A Dozen Desert Wonders

Wildflowers

Loads of interesting wildflower species bloom from early March through July, depending upon elevation and precipitation. Try these areas: the Upper Crooked River Basin (April-June), Steens Mountain (June-Aug), Owyhee Uplands and Leslie Gulch (March-June), Oregon Badlands Wilderness (March-May), Sutton Mountain (March-June), Spring Basin Wilderness (April-June), and the Oregon Canyon Mountains (May-July), or the easily accessible Sagehen Hill Nature Trail near Hines.

Springtime Bird Migration

An impressive array of bird life migrates through the desert from April into early June, with a May peak. Notable hot spots include: Malheur Wildlife Refuge, the Warner Wetlands below Hart Mountain, Lake Abert, Summer Lake, Fields Station, and the banks of the Owyhee, Malheur, Silvies and Crooked Rivers.

Interesting Rocks

In June, how about a geology field trip to hunt for obsidian, petrified wood, thunder eggs, opals and agates? Two places to collect are Obsidian Buttes and the sunstone digging areas north of Warner Valley. As water levels drop, try rockhounding in the tributaries to the lower John Day River between Clarno and Mitchell, or throughout Owyhee country.

Swimming Holes

Swimming in the desert? You betcha! Many desert lakes and rivers have warmed up quite a bit by July, so get out for a swim, or tubing, pack rafting, or even paddle boarding and kayaking. The Lake Owyhee area (via Leslie Gulch access road or via a backpacking trip into the Honeycombs area) and the John Day River Basin are especially scenic.

Backcountry Campsites

In August, pack the camping gear. For sure, it’s hot, but higher elevations offer pleasant temperatures. For fantastic backpacking and day hiking, explore the high lakes and ridge lines of the Steens, the Pueblos or the Owyhee Uplands. More options: hike DeGarmo Canyon to Hart Mountain summit, mountain bike Winter Rim, backpack the Trout Creek Mountains, or explore the upper Crooked, Silvies, Malheur and John Day Rivers.

Autumnal Bird Migration

As September heralds fall, southbound bird migrations bring sandhill cranes, swans, songbirds and waterfowl. Explore riparian areas, especially Malheur Wildlife Refuge around Burns, Lakes Abert and Summer, and any montane meadows.

Golden Aspen Groves

In October, enjoy fall color in the glorious aspen groves on Steens Mountain, the edge of Winter Rim, along the upper Crooked River, and the Trout Creek and Oregon Canyon Mountains.

Hot Springs

November is prime time to soak up a desert sunset while soaking in a hot spring. Developed hot springs are located at Summer Lake Hot Spring Resort, Crane Hot Springs, the Alvord Desert Hot Springs and the Hot Springs Campground on Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge.

Dark Skies

Close out your year of wonders with stargazing in some of the darkest skies in the country. Head to the Malheur area, Alvord Desert, or the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, or gaze from any of the high plains below the mountain ridges throughout the region.

Important Note on Safety

As you figure out how to reach the places mentioned, know that venturing into the high desert demands a high level of preparation and self-sufficiency, and that you and your vehicle must be up to your chosen trek.

About the author: Scott Bowler is a retired science educator and frequent ONDA volunteer. Read more of his work.