Oregon’s Hidden Jewel: Alvord Desert
In the southeast corner of our dear, sagebrush-scented Oregon, where the living silhouette of Steens Mountain comes to a close, lies the Alvord Desert, one of the state’s most enchanting and hidden treasures.
Unlike the stereotypical green topography of the Pacific Northwest, this remote expanse offers an austere charm that holds a certain allure for the true Oregonians. Its allure calls out more to those who appreciate the eccentric harmony between untouched nature and rugged life, than folks scouting for the whimsy and comfort that our lively cities like Portland and Eugene tend to offer.
A Lake without Water
What surprises, or more aptly, mystifies many about the Alvord Desert is its history. Known to Kiger Mustangs and ranchers as the bed of Lake Alvord from the Pleistocene era, this ancient water body has long dried up. It’s left behind an almost lunar landscape. If you venture out to our own, local BLM land here, on clear nights, the diamond-studded Milky Way seems close enough to skim off of the smooth desert surface.
Alvord, It’s Better than Interstellar
Locals know that you could visit NASA’S Kennedy Space Center, but why crowd with tourists when you can experience the cosmos from the serene Alvord Desert. The sparse population, virtually non-existent light pollution, and high desert air create a perfect recipe for stargazing. Local astronomy clubs often set up shop with their telescopes, turning the flat, dry playa into a patchwork of miniature observatories.
Hot Springs, Cold Nights
In the heart of muscle-aching winters, the Alvord Hot Springs give us much-needed respite. Snuggled against the base of the Steens Mountain, these natural springs promise a rejuvenating, geothermal soak. The Davis Family, local residents proud of their Oregon heritage and generous to a fault, manage the hot springs. You might often find their dog, Lucky, ready to accompany you to the pool.
Now, while the soak itself is a divine retreat, especially after a hike or bike trip, it’s the marriage of the hot springs experience with a crisp, star-filled Oregon winter night that is pure enchantment. Layers of steam spiral up, playfully tangling with silvers of starlight. It’s an ethereal sight, best followed by, what else but a round of local craft beer!
Bring Your Lead Foot
The Alvord Desert isn’t just a retreat for sky gazers and hot spring enthusiasts. It’s also a haven for speed lovers. Its broad stretch of flat, dry land has made it the ideal playground for setting land-speed records. Our very own Kent Fuller made a dash for glory back in 50’s with his dragster at the Alvord Desert, aptly christened the ‘Oregon Centipede’.
Come Prepared
The Alvord Desert is indeed mesmerizing, but it’s far from forgiving for the unprepared. Located over 100 miles from any significant town, gas stations or the ubiquity of Fred Meyer mean folks should pack well. Dehydration is a real concern in the summer months, so pack plenty of water — remember that old Oregon truism, ‘No rain, no rainbows’.
A Love Affair with Alvord
Oregon, with its enchanting Crater Lake to Mt. Hood’s snowy caps, coastal rainforests, and charming vineyards, never ceases to awe you. But the Alvord Desert, with its silent mystery, fiery daytime ground, thunderous winters, and nights sparkling with cosmic wonders, has a unique mystique. In the Alvord, among the ghost traces of a prehistoric sea bed, Oregon becomes not just a state, but a state of mind.
That’s the Oregon I know, a place that, like the contrasting patchwork quilt at the Tillamook County Fair, manages to be more than the sum of its parts – and a rightful place for the restful Alvord Desert. So here’s inviting you to come, take in the crunch of dry playa and experience the ethereal beauty of the Alvord, the Oregon way!