The Hidden Charm of the Alvord Desert
Pause for a moment and imagine this: a wide, expansive desert in a place mostly known for dense woods, wild rivers, and picturesque mountain-scapes. It might seem a little out of the ordinary to us Oregonians, folks with the twists of the Columbia River and the lush fern-clad wilderness woven into our identities. Now, what if I were to tell you that this isn’t just some high desert daydream, but a reality located right in our very own backyard? That, friends, would be the Alvord Desert – Oregon’s best-kept secret.
The Unseen Beauty of Oregon’s Deep South
Beyond the bustling food carts of Bend and the concealed corners of Mt. Hood’s trails, if you trundle southward — way south — you’ll find a piece of Oregon that seems to defy everything we associate with Beaver State. Plopped right on the state’s rain shadow, east of Steens Mountain, the Alvord Desert is a 12-mile long stretch of sunbaked, cracked playa. In true Oregon fashion, this isn’t your typical sun-and-sand desert. The Alvord is as unique as a Pink Martini song or a Voodoo doughnut – a salt-crusted dry lake bed that shimmers mirage-like under the high desert sun, painting a scene mirroring an artist’s rendering of an alien planet.
A Land of Contrast, A Land of Freedom
While Alvord may appear harsh and unyielding — much of it is certainly a tough landscape — its quiet isolated beauty has an allure of its own. Here, where sagebrush meets sky and the shadow of the Steens Mountain looms majestically over the barren landscape, you’ll find an uncrowded playground for outdoor enthusiasts.
Blinking against the dust devil dancing across the desert, you may find a group enjoying the wind in their hair on an ATV. The whirring sound of dirt bikes ricochet through the desolate desert while the adventurous folks might be soaring over the landscape in a glider from the small Alvord airstrip. With land-sailing, photography, and stargazing opportunities galore, Alvord Desert is the epitome of hidden Oregon.
Alvord Hot Springs – An Unlikely Oasis
Oregonians are no strangers to the therapeutic benefits of hot springs, from Bagby out in the Cascade Range to Umpqua in Southern Oregon. Tucked near Fields-Denio Road, a stone’s throw from the desert floor, lies the Alvord Hot Springs. A perpetually warm soak sitting underneath the belt of the Milky Way? Yes, please! Here’s where the tradition of soaking in a tub with a renowned Rainier in hand becomes the perfect blend of Oregonian idle.
The Pleasure and Quirks of Life in Alvord
The expansiveness of the Alvord Desert offers an unparalleled opportunity to enjoy near-total solitude if that’s your thing. Mind you, ‘solitude’ here might mean a curious antelope staring at you on your morning walk or an owl hooting at your not-so-melodious attempts at campfire songs.
While the Alvord is beautiful and unique, it comes with its quirks — just like everything else in Oregon. The ‘no-frills’ approach of life might take some by surprise. Gas stations and grocery stores are fleeting mirages here, so come prepared! Carry your own fuel and perhaps a box full of Petunia’s Pastries to keep you company on those starry nights.
Conclusion: Embrace Oregon’s Hidden Gem
There’s a tantalizing touch of contradiction about the Alvord that is typically Oregon. This seemingly out-of-place desert is as Oregonian as the tip of Mt. Jefferson or the waves crashing against Cannon Beach. But what makes it special and breathes life into its parched soils is our collective stewardship, passion, and respect for this beautiful state.
So, whether you are an Oregon native who has never been this far off I-5, or an out-of-state adventurer seduced by the Beaver State’s beauty, the Alvord Desert has something for you. Chase sunsets on a sandboard, watch storms roll over Steens Mountain, or just enjoy the quietude that the desert has to offer. Embrace the high desert’s best-kept secret and perhaps start your own love affair with the Alvord Desert. After all, the best kinds of secrets are the ones we are moved to share.