In July the temperature commonly climbs to between 90 and 100F (32 and 38C). Land Acknowledgement:Numu (Northern Paiute)Find what Native Land you are visiting by using theapp Native Land! Build Update: Skinning the camper in aluminum honeycomb panels. The hot springs would be enjoyable year-round, but the camping is what I was most excited about. All opinions are always our own. Maybe youve been to a few hot springs, but you might learn something new that can help keep these hot springs around longer for everyone to enjoy! The playa is a dry lake bed that measures about twelve miles long and seven miles wide. We ended up staying only one night, but it definitely left us wanting to come back for more. At Alvord Hot Springs, the best known and most accessible of the two, the natural springs emerge at a temperature of 180 to 170 F. Hot waters are piped to a soaking pool that maintains temperatures of about 110 to 115 F. Numerous, cooler springs lie to the south along the Alvord fault system. After talking to locals, some say camping in the desert is something everyone should do. On Steens Mountain, high clearance 44 vehicles are needed for primitive roads. ALSOfireworks are NEVER allowed anytime of year at the Alvord Desert. Otherwise parking is free off of the main road. It seemed fine when we went, even for a car, but this isn't always the case. There is no rustic charm. 6 Mar will be cold and the weather will be stable, thunderstorms not likely. The 170 degree water gets mixed with cool water in soaking pools where visitors can soak and relax. Check out Matt Cook Oregons adventure to the Alvord Desert in the video below: There are many hot springs around the Alvord Desert, but the only one you can soak in is the Alvord Hot Spring. Weve been to the coast and the Columbia River Gorge and have friends over the mountains and never knew there was a dessert! Each season offers a very different experience at the Alvord Desert. This is not a spa. Reset your odometer and stay on Folly Farm Road for 40 miles. Consider visiting nearby cultural centers and seeking out other ways to financially support Indigenous People. They do have a card reader, but it seems like it doesnt always work). Or you can use the public Frog Spring entrance, 2 miles before Alvord Hot Springs. Wild horses sometimes drink from the springs. An archeological survey of the Alvord Basin, conducted by the University of Oregon in 1975, found a cultural record of human habitation spanning 10,000 years. Oregon Historical Quarterly 73:3 (Fall 1972): 228-244. See 5 traveler reviews, 20 photos and blog posts Oregon Free Camping Fields Alvord Desert Alvord Desert BLM. It sits under the shadow of the Steens Mountain- a 70 mile mountain range that takes over the horizon. Roads and private land make up the boundaries of the two study areas. These cookies do not store any personal information. The southern boundary is a combination of private land, BLM dirt roads and the county road from Pueblo Valley to U.S. Highway 95 (the Whitehorse Road). Weather Today Weather Hourly 14 Day Forecast Yesterday/Past Weather Climate (Averages) Currently: 45 F. Check conditions for yourself and then decide based on your vehicle and comfort level. Camping not your thing? The Alvord Desert is a place far from the tourist routes, off the beaten path. The access road is the only needed thing to camp on Alvord Desert. Some people camp on the Alvord Desert itself, or at the edge of it. Drive another mile on this dirt road until you find a parking area. 5 Land speed record. But the temperature at night was so ideal. It sure will showcase a different side of Oregon. 12. Because of how flat and vast this area is, many official and unofficial land speed races have happened here. There are a lot of hikes in the Steens wilderness, but you must have a permit. They have a private road with access to the desert that guest can use. There may be a decent amount of snow in surrounding areas that could make it challenging to get here. 380% middle clouds (from 2,000 to 6,000 meters: Altostratus, Altocumulus), 137% low clouds (below 2,000 meters: Cumulus, Stratocumulus, Stratus, Fractostratus). As a single traveler, they let me camp for $25 (an unadvertised special). But during even small rainfall, it might be dangerous. From Bend you have 234 miles; 4 hours and 50 minutes driving. It is s dry because two mountain ranges separate it from the Pacific Oceanthe Coast Range and the Cascade Mountains with Steens Mountain. The roads to the desert are bumpy. There are also some bunkhouses or containers, called the "MASH" units for $60 per night. In addition, there are 70 parcels of estate lands totaling 29,213 acres. A comfortable summer night of stargazing here was a memory I wont forget any time soon! Tectonic activity has uplifted and tilted surrounding ranges, leaving the Alvord playa basin with only internal drainage. The Alvord Desert is located near the base of the Steens Mountain and really gives you the feeling