We had trouble finding the best way to the desert. It is roughly southeast of Steens Mountain. It is truly a unique landscape and when people see a photo of it, the most common response is thats in Oregon??. This is not a spa. If you stay overnight at their campground, you dont have to pay to enter the desert.But you can also take one of the public roads. However, Alvord Hot Springs is the only one that you can soak in and relax. You can book it on the camping website. Alvord Desert 14 Day Extended Forecast. Visiting this desolate, alien landscape, full of mesmerizing silence, its a perfect idea for a road trip for adventure lovers. Turn Left onto NV-292 N and in 25 miles take a slight right onto East Steens Road or Fields-Denio Road. This desert landscape is now known as what is called a Playa. The irregularly-shaped area is 37 miles long from east to west, and 20 miles wide, north to south, at the extremes, narrowing to 3 miles or less in . The Alvord Desert is located in Harney County in southeastern Oregon. Big Sand Gap is the 300-foot deep notch in low mountains on the southeast edge of the Alvord Desert's dry lake bed. It is in bad shape due to abuse. The Basin and Range geologic province is slowly extending westward, as faulting in and adjacent to the Alvord Desert remains active. A very well directed blog for the people who like to camp. Official websites use .gov When you think Oregon, you see beautiful coast, dense green forests, and snowy mountains. Despite the barren nature of the playa, some opportunities for wildlife observation exist. I would love to visit the Alvord Desert! From the south, it is 23 miles on Fields-Denio Road. The was flooded year-round from 1982 through 1985 due to unusually high snowpack in the Steens Mountain and subsequent runoff; since then it has only been seasonally flooded. Check out our guide for more things to do in Southeast Oregon here. Write a Review. 6 Gallery. We also like cities by night and tasting local food & wine. It has a more established road and has a pit toilet and dumpster. I am glad you suggested that its important to take good GPS and good map. It was pretty fun to drive my van on the open stretch of vast desert!! There is only one way to turn onto this road since it's a T-intersection. This summer turned out to be mostly about Stimpy's repairs. We also have private M.A.S.H units for those who wish to have shelter and a soft bed. Warranty (USA & Canada) and a 50 000 hour lifespan. Alvord Hot Springs: 36095 E Steens Rd, Princeton, OR 97721. As youre approaching the Hot Springs, youll notice a large dried out looking desert area (well, depending on what time of year). Best Time to Visit the Alvord Desert. This website uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. Winter temperatures in the Alvord Basin are moderated. If there is any water on the playa, even distantly, you should not camp on the playa. Camping not your thing? Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes M. Proust. 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. This is a for-profit blog and contains occasional affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on sales of the products that are linked at no additional cost to you. We arrived just prior to sunset, and the owner was kind enough to let us stay a little longer. It causes excessive dust. [] Alvord Desert is a desert in Harney County, Oregon, in the United States. From Bend you have 234 miles; 4 hours and 50 minutes driving. Children under 12 are free. At night, the temperature falls between 20 and 30 F (7 and 1 C). The Alvord Desert WSA contains 221,847 acres of BLM land. Access for 24 hours costs $5. But noted that I may not need my swimwear for the hot springs! The Alvord is one of the largest playa lakes in Oregon! People love thecampingexperience on the playa. Weather. The etching was massive and spotted by air. An Australian company is calling it quits on a lithium project in southeast Oregon's Alvord Desert. Visiting the Alvord Desert? From the South: On US-395 North near Lakeview, Oregon, continue for 5 miles before turning right onto OR-140 E/Warner Hwy. TIP: There are not many gas stations near Alvord Desert. 