Drive a dirt road to 9,700 ft for free alpine camping and U-shaped glacial canyon views.
Steens Mountain is a single 50-mile fault-block range rising abruptly from the high desert. The Steens Loop Road is one of the highest drivable roads in the Pacific Northwest, with dispersed camping at the rim and multiple established sites along the way.
Why it's special
The drive is incredible, the views off the East Rim into Kiger Gorge and Big Indian Gorge are world-class, and you'll see more pronghorn than people.
Best time to go
Late June through September. The upper loop is snowed in the rest of the year.
Getting there
Frenchglen, OR. Steens Mountain Loop Road is a 66-mile dirt loop.
Know before you go
- Upper loop opens July or later depending on snow.
- High clearance recommended; the road is rough in spots.
- Free dispersed camping on the BLM portions; small established sites for $8.
- Weather changes fast at 9,000+ ft.
Pro tips from boondockers
- Kiger Gorge overlook is the iconic photo.
- Page Springs Campground at the base for an easy first night.
- Wild horses on the lower flanks — keep distance.
- Combine with Alvord Desert via the rough east-side descent (4WD only).
Combine with
Alvord Desert, Malheur NWR, Frenchglen.