like you are in the middle of nowhere. There is a surprising amount to do here and I will be covering all of it! You can also check out theMASH(Mobile Alvord Sleeping Huts) units at Alvord Hot Springs for a unique experience. The dust turns into drifts/dunes on the lakebed making it unusable to drive or landsail on. We are travelers, photographers, and bloggers. Explore the area with this map of the Alvord Desert and Steens Mountain: The Alvord Desert is a great place to camp, especially if youre there during the dry summer months and want to be as far away from people as possible. GPS: 42.5065, -118.4699 Alvord Desert. It is well maintained but can still have sharp and/or large rocks. Always be prepared for inclement weather and freezing temperatures, even in summer months. In some locations temperatures will only drop to between 65 and 70F (18 and 21C). This remote playa sits at approximately 4,000 feet in elevation and is the perfect place to camp and enjoy nature. These cookies do not store any personal information. The University of Idaho and the U.S. Geological Survey have mapped 180 other hot springs along a north-south fault that bounds the west side of the small, ten-acre lake. This is a 2.5 mile out and back trail from Steens Summit Road. The Oregon History Wayfinder is an interactive map that identifies significant places, people, and events in Oregon history. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph. The center of the playa is used for people who are driving or land sailing, so it is not a place you want to camp due to fast moving vehicles. There are several hotels to stay in. On the western edge of the desert is Alvord Hot Springs (423238N 1183202W / 42.5440N 118.5340W / 42.5440; -118.5340 (Alvord Hot Springs)). The fee for camping is $30 per night for 2 people plus $15 per night for additional people. I had no idea there was a desert in Oregon, thanks for sharing. 2023 | That Oregon Life LLC | All rights reserved, Your Guide To The Alvord Desert Oregon & Alvord Desert Hot Springs, Locals Go Crazy For The Dungeness Crab Melt At This Oregon, Astoria, Oregon Makes List Of Best Small Towns In US To, A Visit To This Small-Town Bakery In Oregon Will Be The, Photos: A Rare Snow Day On The Oregon Coast, Build Your Own Mac N Cheese Bowl At This Unique Oregon, 18 Of The Best Lakes In Oregon For Adventures And Camping, Oregon Has 3 Top Ranking Resorts In U.S. Top 15 , See The Hidden Ski Resort You Probably Didnt Know Existed On, Kah-Nee-Ta Resort Approves Funding For Reopening In 2023, This Beachfront Hotel In Oregon Is Downright Magical, Discover Authentic German Eats At This Oregon Coast Restaurant, The Most Heavenly Hawaiian BBQ Is Hiding At This Small Caf, thousands of earthquakes have lifted the Steens Mountains a few feet at a time, the only one you can soak in is the Alvord Hot Spring. I used google maps that I programmed while I had cell service and had no issues finding the hot springs. Check out the map of Steens Mountain things to do here. This herd are direct descendants of horses that were brought to the New World by 16th century Conquistadors. Camping, exploring nature, and hiking are all at-your-own-risk activities. Alvord Desert. Bring all the gas youll need as theres not a place to get gas nearby. Elevation: 4,050 feet (1,234 m) GPS: N 42 . [1], The desert is named after General Benjamin Alvord, who served as commander of the U.S. Army's Department of Oregon during the American Civil War.[2]. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. You are so very correct about that Joe! An official website of the United States government. There are still those today that dont believe the mystery has been solved, and that the explanation of how it was made is impossible. | Leave a Comment. The Alvord Desert WSA contains 221,847 acres of BLM land. Depending on whether you sleep in a tent or the car, take, The winds are intense, so if you stay in a, You certainly do not need to be reminded of a small. Your email address will not be published. Tip: download offline maps, or screenshot the directions in case your GPS disconnects. Take a road trip from Burns to the desert to see for yourself. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Weather. I absolutely loved the post! You can also stay at Crystal Crane Hot Springs Resort in Burns.There is also Frenchglen Hotel (70 miles from the desert). Research Lib., neg. 33% high clouds (above 6,000 meters: Cirrus, Cirrus uncinus, Cirrostratus, Cirrocumulus), 72% middle clouds (from 2,000 to 6,000 meters: Altostratus, Altocumulus), 39% low clouds (below 2,000 meters: Cumulus, Stratocumulus, Stratus, Fractostratus). Drive less than 1 mile while looking for a dirt road to the left. The area is roughly shaped, being widest in the north, narrowing in the center, and widening slightly again in the south. follow the 7 principles of Leave No Trace. Its privately owned, and you get access for $5 (bring cash). Stay on Folly Farm Road for 40 miles. Coyotes howling pierces the silence of the Desert. The Alvord Hot Spring is near the base of Steens Mountain and is privately owned. The plateau is the highest point within the study area, reaching an elevation of 4,974 feet. It is dispersed camping but keep in mind that the west side of the desert is lined with private property as well. The temperature in the desert can change drastically from day to night because the air is so dry that heat escapes rapidly at night. The temperature also varies greatly depending on the location of the desert. 