Oregon’s Hidden Gem: The High Desert
When you think about Oregon, chances are your mind conjures up images of luscious green forests, cascading waterfalls, and an ever- undulating coastline. And rightly so, these are elements that make Oregon unique and utterly captivating. But there’s a side of Oregon that often gets overlooked: the High Desert. Simply put, this is a place unlike anywhere else, definitely worthy of a hearty “gee whiz!”
A Desert? In Oregon?
Indeed, a vast majority of travelers are surprised to discover Oregon has a desert. Yet, tucked into the eastern part of the state, lies a different kind of beauty – austere, resilient, and starkly captivating. Out here, the rain clouds that are famous for keeping the Willamette Valley green in the west give way to brilliant blue skies and wide-open landscapes, creating a completely distinct microclimate.
Kicking off the Journey in Bend
No journey into Oregon’s High Desert would be complete without a stop in Bend. With its sun-soaked climate and sparkling Deschutes River setting, Bend is a jewel of a city nestled in the heart of the High Desert. It’s also a hub for adventurers. Take your pick from hiking up Pilot Butte, grabbing a pint at Deschutes Brewery, or stand-up paddleboarding on the serene waters of Elk Lake.
If you’re an aficionado for the brewing arts, then Bend should be your paradise – the city is home to more than 20 breweries. And before some fast-acting local gives you an elbow nudge with a smirk, “It’s not alcoholism, it’s a hobby!” Try the famous Black Butte Porter at Deschutes or perhaps a zesty Fresh Squeezed IPA at 10 Barrel Brewing.
Going Beyond: The High Desert Scenic Byway
Leaving Bend behind, one can traverse the desert through the Oregon Outback Scenic Byway. This route is every bit as dramatic as it sounds – it’s Oregon’s version of a safari experience. If you’re patient, and perhaps a bit lucky, you might get a glimpse of the local fauna: grazing antelopes, rushing jackrabbits, and proud, fearsomely-beaked raptors. Of all the things expected to see in Oregon, a stampede of antelope isn’t typically on the list.
The Spell of Smith Rock
On the way, don’t miss Smith Rock State Park, where the coffee-hued cliffs juxtapose brilliantly against the sapphire skies. Smith Rock, one could argue, is the outdoor rock climbing capital of Oregon, if not the entire Pacific Northwest. Even if you’re not into climbing, it’s worth it just to watch the climbers scale the rock faces like Lilliputians on a giant’s castle, all while you hike the scenic trails or picnic by the Crooked River.
Painting the Town in Prineville
Further east lies Prineville, a slice of Americana with a hint of cowboy charm. The place to be here is Prineville Reservoir State Park, where you can fish, water ski, or simply lounge by the water. As nightfall draws near, don’t forget to look up and appreciate the vast canopy of stars in the night sky above – it’s one of the best stargazing spots in Oregon. After all, they don’t call this the “Land of the Lost Wagon Train” without reason.
Pioneering Spirit of the Oregon Trail
The souls that clamored across the Oregon Trail didn’t stop at the mountains; they ventured forth into this very desert. Today, at the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center in Baker City, you can tread the very grounds the pioneers once pressed through with boundless optimism. History, you’ll realize, becomes personal and palpable in these parts.
Stepping Into Alien Landscapes
No exploration of the High Desert would be complete without awing at the surreal landscapes of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. Here, the Painted Hills put the “high” in high desert — they’re a tapestry of vibrant colors swirled together by Mother Nature’s hand, truly a sight to behold. It’s a place where you’d half expect Doctor Who’s TARDIS to materialize amidst the rolling colors.
Seeing the High Desert Through the Eyes of a Native
The resilience of the High Desert manifests not just in the landscape but also in its locals who, like their surroundings, radiate a spirited zest for life. The life here invites you to sip it slowly, just like a glass of well-aged Oregon Pinot Noir. Look for connections, not just quick encounters; look for stories in the very landscape that each day transforms yet remains timeless.
There you have it, folks. The call of Oregon’s High Desert is potent and undeniable. It’s more than a place; it’s a unique state of mind. Now it’s your turn to see it with your own eyes. So pack your hiking boots, your thirst for adventure, and explore the lesser-trodden path. You just might surprise yourself at how quickly the high desert gets under your skin. As we Oregonians like to say: “It’s all part of the wild hairs!”