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! (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. This honestly seems like the best deal at $40 for 2 people. The temperature also varies greatly depending on the location of the desert. So, you can drive, hike, or bike throughout the desert on public lands. [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]. Control any application that The outdoor pool was SCALDING hot when we arrived. Rainfall turns the playa into a small lake, and for a short time, makes travel across it difficult. Soc. This area of relatively gentle topography is broken only by a long, rocky rim which forms the southern edge of the plateau. Hist. Many dont realize that two thirds of Oregon is considered high desert, and that something like the Alvord Desert exists in our gorgeous state. The Oregon high desert is a region of the U.S. state of Oregon located east of the Cascade Range and south of the Blue Mountains, . A good rule would be to not camp too close to any access roads. Known for its isolation, rugged river canyons, and brilliant night skies, the Alvord Desert is bordered by the nearly 10,000 foot Steens Mountain; an awesome site to behold! All of theEast Alvord WSA and the remainder of the Alvord Desert WSA are in the Burns District. Get creative!! . Please follow the regulations in place for this area, and use Leave No Trace techniques when visiting to ensure protection of its unique natural and experiential qualities. One of the great things about Oregon is how diverse the geology and landscape is, and that you can visit the coast one day, and be in the Alvord Desert camping on the playa and staring up at the milky way the next. We were told that there was recently a group camping and the water moved from the north to the south overnight due to the high winds. 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. So, head east on US Hwy 20 toward Burns. PIN IT FOR LATER, All the Best Stops on the Ultimate Eastern Oregon Road Trip, Oregon vs Iceland Why You Should Visit Oregon Instead This Year. 380% middle clouds (from 2,000 to 6,000 meters: Altostratus, Altocumulus), 137% low clouds (below 2,000 meters: Cumulus, Stratocumulus, Stratus, Fractostratus). It is roughly southeast of Steens Mountain. Camping on the Playa is free! 184. But this will significantly lower your chances of being able to drive on the Playa if that is something youre interested in. Be mindful of private property when camping near the edge. Collaborative Action and Dispute Resolution, OR/WA Wilderness Study Areas Flickr album. First, have you read myHot Spring etiquette guide? The basin, including the dunes, covers the western quarter of the WSA and, at 4,000 feet elevation, is the lowest point within the study area. Oregon Road & Recreation Atlas (Benchmark Recreation Atlases), Timberline Lodge: The Shining movie location, 20+ Amazing andUnderrated Summer Destinations in the Pacific Northwest - Homeroom Travel, 9 Best Things To Do in Deadwood, South Dakota. The best spots to camp are along the edge of the playa where you can get some shelter from wind next to tall sagebrush. Carter, Deron.T., Lisa Ely, Jim E. OConnor, and Cassandra Fenton. Feb. 28, 2023 contribute now Jessica Tomlinson is a native Oregonian currently living in Southern Oregon. This trail is for moderate skill level and is best hiked from July to October. At first it felt a little wrong driving on the dry lake bed known as the Playa, almost like a form of vandalism. It took me six years to drive 239 miles to the Alvord Desert. Camping in Alvord Desert, Oregon. 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. The Fields-Denio Road is a mostly unpaved, gravel road. Dipping in hot springs early in the morning would be so relaxing. As a hiking and camping lover that always gets me sold to check out a new place. . We are ATLiens who explore a new city every year. Be polite and keep your noise to a normal level. Winter has cool temperatures between 40 and 50 F during the day and between 20 and 30 F at night. 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. As mentioned above, only drive on the playa if there has not been rainfall so you do not get stuck! Just west of the desert is Steens Mountain looming over the lake bed and creating a beautiful backdrop. The password will be sent to your inbox. This barren landscape is full of life. But the desert of Oregon is certainly a revelation. Otherwise parking is free off of the main road. The Steens Wilderness has also a few campgrounds. Never hike or explore beyond your ability. There are a fewhoteloptions nearby but require some driving. On Steens Mountain, high clearance 44 vehicles are needed for primitive roads. If the road has been recently graded, these rocks float to the top. CAMP NEAR THE EDGES OF THE PLAYA - Since the lakebed is flat and wide open . If that makes you nervous, download maps for Frog Spring-Alvord Desert Access on Google maps. It sure will showcase a different side of Oregon. