Desert Trip Tips

What comes to mind when you think of Oregon’s desert public lands? Maybe it’s the vast expanses of sagebrush steppe that support an abundance of wildlife around Hart Mountain. Perhaps it’s the undammed John Day River that provides cool, clean water for summer steelhead and Chinook salmon. Or, it could be the golden aspen groves that flourish on Steens Mountain.

t’s not until one finds themselves in the middle of hundreds of miles of sagebrush that they realize how truly uncharted many of Oregon’s high desert landscapes are. It’s part of the beauty, but also the challenge, of spending time here. Looking to get out into the far reaches of eastern Oregon? Consider these tips before heading out.

Tip #1: Be prepared for travel in one of the most remote areas in the lower 48

The remoteness of Oregon’s high desert takes some getting used to. Throughout eastern Oregon, gas stations are infrequent, close early, and electric vehicle charging stations are unheard of. Cell reception is spotty. Many roads require medium to high clearance vehicles. For a successful journey, travel in an appropriate vehicle, be sure to have a detailed map, carry a gas can with extra gas, and check you have a spare tire that you know how to change. Investing in a satellite messenger device for emergency texting when there is no cell service is a great idea.

Tip #2: Avoid driving on wet roads

It’s always a good idea to check the weather before you head out. Visitors should look out for rain and avoid driving on wet dirt roads. Even small amounts of moisture can waterlog desert soils and make some areas in the desert inaccessible. Be particularly careful in the Owyhee Canyonlands and Alvord Desert, where cars are known to get stuck in mud for days.

Tip #3: Don’t forget to look down

Rattlesnakes are abundant during warm weather in much of Oregon’s high desert. To avoid them, watch where you’re stepping, don’t hike with headphones on so you can hear their warning rattle, be extra careful around abandoned structures, and keep your pets behind you when you hike.

Tip #4: Bring plenty of water

Eastern Oregon is particularly arid, so you may need to carry more water than you are used to in other environments. While there may be springs or perennial water sources in some areas, many are unreliable due to seasonal variation or other factors. If you do plan on utilizing natural water sources on your trip, carry an adequate water purification system.

Tip #5: Make a plan in advance

Those who want to experience the less travelled portions of the high desert need a plan. With so much ground to cover in this vast landscape, you’ll want to consider both where you want to go and how you’ll navigate the area once there. Planning out roads, mileage between points of interest and route descriptions will be particularly helpful when you lose cell service. For example, Three Forks is my favorite place to visit in the Owyhee Canyonlands, but you must plan for the fact that the road in is 26 miles on dirt—and that’s short for this area!