Discovering the Alvord Desert – Oregon’s Best-Kept Secret
A captivating sense of mystery and allure unfurls as one ventures into Oregon’s quiet treasure – the Alvord Desert. Nestled away in the southeastern pocket of the state, the desert stands as a testament to Oregon’s diverse landscapes that seamlessly blend grandiose mountains, lush forests, towering waterfalls, and moon-like deserts. It’s as if Mother Nature took a paintbrush and splattered the canvass of our beloved Oregon with an array of natural wonders – and the Alvord Desert, being a part of that masterpiece, comfortably rests under Oregon’s wide skies.
The Alvord’s Eloquent Eeriness
For the unacquainted, the Alvord Desert might seem eerily quiet and lonely. This immense expanse of playa stretches about 12 miles wide and 7 miles long, creating a perception of simplicity. However, those acquainted with Alvord’s charm know the complexity beneath its quietness. Surrounded by the Steens Mountain’s rugged peaks to the west, the distinct Oregon landscape holds a certain whimsy, waiting to be discovered by curious explorers.
Here, silence echoes louder than words, as if it’s the only language spoken. It makes one remember what the original Oregon pioneers must have felt – stark quiet and vast, unending potential. As each gust of wind sweeps across the playa, it carries with it whispers of ancient tales and histories that only a discerning Oregonian heart could comprehend.
The Gift of the Steens
The steep, Steens Mountain is Oregon’s friendly giant, watching over Alvord with a watchful maternal gaze. It doesn’t shy away from skyrocketing to around 9,700 feet, cherishing the glacial valleys within its crest. The water from melting snow forms small creeks, which eventually tumble down the desert in the form of the Alvord Hot Springs.
Just a few miles north of Fields, known for its watering holes and the famous milkshake stand, this natural thermal spa is a welcome surprise in the middle of the sparse desert landscape. Its springs run to about 105 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, thanks to geothermally heated groundwater. After a long day of exploration, a warm soak while relishing a sunset over the vast playa is nothing short of magical.
Exploring the Desert Recreation
While the Alvord might seem tranquil, it dares you to take on its adventurous side too. If the weather gods of Oregon are feeling generous, you can jump on a sled or a kite buggy for an exuberant sand surfing session down the sand dunes. For those who find peace in hiking, the numerous trailheads like the Big Indian Gorge and the Little Blitzen Gorge allow wanderers to trek up the Steens, providing breathtaking views of the desert sprawled out below.
But the banquet of panoramas doesn’t cease there. The Alvord Desert is also an open runway for amateur astronomers, as the clear skies further enhance the nighttime experience of stargazing. The starlit night revealing the expanse of the Milky Way leaves one in wonderment. It’s as if every night, the part of Oregon hushes down in reverence to admire the celestial spectacle.
Much More Than Just Silence
The Alvord Desert might be a realm of silence, but like every corner of our beloved Oregon, it sings its own tune. Coupled with the welcoming warmth of nearby communities in Fields and Burns, as well as the rustic charm of the Frenchglen Hotel, the desert stands as a soulful ode to Oregon’s diverse character. It’s far from the tourist-flock areas of Crater Lake or Mount Hood, but the journey to Alvord is a pilgrimage into Oregon’s heartland itself, where the unbeaten paths meet the untamed beauty.
So, next time you’re craving a break from the rat race or longing for a new Oregonian adventure, consider exchanging your umbrella for some sunscreen and head to the Alvord Desert. Experience the mirror-like reflections after a good rain, sunsets that set the desert aflame in a riot of colors, or the quiet communion with nature that fills your soul, and there you will find, amidst its eerie calm, the dance of life in Oregon’s best-kept secret.