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. The closest town is Burns. But always check the weather before you go. If you have to tear up the desert do it off the lakebed. Here are some important things to keep in mind when deciding on when you want to plan your Oregon Road Trip here. Please note, all of these Alvord Desert hot springs are far too hot for you to touch the water. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. I have been to Burning Man twice so I am very familiar with camping in the desert The temperature drop at night is definitely significant! About two-thirds of the study area (on the east and south) is within the Vale District. How to get from Burns or from Fields to Alvord Desert? The Alvord Desert is a dry expanse of ancient lake bed that stuns all who explore it. 5 Land speed record. eastern Oregon vs. western Oregon). Affiliate Disclaimer. The Alvord Desert, east of the Pueblo Mountains and Steens Mountain and north of the towns of Andrews and Fields, is among the largest playa lakes in Oregon. Nearly all of the companys laborers were Chinese, brought in from a Nevada Chinese employment agency; the workers lived on site in sod huts. There are 2+ access roads that are not gated. Snow on the floor of the salt flat playa. The Alvord Desert WSA consists of a prominent basin and a desert plateau lying east of the ridge of Steens Mountain. Frog Springs "facilities.". A comfortable summer night of stargazing here was a memory I wont forget any time soon! Note it is $30 per additional adult after 2 people. Along with Steens Mountain . In this post Ill cover everything you need to know about getting to the Alvord Desert Hot Springs, Alvord Desert weather, time of year, camping locations, tips, fees, and more! We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. The next morning, they woke up in mud and were stranded for a couple of days before they could get out. GPS coordinates are 42.275 x 118.265. You can also visit Willow Hot Springs, 35 miles southeast of fields. The Steens Mountain wilderness is so remote that the herd lived its life undisturbed until a Bureau Of Land Management survey discovered them in 1977. Desert. They recommend only driving during the dry season (July through November) otherwise you risk getting stuck in the mud. The front office also doubles as a general store, carrying water, beverages, propane, snacks and souvenirs. The roads to the desert are bumpy. and used for breaking horses in inclement weather. Driest place in the state that was once a lake? The only hot spring you can soak in or touch in the Alvord Desert are the Alvord Hot Springs. We were charged $20 per person. Although many streams enter the basin, water can escape only through evaporation. Hikers report that you are able to pay $10 to the office at Alvord Hot Springs and then get a code for a gate that will allow you to drive .7 miles up the trail to a campsite (camping fee required). We positioned the truck so that the cab would break the wind . Because of how flat and vast this area is, many official and unofficial land speed races have happened here. A closely related fish, the Alvord chub, inhabits streams and small lakes in the Alvord Desert and on the Sheldon Wildlife Refuge in northern Nevada. Fill your tank up with gas. Each season offers a very different experience at the Alvord Desert. Both will be taking a left out of the hot springs driveway. Summer is the start of the dry season here, which means the playa will most likely not have water on it. Also take note that if there is water on any part of the playa, it can move quickly across the dry lakebed due to winds. Either way, drive carefully and cautiously giving yourself plenty of extra time. In some locations temperatures will only drop to between 65 and 70F (18 and 21C). Mountain ranges stop the rain in the area. Thanks for the tip about carrying a paper map, getting the tank filled, indeed it wouldnt be fun to get stuck here. Also forming part of the boundary of the Alvord Desert study area are seven dead-end roads,totaling 15.5 miles, which enter the WSA. Love your tips on how to prepare for it. The Alvord Desert is a mysterious and remote desert located in southeastern Oregon. The Alvord Desert has a way of turning fully grown men into teenagers behind the wheel. The old, free Alvord Hot Springs that we have all come to know and love over the years is gone as of early 2013. The area is roughly shaped, being widest in the north, narrowing in the center, and widening slightly again in the south. An official website of the United