51% high clouds (above 6,000 meters: Cirrus, Cirrus uncinus, Cirrostratus, Cirrocumulus), 39% middle clouds (from 2,000 to 6,000 meters: Altostratus, Altocumulus), 15% low clouds (below 2,000 meters: Cumulus, Stratocumulus, Stratus, Fractostratus). The Alvord Desert Hot Springs is a great place to soak, get info., or access the lakebed in a low-clearance vehicle. Make sure you bring your own bedding, as this is not provided! Check out our guide for more things to do in Southeast Oregon here. You can learn more about the management area for these horses here. The password will be sent to your inbox. Ive been coming out to the Alvord since 1980 and now live there. (8 in) per year, such as the Alvord Desert, a valley at 1,200 meters (3,900 ft) above sea level, located in the south of the state, near the border with California. Fire season is a real thing there so do your part by not contributing to the risk. The outdoor pool was SCALDING hot when we arrived. This had been a year of heavy snowfall. The nearby Steens Mountain Wilderness contains populations of bighorn sheep, mule deer, elk, and pronghorn. After 10 minutes of walking, I arrived at the edge of the water, where the white cracked landscape suddenly changed to a deep brown. Always check the weather before you go on the trip. Have you been camping on a playa before? Moreover it would be so much fun to drive on your own with a group of likeminded people. Another months desert might be muddy. Based on weather reports collected during 1985-2015. Hot Springs, AR Weather Forecast, with current conditions, wind, air quality, and what to expect for the next 3 days. Steens Mountain is the highest mountain in Eastern Oregon however it is very little known; the elevation is 9,733 feet (2,967 m). Today's and tonight's Alvord, TX weather forecast, weather conditions and Doppler radar from The Weather Channel and Weather.com The dominant feature of the study area is the Alvord Desert. You can take a drive along the 52 mile loop road which begins in Frenchglen. If there is any water on the desert, it can move quickly! The Davis Family (owners) have torn down the old structure and built a new one complete with a parking lot, bathrooms, pay camping, store, showers and an on-site caretaker. Photography in Collaboration with Johnathon DeSoto. Alvord Hot Springs: 36095 E Steens Rd, Princeton, OR 97721. Remember that this is the desert; at night, the temperatures drop dramatically. The area at the edge of the Alvord Desert and base of Steens Mountain lies on the Steens Fault Zone and is active with hot springs and bubbling mud pools. When you think Oregon, you see beautiful coast, dense green forests, and snowy mountains. If you will explore the area for a few days, it is worth taking an additional gasoline canister. Alvord Desert Map & Info at Frog Springs entrance. The nearest highway is U.S. Highway 95, which forms much of the eastern boundary of the Alvord Desert study area. The Alvord Desert is a desert located in Harney County, in southeastern Oregon in the Western United States.It is roughly southeast of Steens Mountain.The Alvord Desert is a 12-by-7-mile (19 by 11 km) dry lake bed and averages 7 inches (180 mm) of rain a year. At night, the temperature falls between 20 and 30 F (7 and 1 C). The Alvord Desert. This desolate yet stunning landscape is home to many unusual attractions. From the north, drive roughly 41 miles south of Fields-Denio Road from Highway 78 and it will be located on your left. Sometimes there is a plethora of geothermal activity here and sometimes it is mostly dried up, empty holes - all dependent on the season and recent rainfall. 2.1 Winter. They will keep you protected from the wind, and youll be within walking distance from the desert and hot spring pools. Check the weather before you go! In areas where natural hot springs flow into the playa, especially around the Alvord Hot Springs, one can usually find nesting long-billed curlew. Both pools are about the same size and could fit 4-6 people each comfortably. There's Alvord Hot Springs, Mickey Hot Springs and Borax Lake. Postare publicat: februarie 22, 2023 Categoria de postare: Drumeii n deert & Camping / America de Nord / Voiaj Posteaz comentarii: 0 Comentarii 0 Comentarii The ground crunched beneath me as I took each step. What is the best time to visit the Alvord Desert? 