100,000 acres now cow-free) and over 100 miles of designated wild-and-scenic rivers. The remaining snowdrifts were cleared earlier this week, and although road conditions have improved, travelers should still drive with caution. To find it, drive nine miles south of Frenchglen in Harney County to the south Steens loop. Stops today include both Big Indian and Little . Steens Mountain proper is in the Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Area - a unique combination of public agencies and private landowners have arranged to protect this place. The high slopes and deep gorges of Steens make for some worthy hiking, but beware; trails here are primitive and often unmarked. Snow gates may be closed to road access during the rest of the year. Remarkable Rocks There are areas with reliable cell phone service. Today, the corral, used in its heyday to train wild horses, is open to visitors and includes a few interpretive panels with regional history. From the west, through French Glen you really have no idea there is a mountain. Steens Mountain Loop Road is spectacular, no doubt, with enough views and highlights to fill more than a week's time. You will be squeezing the brakes. Along the way, you'll have ample opportunities to view wildlife and take in the grandeur of a national treasure. ft. house located at 61340 Steens Mountain Loop, Bend, OR 97702 sold for $500,000 on Jul 11, 2008. Steens Mountain is located in Oregon's high desert is one of the crown jewels of the state's wildlands. When it opens depends on snow, so you'll have to check right before you leave. Near the southern stretch of Steens Mountain Loop Road, visitors can . . All of this wilderness is located in Oregon and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Steens Mountain lies between the Alvord Desert and the Hart Mountain Antelope Refuge. The road up to Fish Lake probably won't open until late June / early July because of snow, but when everything lines up there's no better sky to observe under. . The Alvord Hot Springs are sandwiched between the Steens summit and the Alvord Desert, which provides a stunning backdrop for a soak. ft. house located at 61390 Steens Mountain Loop, Bend, OR 97702 sold for $850,000 on Sep 14, 2021. This 59-mile/95-kilometer loop includes the highest road in Oregon, traveling around and up this grand Great Basin landmark. #3 - Pike Creek Canyon Trail. 3h 7m. Along the way we had amazing views down Big Indian and Little . Check out the "Round Barn Visitor Center" Very reasonable prices. While Steens Mountain is a long drive from anywhere, a scenic loop road travels . In summer months, a gravel loop road permits visitors to access some of the area's most incredible natural landmarks. THE WAY: From Burns, Oregon, drive 60 miles south on OR 205 to Frenchglen. SR-530) Road and trail condition reports are updated regularly with help from forest visitors, trail crews and engineering reports. A short distance to the east is the Alvord Desert, 5,000 feet below the rugged East Rim. The total length of the trip was listed as 26 miles at 4200 feet of EG. The Steens Mountain Loop Road is 66 miles long and is a popular route for viewing wildlife. We drove from the Steens Mountain Resort to Highway 205 in Frenchglen (a whopping 3.1 miles) and headed south on the highway ten miles to the southern end of the Steens Mountain Loop Road where we turned left for 18.9 miles to the South Steens Campground. The overlook is 22 miles (35 km) from the unincorporated community of Frenchglen along Steens Mountain Loop Road. Along the way we'll keep our eyes open for Golden Eagles, Mountain Bluebirds, large flocks of Horned Larks and for possible glimpses of the elusive Black Rosy-Finch. Steens Mountain Loop Road — the highest road in Oregon, ascending to 9,733 feet just below the summit — is a loop in name only. The 10K course follows the Steens Mountain Loop Road, passing the headwaters of both Fish Creek and the Little Blitzen. Mountain Loop Highway Conditions (alt. A short distance to the east is the Alvord Desert, 5,000 feet below the rugged East Rim. . hard (68) Length: 5.6 mi • Est. Steens Mountain is located in Oregon's high desert is one of the crown jewels of the state's wildlands. Stopped on this road with bare peaks soaring alongside us, our minds were in a dear position. 1 min read. The west flank of Steens rises gently toward an abrupt and dramatic east face. The Steens Loop Tour Route This 59-mile loop departs from Frenchglen and climbs to the top of Steens Mountain, which rests in the clouds at nearly 10,000 feet. We hiked the road 2 miles north to the main Steens Loop Road, then followed it for another 3.5 miles. Riding the Steens Mountain Loop Road Watch on Is the road to Steens Mountain in OR open? MLS# 2805487. exploring Steens Mountain via the loop road. A. Their small store carries a limited amount of personal items and snacks. A standard touring bike with wider tires (35c to 38c) will work nicely. More Info Steens Loop Tour Route. The Steens Mountain Loop Road will open all the way up to almost 8,000 feet elevation starting tomorrow! Mountain Loop Highway was reopened to traffic for the summer season in both directions on Friday, according to Snohomish County Public Works. 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. There are many signs, so finding points of interest is easy. There are pit toilets at the South Steens campground if you need to make a bathroom stop. Turn left onto North Steens Mountain Loop Road immediately south of town, or proceed 10 miles on OR 205 to the South Loop Road.