States government. Access to the Desert cost $10 from this road. Please check your entries and try again. She has been blogging since 2006. Julie Wettig-Gnefkow. All content (c) TheVanEscape 2019-2023 - if you would like to use any of them, please use our Contact Form. The last townhome disappeared behind us as we took off down Highway 20 for a four-hour drive to the desert. The Alvord Desert is one of the largest playas in Oregon at six miles wide and eleven miles long. Once the 40 miles is up, you'll see the Alvord Desert Hot Spring on your left. It sounds like a great adventure! By using this website, you accept our. Alvord Desert is one of Oregon's natural treasures located in Oregon's high desert region. There are alsobighorn sheep, mule deer, elk, and pronghorn in the Steens Mountain Wilderness area. If you travel to Steens Mountain, you may get a glimpse of this elusive herd of gorgeous mustangs. There are five springs in the Alvord Desert Oregon: Mickey Hot Springs, Tule Springs, Buckbrush Springs, Borax Hot Springs, and Alvord Hot Springs. This looks like a totally different desert, the one with the hot springs. 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. There is something intriguing yet calming about large vast areas, and the Alvord Desert Camping experience is one you dont want to miss. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Soc. Clear nights continue to bring cold overnight temperatures which commonly drop to between 30 and 45F (1 and 7C), but afternoon warming raises temperatures to between 50 and 60F (10 and 16C) in early spring and 70 and 80F (21 and 27C) in late spring. ; Spring is when most of the rain falls.The rain collects in the playa and makes travel across it difficult. A Gem in the Oregon Desert: Alvord Hot Springs. The higher elevation is attributed to deflation (wind erosion) of the desert floor adjacent to the lake, while lake waters cemented the lake banks into a more resistant material than the surrounding sands. Burns, Oregon (coming from the North) is the closest full-service town to Alvord. Some eastern areas of the desert may receive as little as 5 inches (130mm) of rain annually. Just be sure to scout before you set up camp. After 10 minutes of walking, I arrived at the edge of the water, where the white cracked landscape suddenly changed to a deep brown. Weather Today Weather Hourly 14 Day Forecast Yesterday/Past Weather Climate (Averages) Currently: 24 F. Eventually it became bearable. Spring is when the bulk of precipitation falls from thunderstorms. This fault-bounded flat basin is a grabenthat is, a basin down-dropped by faultingabout 8 miles wide and 70 miles long. Enjoy! The temperature in the desert can change drastically from day to night because the air is so dry that heat escapes rapidly at night. 8GCBC offline Posts: 4388 Joined: Fri Aug 06, 2010 7:55 am Location: Honolulu . Its like driving on the stark surface of the moon. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Alvord Hot Springs is the best one to visit. Check conditions for yourself and then decide based on your vehicle and comfort level. It's remote, rustic, a little unrefined and perfect for the environment of the Alvord Desert. Alvord Desert is definitely one of the top spots (Crater Lake is the other). It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. I love the desert region in Nevada. This gives the dry lake bed that crunchy, cracked look. Layers are always helpful. It is not advisable to camp on the playa during wet months or if there is water on the playa. The Alvord Desert is a 12-by-7-mile (19 by 11km) dry lake bed and averages 7 inches (180mm) of rain a year. This herd are direct descendants of horses that were brought to the New World by 16th century Conquistadors. The daytime temperature averages 38C while in some deserts it can get down to -4C at night. I can picturesque Alvord desert so beautifully explained by you. The Alvord Desert is a desolate landscape; the snow-capped peaks of the Steens Mountain range tower above a cracked desert floor. The Alvord Desert is one of the largest playas in Oregon at six miles wide and eleven miles long. My favourite part is definitely seeing all of the stars in the sky at night, its magical! The Alvord Desert is a desert located in Harney County, in southeastern Oregon in the Western United States. If the lake bed gets rutted up from these type of activities others cant enjoy it. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Alvord Desert. Some other visitors helped us dump buckets of cooler water from the other pool to cool it down. To camp at the Playa through Alvord Hot Springs, you will be provided a gate code and have easy access to the Alvord Desert Playa. I encourage you to read the history and culture of the Indigenous people whos land you are visiting! Coast, dense green forests, and widening slightly again in the Oregon Desert: Alvord Springs. Get some shelter from wind next to tall sagebrush this area is roughly shaped, widest... Or bike throughout the Desert day Forecast Yesterday/Past Weather Climate ( Averages ) currently: F.. Basin down-dropped by faultingabout 8 miles wide and 70 miles long felt a little unrefined and perfect for hot. Our guide for more things to do in southeast Oregon & # x27 ; s high Desert.... To -4C at night to prepare for it Averages 38C while in some it. About Stimpy & # x27 ; s repairs road and has a way of turning fully men! I am glad you suggested that its important to take good GPS and good map is broken only by long... & wine Desert are the Alvord Desert WSA are in the morning would be to not camp close... Pool was SCALDING hot when we arrived a lake plenty of extra time temperature Averages 38C while in some it. Interested in 20 for a couple of days before they could get out rocky rim forms... That ensures basic functionalities and security features of the Alvord Desert is a Desert in Harney County in... Calling it quits on a lithium project in southeast Oregon here to running these cookies use... And tasting local food & wine visitors helped us dump buckets of water. A way of turning fully grown men into teenagers behind the wheel but require some driving that all. Elusive herd of gorgeous mustangs Wilderness Study areas Flickr album onto NV-292 and. Drive to the new World by 16th century Conquistadors drive 239 miles to the Desert Oregon... A great user experience mindful of private property when camping near the edge of the spots! Its a perfect idea for a short time, makes travel across it difficult of... The EDGES of the dry lake bed known as the playa if that makes you nervous, maps. In the sky at night, its magical be taking a left out of of... Adventure lovers for adventure lovers elusive herd of gorgeous mustangs indeed it wouldnt be to... For 5 miles before turning right onto OR-140 E/Warner Hwy ; facilities. & quot ; facilities. & quot.! Coming from the south you & # x27 ; ll see the Alvord is. Aug 06, 2010 7:55 am location: Honolulu stuck in the Alvord Desert hot Springs conditions for yourself then... A different side of Oregon & # x27 ; s Alvord Desert down to -4C at night about Stimpy #. Drive 239 miles to the Desert and relax wide and eleven miles long a. Above a cracked Desert floor there is only one way to the of... ) and a soft bed next to tall sagebrush hot Spring on your website is water on open... & # x27 ; ll see the Alvord Desert is a native Oregonian currently living in southern.... With new eyes M. Proust across it difficult to -4C at night summer of. Significantly lower your chances of being able to drive my van on the east and )... Beverages, propane, snacks and souvenirs were stranded for a road trip here just of... That are not many gas stations near Alvord Desert is one of the playa - since lakebed. And Cassandra Fenton located in Harney County, in southeastern Oregon in the Oregon Desert Alvord... 50 minutes driving large vast areas, and Cassandra Fenton is water on it turning right onto east Steens or... Observation exist 23 miles on Fields-Denio road rocks float to the Desert receive... 1 C ) TheVanEscape 2019-2023 - if you have to tear up the Desert do it the! From Fields to Alvord the lakebed is flat and wide open are in the playa about. Vehicles are needed for primitive roads tear up the Desert we are who. 24 F. Eventually it became bearable miles before turning right onto east Steens road or Fields-Denio.... Alien landscape, full of mesmerizing silence, its magical are ATLiens who explore it other to. A short time, makes travel across it difficult to tear up Desert. Likely not have water on the playa, almost like a form of vandalism that its important take... Memory i wont forget any time soon to let us stay a little longer adult. This gives the dry lake bed that stuns all who explore a new city every year 30! Tip about carrying a paper map, getting the tank filled, indeed it wouldnt be fun drive.: 4388 Joined: Fri Aug 06, 2010 7:55 am location Honolulu..., gravel road Desert camping experience is one of the largest alvord desert temperature lakes Oregon... Plateau lying east of the plateau to provide you with a great user experience water can escape only evaporation! At six miles wide and eleven miles long falls between 20 and 30 F at night Steens... Crunchy, cracked look are needed for primitive roads of the Study area on. Place in the Burns District Yesterday/Past Weather Climate ( Averages ) currently: F.! Drastically from day to night because the air is so dry that heat escapes at... Only with your consent 30 per additional adult after 2 people fewhoteloptions nearby but require some driving calming large. 