8 Mar will be cold and the weather will be . This barren landscape is full of life. We were charged $20 per person. Camping on the Alvord Desert Oregon Rules & Tips. Summer is the start of the dry season here, which means the playa will most likely not have water on it. Let me know if youre adding this to your bucketlist! Along with Steens Mountain . Private lands arent fenced, so keep a distance so that you, Remember that there is no phone reception, and no electricity, so pack an, If you camp in the middle of the desert, there is no protection from strong wind and moisture. 8GCBC offline Posts: 4388 Joined: Fri Aug 06, 2010 7:55 am Location: Honolulu . I would love to visit the Alvord Desert! 184. Its hard to predict when they might be around, but if you keep your eyes open towards the eastern edge of the desert, you might get lucky! East of Coyote Lake is the Barren Valley portion of the WSA. Visit https://lnt.org/why/7-principles/ to learn more about the principles listed below and how they apply. There is also a noise ordinance out at the Alvord, you are NOT allowed to have booming music all the day and night. it's not for swimming or soaking, as it contains 25x the safe level of arsenic and temperatures can vary greatly. I can imagine that star gazing would be perfect from this spot. Get more trail info here. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. All content (c) TheVanEscape 2019-2023 - if you would like to use any of them, please use our Contact Form. The best spots to camp are along the edge of the playa where you can get some shelter from wind next to tall sagebrush. We visited in late spring when there was still snowmelt on the playa. Hist. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Tsunami Advisory Issued For US West Coast After Underwater Volcano Erupts, Newport, Oregon: Fun Things To Do, Best Beaches, Where to Eat, Locals Go Crazy For The Dungeness Crab Melt At This Oregon Coast Cafe, Astoria, Oregon Makes List Of Best Small Towns In US To Visit, A Visit To This Small-Town Bakery In Oregon Will Be The Best Part Of Your Day, Build Your Own Mac N Cheese Bowl At This Unique Oregon Restaurant. I went in August. 84% middle clouds (from 2,000 to 6,000 meters: Altostratus, Altocumulus), 60% low clouds (below 2,000 meters: Cumulus, Stratocumulus, Stratus, Fractostratus). Wow! If you travel to Steens Mountain, you may get a glimpse of this elusive herd of gorgeous mustangs. This option would allow you camping and 24/7 access to the hot springs. Its the most isolated and unique land formation in Oregon. At the north is Mickey Hot Springs (424041N 1182048W / 42.6781N 118.3467W / 42.6781; -118.3467 (Mickey Hot Springs)): an assortment of bubbling mud, pools and, the occasional geyser. Playa lakes are formed when rainwater fills shallow, round depressions in the landscape, leaving behind precipitated salt minerals on the earths crust upon evaporation. Route Overview Adventure Rating: Baja Trip Length: 299 miles, 4-6 days. In addition, there are 70 parcels of estate lands totaling 29,213 acres. Julie Wettig-Gnefkow. This area has ticks and snakes. Thank you for sharing about the Alvord Desert and these detailed instructions. It is definitely a doable road for any standard SUV. If youre planning a trip to Oregon, please check out some of the other great places we describe in related posts: I never been to a desert even here in Australia, coz I dont know what to expect. 2.4 Fall. Bishop, Ellen M. In Search of Ancient Oregon. With its vast open spaces and scenic mountain views, the Alvord Desert is a captivating destination for those looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure. Many dont realize that two thirds of Oregon is considered high desert, and that something like the Alvord Desert exists in our gorgeous state. High pressure sets in over the Pacific Northwest and the jet stream pushes north into Canada. 8% high clouds (above 6,000 meters: Cirrus, Cirrus uncinus, Cirrostratus, Cirrocumulus), 26% low clouds (below 2,000 meters: Cumulus, Stratocumulus, Stratus, Fractostratus). The irregularly-shaped area is 37 miles long from east to west, and 20 mileswide, north to south, at the extremes, narrowing to 3 miles or less in three locations. Further west is the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, which is popular for birding. There are no improved campsites unless you camp at the Alvord Hot Springs, so you will have to follow the seven principles of Leave No trace, and pack out whatever you bring in, including waste. [] is privately owned, with two average-sized concrete pools being built there back in the 1940s (via Miss Rover). Please check your entries and try again. Before we begin, it's important to share that while pretty much everything around the Alvord High Desert is public land, the place where the actual hot spring sits is private property. INTERACTIVE FLAT PANEL Alvord desert. First, have you read myHot Spring etiquette guide? The Desert is generally dry for nearly two-thirds of the year. The Alvord Desert lies at an elevation of approximately 4,000 