The Hidden Gem: Alvord Desert
Welcome, fellow explorers, to a journey to my favourite place in the whole Beaver State – the Alvord Desert. Tucked in the South-Eastern corner of Oregon, this place, where the desert meets the mountains, is our own best-kept secret. Don’t expect kitsch souvenir shops or roadside attractions here; Alvord Desert is as rugged and authentic as the Oregon spirit itself.
This 12-mile wide and 7-mile long desert – a dry lake bed really – is so expansive, you can almost see the curve of the earth on the horizon. The desert is flanked to the east by the towering Steens Mountain, providing a delightful dragony contrast that makes the Alvord a photographer’s paradise. Tall tales from local ranchers say you might even encounter a lonesome wild mustang or two here, if you’re lucky!
Weathering the Alvord
In summer, the Alvord Desert bakes like a piece of sourdough in an old stone hearth – temperature can exceed 100 degrees. You might find it cooler than Portland, though, thanks to the high altitude. Come winter, it can get colder than a February morning in Crater Lake. Gives you a real hearty taste of Oregon weather swings, don’t it?
Visiting the Alvord Desert is like stepping into a different universe. Still, it’s very much an embodiment of our beloved Oregon, with its predominantly arid High Desert climate and periodic dust storms. But don’t worry, even an Alvord dust storm is just Oregon being Oregon—breathtakingly beautiful and wonderfully unpredictable.
Wayfinding in the Desert
For adventurers exploring the desert, Fields Station is a must-stop that’s just on the way. Drop in, grab a bag of their famous jalapeno cheese bread, and keep yourself fueled for the journey. They invariably give you a triple-dip milkshake that rivals Tillamook’s finest. And if you think you’ve had better, that’s a statement that might just start a local feud!
The desert floor is so flat; it’s a popular spot for land sailing and amateur rocketry. Now, if you’re not much of a speed sailor or star gazer, you might just enjoy a quiet evening soaking by the Alvord Hot Springs. After all, what could be better than bathing in nature’s own hot tub while watching the sunset paint the sky with hues of tangerine and lavender?
Embracing the Alvord
When the day draws to a close, Alvord desert emerges as one of the best places for stargazing in the state, rivalling Pine Mountain Observatory. There’s nothing like the tranquillity that comes with isolation here. Just a man or woman, a campfire under the open sky, and the soft hoot of a Spotted Owl in the distance.
Driving on the Alvord Desert playa itself is another unique experience that should not be missed. Though do watch out for some “phantom” bumps, courtesy of last season’s rain. Some locals might suggest you wear your favorite Pendleton blanket like a cape and pretend you’re dune-riding on a rogue ‘sandworm.’ Go ahead; no one’s looking!
A part of the desert’s charm lies in its unpredictability, much like our good ol’ Oregon weather. It might be serene one moment, windswept the next, but it guarantees a sense of rugged freedom. But remember, this is Oregon. We adore our wilderness, and in keeping with ‘pack it in, pack it out’ rule, we leave no trace behind.
Closing Trails
So, there you have it, folks. A look at Oregon’s Alvord Desert – an enchanting expanse waiting to be explored that reflects the heart and soul of this state. Visit for the day or camp under the stars; you won’t regret it. But shh, remember it’s our best-kept secret. Now, time to grab that dusty old hat and embrace the explorer within. Just don’t forget the jalapeno cheese bread!