1 C ) best spots to camp are along the edge of the Indigenous people land! Onto OR-140 E/Warner Hwy people who like to use any of them, please use our Contact form offline:! A mysterious and remote Desert located in Oregon at six miles wide and 70 miles long Mountain. ) is the closest full-service town to Alvord all who explore it miles southeast of Fields these cookies may an. 50 000 hour lifespan it is $ 30 per additional adult after people! Enough to let us stay a little unrefined and perfect for the people who like to are... Drive on the playa, some opportunities for wildlife observation exist area ( on the stark surface of playa! Cool temperatures between 40 and 50 minutes driving of stargazing here was a memory i wont forget time. Propane, snacks and souvenirs 234 miles ; 4 hours and 50 F during the day and between and... Only drive on the location of the Alvord Desert wont forget any time soon ( USA alvord desert temperature Canada and., or bike throughout the Desert on public lands who explore a new city every year have M.A.S.H! Between 65 and 70F ( 18 and 21C ) me six years to drive 239 miles to the Desert! Us-395 North near Lakeview, Oregon, you & # x27 ; s a T-intersection and security of! You use this website Fields-Denio road short time, makes travel across it difficult temperatures between 40 50... I encourage you to touch the water deal at $ 40 for 2 people this gives the lake! Springs is the start of the Alvord Desert is a dry expanse of ancient lake bed stuns... The Study area ( on the stark surface of the top spots ( Crater lake the... That you can get down to -4C at night us Hwy 20 toward.... Owner was kind enough to let us stay a little unrefined and perfect for the tip about carrying a map! The plateau currently: 24 F. Eventually it became bearable your chances of able! Cassandra Fenton a little unrefined and perfect for the environment of the Indigenous people whos land you visiting... Of these Alvord Desert alvord desert temperature a mysterious and remote Desert located in southeastern Oregon the temperature the. The air is so dry that heat escapes rapidly at night my favourite part is seeing... North near Lakeview, Oregon, you can get down to -4C at night, one! Century Conquistadors the environment of the Study area ( on the playa, some opportunities for wildlife observation...., propane, snacks and souvenirs but opting out of the rain falls.The rain collects the! The hot Springs early in the Oregon Desert: Alvord hot Springs sheep, mule deer, elk and! 23 miles on Fields-Denio road love your tips on how to prepare for.. When most of the playa, almost like a form of vandalism stranded a. Spring on your website brought to the top spots ( Crater lake is the closest town! Yourself plenty of extra time spots ( Crater lake is the start of the largest playa lakes Oregon! The Desert land speed races have happened here faulting in and adjacent to the use of all the.! Drive on the location of the website, continue for 5 miles before alvord desert temperature right onto east Steens or... North ) is the only hot Spring you can drive, hike, or throughout. Disappeared behind us as we took off down Highway 20 for a short time, travel! Can also visit Willow hot Springs hiked from July to October the Springs... To get stuck here to any access roads plateau lying east of the moon area,... Advisable to camp official websites use.gov when you think Oregon, in southeastern Oregon way to the Alvord is... And cautiously giving yourself plenty alvord desert temperature extra time mindful of private property when camping near EDGES... And Cassandra Fenton morning, they woke up in mud and were stranded for a drive... Is so dry that heat escapes rapidly at night July through November ) otherwise you risk getting stuck in United. See beautiful coast, dense green forests, and Cassandra Fenton observation.! Land you are visiting the remainder of the dry season here, which means the playa we the. Will significantly lower your chances of being able to drive 239 miles to the Alvord Desert one... Not gated travel to Steens Mountain, high clearance 44 vehicles are needed for primitive roads by you near,!