Drive far enough into southeastern oregon, and the sprawling sagebrush desert eventually transforms into the pristine Steens Mountain Wilderness. Towering
canyons carved by ancient glaciers rise towards a 50-mile fault block mountain that tops out at 9,800 feet.
Nestled beneath the summit of Steens Mountain is Wildhorse Lake, a picturesque cirque lake that can be accessed by a 3 mile out-and-back from the Summit trailhead. The descent to the lake is steep, and may be hazardous at the top depending on any remaining snow (snow typically holds out here until July).
Climbing down to the lake, you'll pass some interesting slab-like rock formations as the trail winds its way through meadows. Follow the trail to and around the lake - at the far side of the lake is a beautiful view down Wildhorse creek canyon, out to the Alvord Desert.
Consider doing the Steens Summit trail while you're here, it's a 1 mile walk from the trailhead and is definitely worth doing.
Nestled beneath the summit of Steens Mountain is Wildhorse Lake, a picturesque cirque lake that can be accessed by a 3 mile out-and-back from the Summit trailhead. The descent to the lake is steep, and may be hazardous at the top depending on any remaining snow (snow typically holds out here until July).
Climbing down to the lake, you'll pass some interesting slab-like rock formations as the trail winds its way through meadows. Follow the trail to and around the lake - at the far side of the lake is a beautiful view down Wildhorse creek canyon, out to the Alvord Desert.
Consider doing the Steens Summit trail while you're here, it's a 1 mile walk from the trailhead and is definitely worth doing.
To get to the trailhead, you'll take the Steens Mountain Scienic Byway from Frenchglen (a tiny town, though it does have a gas station). The Byway
is an exceptionally well graded gravel road that traverses the wilderness, passing the summit trail and many other recreation points.
The road is closed seasonally, but usually opens by June or July. If you're unsure of its status, check with the Burns BLM office for conditions. There are several campgrounds along the Byway, all of which use a walkup reservation system. I've never had trouble finding a campsite here, even on a busy holiday weekend. Traffic in general is pretty light, though you will see other people.
The road is closed seasonally, but usually opens by June or July. If you're unsure of its status, check with the Burns BLM office for conditions. There are several campgrounds along the Byway, all of which use a walkup reservation system. I've never had trouble finding a campsite here, even on a busy holiday weekend. Traffic in general is pretty light, though you will see other people.
Also in the area is the Big Indian/Little Blizten Gorge hikes. These can be hiked in a loop (extremely difficult/backpackable), or individually. I recommend the
Little Blizten Gorge, check out our post on it if you're considering the hike.
If you're not looking for more hiking, Kieger Gorge overlook offers a nice spot to pull out and get some views, or you can check out the ruins of Riddle Brothers Ranch on the south side of the Byway. The Ranch is a historic area seasonally staffed by volunteers, who live on the site.
If you're up for driving a little farther, you could head out to the Alvord Desert, or Willow Creek Hotsprings southeast of Fields. Both are gorgeous, remote, and unique areas.
If you're not looking for more hiking, Kieger Gorge overlook offers a nice spot to pull out and get some views, or you can check out the ruins of Riddle Brothers Ranch on the south side of the Byway. The Ranch is a historic area seasonally staffed by volunteers, who live on the site.
If you're up for driving a little farther, you could head out to the Alvord Desert, or Willow Creek Hotsprings southeast of Fields. Both are gorgeous, remote, and unique areas.
