Discovering Oregon’s Best Kept Secret: The Alvord Desert
While Oregon is famed globally for its towering Mt. Hood, the sprawling Willamette Valley, and the stunning coastal vistas, in the southeastern corner of the Beaver State lies a relatively unknown gem – the Alvord Desert. An expanse of shimmering white, it’s a barren beauty that entraps the hearts and minds of those lucky enough to stumble upon it like a moth bewitched by an ethereal flame. It certainly doesn’t play by the rules, Oregon-wise.
Alvord Desert: A World Apart
Stretching across approximately 84,000 acres, this relic of a once-thriving lake flaunts an otherworldly landscape, an unforgiving white-washed terrain, devoid of life, yet teeming with appeal. Most who’ve chalked the Steens Mountain trails or visited the nearby hot springs, they’ll tell you the attraction of the Alvord Desert isn’t the picture-postcard panoramas you’re used to. Nope, it’s about the desolate stillness, the wide-open nothingness that holds a mirror to your soul, makes you appreciate the quietude and the stark beauty of solitude.
The word on the weather is that “if you don’t like it, just wait five minutes.” It might be the driest place in Oregon (oh the irony!), but you could be basking in the sun one moment and, quick as a jackrabbit, find yourself in a gentle snowfall the next!
From the Peaks of Steens to the Plains of Alvord
From the craggy peak of Steens Mountain, the highest point in the state you can drive to (until it snows past Fields Junction, of course), the Alvord Desert appears as an almost blinding white canvas splashed against a palette of earthy tones. The loop road leading from the plush french-glen ranch-land to the mountain is a popular exploration route, best attempted in good weather and with a sturdy rig.
Once you ferry yourself down the mountain, there’s Manny’s famous Alvord Desert Hot Springs awaiting you with open arms. Their rustic charm sure does a swell job of melting away the chill, and as you soak, you see the sun dip below the horizon over the rolling desert plains. True happiness, right?
Alvord Desert: A Stargazer’s Paradise
Now let’s talk nights, shall we? When the brilliant sun waves goodbye and the ink-hued night decorates the Este’s skyline, Alvord transforms from a sandy mirage into an astronomical wonder. With no light between you and the twinkle-fest above, stargazing in Alvord is an experience that folks in Portland or Eugene can only dream of.
While the nearby town of Burns may be the gateway to the desert and its surrounds, with notable establishments like The Broadway Deli offering a hearty repast before you plunge into the emptiness, setting up camp right in the heart of Alvord imbues its own charm. Do you want to be part of the elements like the Indigenous Northern Paiute tribes of yore or keep yourself cozy in the Fields Station convenience store with its famous half-pound burgers? The choice is quite Oregonian, that is to say, yours and yours entirely.
A Canvas for the Adventurous Sould
The daytime desert has its fair share of adventure antibodies. The Alvord Desert has become a playground for land sailors, a sort of Mad Max-esque picture of folks whizzing about the flat barren landscape. Try your hand at land sailing, crunching on the hard-packed playa, harnessing the power of the wind to propel you across the undisturbed desert.
Those preferring four-wheeled conveyance, “Throttle Brothers,” with their top-notch service in Fields, is your savior. Get on your off-road vehicle, stoked up, and ready to churn dust, remember, remember for all time, to respect the delicate ecosystem there.
Unravel the Mysteries of Alvord
Yes, the Alvord Desert is a bit out there, both geographically and experientially. But folks, for every step you take into this ethereal expanse, there’s a new layer of self to discover, a new sight to be in awe of, a new local tale to listen to. Leave behind the foggy shores of Cannon Beach, the hustle-bustle of the Tom McCall Waterfront Park in Portland, and come relish the solitude of the sun-soaked Alvord Desert.
In our corner of the world, we have a saying, “In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” Try walking in the Alvord Desert, listen to the wind’s lullaby, dive into the star-flecked night, let the silence speak. The Alvord Desert is a profound teacher, if only we are willing to learn. Your journey into Oregon’s best-kept secret starts now. Are you ready?