About the ODT

Jeremy Fox

Oregon Desert Trail

 

An ONDA initiative since 2011, the 750-mile Oregon Desert Trail traverses some of the most spectacular natural areas of the state’s dry side, including Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge, Steens Mountain, and the Owyhee Canyonlands. While we have surveyed every inch of the route in crafting the Oregon Desert Trail, it remains a work-in-progress. Learn more about why ONDA decided to create the ODT, some interesting facts about the route, and some of the ways the ODT is engaging hikers in conservation and learning more about our public lands and eastern Oregon.

voices

Ryan “Dirtmonger” Sylva, ODT thru-hiker 2017

Ryan “Dirtmonger” Sylva, ODT thru-hiker 2017

“To me, it’s a thru-hike in an isolated place that promotes a conversation in land management, ethics and usage. Hiking across a vast and remote landscape and having a random and chance encounter with cowboys and hunters to discuss how ‘all of us’ should treat the land, how we all have a responsibility, no matter our political leanings, really showed me the pulse of the people in rural areas, especially here out west.”

listen

Western Meadowlark Dawn Chorus

Western Meadowlark Dawn Chorus

voices

John Cunningham, ONDA member and volunteer

John Cunningham, ONDA member and volunteer

Restoration is hard slow work. It takes hold, or it doesn’t, in fits and starts. The immensity of the need can be discouraging, but we must carry on. I am so thankful ONDA carries on.

A Route in the Making

Please share with us what you learn along the way. The Oregon Desert Trail was crafted with the best knowledge at the time and remains a work-in-progress. We incorporate feedback as we receive it and share that information with others.

Renee Patrick

Community

Connect with other hikers, share your trip reports, explore the trail towns along the route, or plan to attend a future trail presentation. As we build our network of supporters and hikers, we would love to involve you as much as possible. Do you have a service you would like to offer hikers along...

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Sarah Imholt

Get Involved in the Oregon Desert Trail

The Oregon Desert Trail exists thanks to thousands of volunteer and staff hours and generous support in the form of memberships and donations. You can help shape the future of the route by joining ONDA, volunteering for trail work, attending a presentation, or becoming a sponsor of the trail. We want to hear what...

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Renee Patrick

Plan A Trip

  To make planning easier, ONDA divided the full 750-mile trail route into four regions and a total of 25 sections of 20 to 40 miles each, all of varying difficulty. Be advised! It is critical to read the guide descriptions in detail and seriously consider any notes on water scarcity or challenging terrain...

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Questions about the Oregon Desert Trail?  Send us an email.
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