The Steens
Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2013 11:29 am
This range was just mentioned by Dave54 in response to a request for info by LMBSGV. I was going to post a link to a TR about the Steens that I had posted a few years ago. But guess what--I never posted. So here are a few pics. The Steens is a fault block range, composed of layers of volcanic flows, that pops up out of the Alvord Desert to the east. The east face of the range is precipitous while the west slope is gradual, sloping up from Malhuer Wildlife Refuge (large wetlands). Primary vegetation, as dave indicated, is sagebrush and the remarkable stands of aspen but there are also thousands of acres covered by juniper. However in addition to the geology the most notable feature of the area, in my opinion, is the wildflower display that typically peaks around mid july. I was truly astounded at the color that was displayed on my visit--especially the flowers dispersed within the sagebrush--never seen that before.
The roaded access is mostly graded gravel suitable for any passenger car. However!!!!!!!!! the lower part of the southern section of the "Steens Loop Road" is one nasty motha! It was no problem for the 4 runner and a more civilized SUV (e.g. Subaru Outbacks etc.) can negotiate the road as well. But I would never consider taking the Prius over that stretch of the road.
There are several campgrounds in the area--in july the lower ones are hot and the higher ones (7,000 ft. or so) can be cold or refreshingly cool, and sometimes quite windy. And when the flowers peak--so do the mosquitos.
The Steens is a perfect 4 day trip from Bend (or longer if you take backroads).
As I recall the quality of the pics was impacted by smoke from a fire to the west.
Mike
The roaded access is mostly graded gravel suitable for any passenger car. However!!!!!!!!! the lower part of the southern section of the "Steens Loop Road" is one nasty motha! It was no problem for the 4 runner and a more civilized SUV (e.g. Subaru Outbacks etc.) can negotiate the road as well. But I would never consider taking the Prius over that stretch of the road.
There are several campgrounds in the area--in july the lower ones are hot and the higher ones (7,000 ft. or so) can be cold or refreshingly cool, and sometimes quite windy. And when the flowers peak--so do the mosquitos.
The Steens is a perfect 4 day trip from Bend (or longer if you take backroads).
As I recall the quality of the pics was impacted by smoke from a fire to the west.
Mike