Around the south point of the Steens and across the Alvord Desert

I woke up thinking I’d have some breakfast and hit the road. But I was so happy to be here, and I wanted to soak it up for a while longer. Why trade this for windshield time?

I decided to take a morning hike from South Steens campground to the Little Blitzen River, a short but gorgeous trek. The mountain was covered in wildflowers.

I made my visit to South Steens last s little bit longer by visiting the historic Riddle Brothers ranch. They were ahead of their time, building their ranch in the early 1900s by gaining control of water in the area. It’s hard to imagine how remote this ranch was at the time. It’s really out there even now.

I have long dreamed of seeing wild horses in their natural habitat, and I just have never had the luck. Today I was driving back out from South Steen campground with my mind wandering, and I thought, I’d sure like to see some wild horses here. Not ten seconds later I came around a curve and spotted a pair of wild horses!

When you stop someplace in the middle of nowhere that is known for their burgers and milkshakes, that’s what you have! The milkshake came filled to the brim in a frosty steel cup straight from the mixer, and the burger was HUGE. I needed someone to help me eat it. At Fields Station, Oregon.

The Alvord Desert is a massive dry lakebed. The play is created by scant rainwater collecting small depressions and leaving salty deposits. It’s unearthly, silent, and vast.

After many miles, 50 of them on gravel road along the Alvord desert and the backside of the Steens, I arrived at the hot springs I was aiming for to find they are hosting a… motorcycle event! Motorcycles everywhere. I decided to stay anyway, I’m really looking forward to that hot spring.