Where-To:
See Wildflowers on Steens Mountain

James Parsons Website

listen

Wind and Birds in Quaking Aspen

voices

Nate Wilson-Traisman, member since 2019

“My greatest hope is that Oregon’s desert continues to gain public lands protections, and is guarded from unsustainable development, so that future generations may benefit from all the region has to offer.

I felt inspired by trips to Oregon’s high desert, and was actively searching for ways to contribute to the protection of these wild places. ONDA stood out as a leader in this respect, and when I’ve had money to contribute, ONDA has been a clear choice.”

success

Oregon’s first desert wilderness

Steens Mountain: Oregon’s first desert wilderness

On October 30, 2000, Congress passed the Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Act, finishing the work that had taken ONDA and the other members of the Steens-Alvord Coalition decades

Steens Mountain is a land of startling contrasts: dramatic u-shaped

Michelle Alvarado Website

Big Indian Gorge

The Big Indian Gorge Trail is 8 miles to the headwall of the gorge and passes through meadows as well as cottonwood and aspen groves. It’s easy to follow for […]

Pike Creek

An old mining track leads 1.4 miles up the canyon through a rugged rock narrows with wildflowers and views of the desert playa below. Two creek crossings can be difficult […]

Bruce Jackson Website

Little Blitzen Gorge

The Little Blitzen Gorge Trail follows the Little Blitzen River up a long, glacially carved canyon. Expect wildflowers, springs, aspen, and waterfalls. From the trailhead parking lot, walk 100 yards […]

Explore Oregon podcast: Steens Mountain features glorious gorges and lakes above desert
Travel Oregon: First-Timer’s Guide To Steens Mountain
Statesman Journal: The Five Best Hikes at Steens Mountain

Steens Mountain Wilderness Recreation Monitoring

20 Facts about Steens

The Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Act was enacted twenty years ago, on October 30, 2000. As the Steens Act “turns 20” in 2020, here is a top twenty […]