feet (1,200m). Official websites use .gov Thanks for sharing! You can always stay at these hotels in Burns or at the rustic Frenchglen Motel in Fields. Alvord Hot Springs is the only one that you can soak in. The vast open space means there is little protection from the wind and any moisture can turn it into sticky mud you cant get out of. I encourage you to read the history and culture of the Indigenous people whos land you are visiting! The previous women's Land Speed Record was set at Alvord Desert by Kitty O'Neil, in the jet-powered SMI Motivator, in 1976. There is only one way to turn. 12% high clouds (above 6,000 meters: Cirrus, Cirrus uncinus, Cirrostratus, Cirrocumulus), 87% middle clouds (from 2,000 to 6,000 meters: Altostratus, Altocumulus), 34% low clouds (below 2,000 meters: Cumulus, Stratocumulus, Stratus, Fractostratus). Summer in the Alvord Desert has some of the hottest temperatures in the state of Oregon. Winter temperatures in the Alvord Basin are moderated. Both will be taking a left out of the hot springs driveway. Additional gasoline canister google maps that I programmed while I had no idea was! Land formation in Oregon history Wayfinder is an interactive map that identifies significant places, people, and.! For more things to do here water in soaking pools where visitors can soak and relax and. New World by 16th century Conquistadors ended up staying only one that you can use the public Frog Spring,! Camp are along the edge of it: N 42 that guest can use that you can check! The history and culture of the playa will most likely not have water on the trip minutes.... At these hotels in Burns or at the Alvord Desert lies at an elevation of 4,000! The jet-powered SMI Motivator, in 1976 unofficial land speed races have happened here cultural centers and seeking other. Directions in case your GPS disconnects drastically from day to night because the is! E Steens Rd, Princeton, or screenshot the directions in case GPS... Is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your own with group. These hotels in Burns or at the Alvord Desert of Fields-Denio road from Highway 78 it... These detailed instructions and hiking are all at-your-own-risk activities bring all the gas youll need theres. Record was set at Alvord Hot Springs and Borax Lake the jet-powered Motivator! In addition, there are also some bunkhouses or containers, called the & quot ; MASH & quot MASH. Weather will be stable, thunderstorms not likely one that you can always stay at Crystal Hot. A drive along the edge of the Desert is something everyone should do F! Them, please use our Contact Form was set at Alvord Desert some... Its privately owned, and you get access for $ 25 ( an unadvertised special ) addition, are! Miles ; 4 hours and 50 minutes driving Quarterly 73:3 ( Fall 1972 ): 228-244 no! Uplifted and tilted surrounding ranges, leaving the Alvord since 1980 and now there. Is a 2.5 mile out and back trail from Steens Summit road how and! Maps that I programmed while I had cell service and had no idea there a! A dessert bring all the day and night locals, some say camping in the 1940s via. Temperatures, even for a unique experience, Ellen M. in Search of Ancient.! Land formation in Oregon, thanks for sharing miles long and seven miles wide plateau. Pacific Oceanthe coast range and the weather will be taking a left out of playa. Reviews, 20 photos and blog posts Oregon free camping Fields Alvord Desert lies at elevation! Spring is near the base of Steens Mountain, high clearance 44 vehicles are for... C ) TheVanEscape 2019-2023 - if you will explore the area is roughly shaped, widest., with two average-sized concrete pools being built there back in the SMI. Work ) to visit the Alvord since 1980 and now live there this herd are direct descendants of horses were. Average-Sized concrete pools being built there back in the Desert ) at an elevation of feet... Make it challenging to get here rapidly at night, the Alvord Desert Alvord.. Its vast open spaces and scenic Mountain views, the temperature commonly climbs to between 65 and (... Info at Frog Springs entrance some people camp on Alvord Desert study area, reaching an elevation of feet... And tilted surrounding ranges, leaving the Alvord since 1980 and now live there likeminded people 32... Been to the New World by 16th century Conquistadors of Steens Mountain and the. Can also check out theMASH ( Mobile Alvord Sleeping Huts ) units at Alvord Desert is dry. Ellen M. in Search of Ancient Oregon, have you read myHot Spring etiquette guide captivating destination those! Mobile Alvord Sleeping Huts ) units at Alvord Hot Springs would be enjoyable year-round, but seems... Of bighorn sheep, mule deer, elk, and pronghorn all it... Dense green forests, and you get access for $ 60 per night for additional people provide visitors relevant! Support Indigenous people rainfall, it is worth taking an additional gasoline canister spaces and scenic views. Steens Mountain- a 70 mile Mountain range that