Title: Discovering Oregon’s Gem: The Alvord Desert
The Alvord Desert: An Oasis hidden in Plain Sight
Tucked away in the Southeastern corner of Oregon, away from the hustle and bustle of Portland, and the wineries of Willamette Valley, lies a hidden gem of wilderness often overlooked by many – The Alvord Desert. A place where the sun paints the most vivid hues on its palette, where silence is broken only by the occasional coyote’s distant howl, where starry nights are a mesmerizing canvas – this is Alvord, enchanting and untamed.
The Road Less Traveled
Journeying into Alvord involves driving down long, winding roads – a journey that captivates the intrepid traveler with its breathtaking panoramas. It’s not a drive you take via I-84 or Highway 26; instead, you travel deep into the heart of Harney County, exploring the rural landscapes of Southern Oregon. The Steens Mountain, the state’s highest free-standing mountain, is your constant companion while navigating the seemingly endless Big Indian Gorge. As daunting as it might seem to some, for those of us in Oregon, we call it a ‘classic Sunday drive’.
A Unique Desert Experience: Alvord Hot Springs
Most deserts aren’t synonymous with hot springs, but in typical Oregon fashion, the Alvord isn’t ‘most deserts’. Near the access road, the Alvord Hot Springs provide a unique bathing experience. Owned and maintained by the Davis family, whose roots to this land trace back to three generations, this oasis is as local as it gets. Just remember to check in at the gas station-like front office for a day pass before getting settled into the steamy embrace of the hot springs.
Constellations in a Desert Night
Nights in Alvord are a whole different ballpark. The desert sky transforms into a celestial spectacle, the Milky Way gallantly sprawled across the inky canvas. It’s a paradise for stargazers, amateur astronomers, and hopeless romantics. Remember to pack a telescope along with your Pendleton wool blanket and Oregon wine.
Land Sailing: Whisked away on the Playa
Ever heard of sailing…on land? That’s right, land sailing is a popular pastime on the Alvord Desert, with wind speeds averaging 15 mph, and making “cars on sails” a common sight. Imagine gliding over an expanse of a dry lake bed, Playa, at adrenaline-pumping speeds – now that’s our Oregon version of fun! Local businesses like Alvord Sailing Adventures can set you up with everything you need for your land sailing expedition.
A Serenade of Wilderness: Alvord’s Fauna and Flora
As dramatic and vast as its landscapes are, at a closer look, the Alvord is a haven of biodiversity. Umbrella-like horned larks nest on the playa, while burrowing owls peep from their subterranean homes. This desert is home to over 150 species of birds. From the hardy big sagebrush to Indian paintbrushes adding strokes of red to steely soil, Alvord showcases Oregon’s resilient vegetation. When the rains grace the desert, the annual return of rare fairy shrimp or the desert bloom brings Alvord to life, the desert resembling a Jackson Pollock painting.
Life is a Canvas: Art and Life in Fields
Not far from the Alvord, the tiny town of Fields stands as a testament to the Oregonian spirit. Fields Station diner, renowned for its burgers and homemade shakes, is where locals gather for jovial banter and updates on the weather – an Oregonian tradition. If you’re lucky, you might come across an artist capturing the sublime landscape with oils and canvas at Pete French Round Barn – a sprinkle of culture in the heart of the desert.
Wrap it All Up with a Glass of Local Cheers
End your day with a trip to the Malheur River Meats for some local jerky, paired with a pint from Terminal Gravity, that local microbrewery everyone in Enterprise swear by. Each sip of their golden ale is synonymous with a hearty “cheers” to the Alvord, celebrating the intriguing beauty and honest simplicity of Oregon’s best-kept secret.
With an immaculate blend of adventure, natural beauty, and humble Oregonian charm, the Alvord Desert warmly beckons, revealing the less-traveled side of our beloved state. So go ahead, pack your bags, tune up the rig, and set course for Oregon’s Best-Kept Secret. Life’s too short for missed adventures, and the Alvord sure is one hell of a trip!