Subscribe to Our E-News

Lindsay Jones

Sign up for ONDA’s free e-newsletter to stay aware of public lands issues, hear about ONDA events and build your knowledge of Oregon’s high desert landscapes and wildlife.

watch

Julie Weikel on Wilderness

Julie Weikel on Wilderness

fact

What defines Oregon’s high desert?

What defines Oregon’s high desert?

Bounded by the Cascade Mountains to the west and the Blue Mountains to the north, Oregon’s high desert covers approximately 24,000 square miles. Annual rainfall in the high desert varies from 5 to 14 inches. The average elevation is 4,000 feet; at 9,733 feet, the summit of Steens Mountain is the highest point in Oregon’s high desert. The terrain of the high desert was mostly formed by a series of lava flows that occurred between 30 and 10 million years ago.

Sources: The Oregon Encyclopedia; Wikipedia  

voices

Terry Butler, 2018 Volunteer of the Year

Terry Butler, 2018 Volunteer of the Year

“If I have to pick a favorite place in Oregon’s high desert, it would be Sutton Mountain, but I’m excited about all of the Wilderness Study Areas,” says Terry, adding, “Each is a gem to explore, and I hope they all get protection someday… I love the scale of the physical beauty of the desert.”

Email Signup


Enjoy Oregon’s high desert delivered straight to your inbox.

Sample issues:

And, we promise we won’t badger you.

badgers, Oregon, high desert