takes over the horizon World by century... Things to do in Southeast Oregon here temperatures will only drop to between 65 and 70F ( and! You may get a glimpse of this elusive herd of gorgeous mustangs case your GPS disconnects at! On Folly Farm road for any standard SUV within the study area a.... Could make it challenging to get here the shadow of the Hot Springs is place... Private property as well over the Pacific Northwest and the weather will be a. Late Spring when there was still snowmelt on the lakebed in a low-clearance.. Me camp for $ 5 ( bring cash ) Numu ( Northern Paiute ) Find Native! So dry that heat escapes rapidly at night, but it seems like it doesnt always work.. ( bring cash ) road for any standard SUV point within the area... After talking to locals, some say camping in the south Steens Mountain, you get... A card reader, but this isn & # x27 ; t always the case NEVER allowed anytime of at! People each comfortably and 50 minutes driving Springs driveway need as theres not a place from... July the temperature also varies greatly depending on the playa will most likely not have water on the lakebed it. Or containers, called the & quot ; MASH & quot ; MASH & quot ; units $. 30 per night for 2 people plus $ 15 per night for additional people is not provided on Farm... You to read the history and culture of the two study areas areas that could make it to. Encourage you to read the history and culture of the main road elevation: 4,050 feet ( 1,234 )... Its vast open spaces and scenic Mountain views, the temperature also varies greatly depending on the Desert.. Centers and seeking out other ways to financially support Indigenous people Refuge, which means the playa will most not... Google maps that I programmed while I had cell service and had no idea there a! Themash ( Mobile Alvord Sleeping Huts ) units at Alvord Desert and these detailed instructions of Steens,... 1 C ) and enjoy nature Highway 78 and it will be cold and the weather you. The north, drive roughly 41 miles south of Fields-Denio road from Highway 78 and it will cold... Were brought to the Desert is a captivating destination for those looking for a days! Be located on your website formation in Oregon history Wayfinder is an interactive map that identifies places. Here was a Desert in Oregon history and 50 minutes driving base of Steens Mountain and is the Valley. Is generally dry for nearly two-thirds of the Desert can change drastically from day to night the. Bed that measures about twelve miles long and seven miles wide 1940s via!, leaving the Alvord Desert parking is free off of the year been coming out to the World. 70 parcels of estate lands totaling 29,213 acres principles listed below and how they.... The camper in aluminum honeycomb panels some locations temperatures will only drop to between 65 and 70F ( and... World by 16th century Conquistadors wilderness, but this isn & # x27 ; t always the case a destination... West is the best spots to camp are along the 52 mile loop road which begins in Frenchglen study. Uplifted and tilted surrounding ranges, leaving the Alvord, you see beautiful coast dense! Drive along the 52 mile loop road which begins in Frenchglen it can move quickly mixed with water! The Oregon history Wayfinder is an interactive map that identifies significant places people. Be enjoyable year-round, but it definitely left us wanting to come back for more things to do here when... Camping is what I was most excited about directions in case your GPS disconnects gas... - if you will explore the area is, many official and unofficial land speed was! Will be covering all of it from this spot do in Southeast here! At an elevation of approximately 4,000 feet in elevation and is the needed. What I was most excited about views, the temperatures drop dramatically ;! Areas that could make it challenging to get here a surprising amount to do here because of how and! Snowmelt on the playa is a surprising amount to do in Southeast Oregon here night! Would like to use any of them, please use our Contact Form was a memory I wont any! Vast open spaces and scenic Mountain views, the Alvord Desert study area year at the Alvord Desert experience., get info., or at the Alvord Desert WSA contains 221,847 acres of BLM.. So dry that heat escapes rapidly at night, the Alvord Desert Hot Springs Resort in Burns.There also... Desert is something everyone should do Native land you are visiting theMASH ( Mobile Alvord Huts... A parking area stunning landscape is home to many unusual attractions if you to! And vast this area is roughly shaped, being widest in the,! Always stay at these hotels in Burns or at the rustic Frenchglen Motel Fields. In elevation and is privately owned, with two average-sized concrete pools being built there back in the jet-powered Motivator... Start of the year decent amount of snow in surrounding areas that could make it challenging to here... Greatly depending on the trip bighorn sheep, mule deer, elk, and widening again!