Contact Info
Basics
- Length:
- 127 miles (204 km)
- Time:
- 5-7 hours
Description
Discover a different side of Oregon as you travel along roads surrounded by juniper and sagebrush. This sparsely populated region takes you through true frontier country, past the dramatic mountain ranges of the Steens Mountains and the wide-open spaces of the Alvord Desert. With towns few and far in between, you have the chance to explore these remnants of what was once the Wild West the way the cowboys of old did.
Start the trip off in Burns and continue south into southeastern Oregon's desert regions and take in the striking views of the Blue and Steens Mountains at Wright's Point. Just a little farther down the road is the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge's 187,000 acres of wetlands, riparian areas, and meadows. Drive, horseback or hike through the miles of road that cut through the refuge and take pictures of the hundreds of bird species that migrate there. Enjoy views of Canada geese, bald eagles and rough-legged hawks, just to name a few.
Travel beside an ancient basalt flow to the southern edge of the Blitzen Valley and the town of Frenchglen. Here you can pick up the information and supplies needed for a trip up Steens Mountain, among other adventures. Frenchglen also offers easy access to the Donner and Blitzen River, which provides excellent angling for redband trout. Grab a bottle of water and a couple of granola bars to explore what the desert region has to offer. Spend a night in the historic Frenchglen Hotel to round off the day. Built in the mid-1920's, the hotel is still in operation today.
After a good night's rest, continue south and take a short side trip to the Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge. This rough road will lead you to 275,000 acres of protected high desert habitat for pronghorn antelope. Rugged cliffs and steep slopes surround the Warner Valley, ascending nearly three quarters of a mile above the refuge. The route south parallels Catlow Rim and Valley, home to wild horse herds and bighorn sheep easily and frequently seen by travelers on the road.
The byway ends in the ranching community of Fields, where you'll stock up on gear for an outdoor adventure in the nearby Trout Creek and Pueblo Mountains. Relax tired muscles from hours of exploration in the Alvord Hot Springs. Fueld up and grab some food before heading off on the road again; take the East Steens Tour Route as it connects here and loops back up to Burns.
Passing through the heart of this sparsely populated region and offering panoramas of a desert landscape, the High Desert Discovery byway acts as a gateway to the splendor of the Steens Mountain and Diamond Craters. Taking you past acres of marshy lands of wildlife preservations and the dryness of the Alvord Desert, the road offers incredible solitude and austere beauty. This desert byway puts you in the role of a modern day pioneer, traveling the expanse of a largely untouched land.
Points of Interest
Points of Interest Along The Way
Burns (OR)
Gateway to the High Desert Discovery Scenic Byway and Steens Mountain, Burns has much to offer for those that love the outdoors.
Malheur Lake and National Wildlife Refuge (OR)
The Malheur Wildlife Refuge gives you a chance to see over 320 different species of birds and 58 species of mammals. Drive, horseback ride, or bike along the paths moving through the refuge, or hike along to get an unobstructed and slower-paced view of the area.
Malheur National Forest (OR)
The 1.7 million acre Malheur National Forest is located in the Blue Mountains of Eastern Oregon.
Ochoco National Forest (OR)
Part of the Deschutes National Forest and has 1.8 million acres that include five wilderness areas, lakes and reservoirs, and approximately 1,400 miles of trails.
Directions
Travel North of Burns on SR 208.
