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Steens Mountain Summit - 1 member in 2 triplogs has rated this an average 5 ( 1 to 5 best )
2 triplogs
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Jul 29 2023
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 Guides 99
 Routes 1,487
 Photos 16,077
 Triplogs 1,377

male
 Joined Jan 07 2017
 Fountain Hills,
Steens Mountain - Harney County HP, OR 
Steens Mountain - Harney County HP, OR
 
Scenic Drive avatar Jul 29 2023
DixieFlyer • Triplogs 1,377
Scenic Drive1.33 Miles 250 AEG
Scenic Drive1.33 Miles      41 Mns   2.05 mph
250 ft AEG
 
no photosets
1st trip
Linked   linked  
Steens Mountain Trails
Wildhorse Lake Trail
Steens Mountain Summit
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
This was a near drive-up to Steens Mountain (elevation of 9,733 feet and prominence of 4,373 feet), the highpoint of Harney County in southeastern Oregon. In terms of area, Harney County is the largest county in Oregon and the 10th largest in the continental U.S. Harney County seems very remote and isolated, and as best I can tell there are more hay bales than people.

The drive up to Steens Mountain is about 25 miles on one of the best graded gravel roads that I have ever been on. I left pavement at the town of Frenchglen, the home of $6.60 per gallon gas. The drive was very scenic -- there were lots of wildflowers blooming and there were great views of the surrounding mountains with many pockets of snow still on them.

Once I got near the top I stopped by a viewpoint that had a spot elevation of 9,730 feet, only 3 feet lower than the highpoint. There were great views at this viewpoint, so I was glad that I stopped.

Then I drove a couple of miles further and parked at a closed gate not far below the highpoint, which had some radio towers on it. I walked up the road to the towers, and tagged the highpoint. On the way back I stopped by a rock outcropping that had the benchmark on it, and I also located both reference marks.

When I got back to the parking lot I walked a very short distance on the Wildhorse Lake Trail, which drops a few hundred feet down to Wildhorse Lake, which was visible from the summit. If I had more time I would have hiked down to the lake and back.

Synopsis
This was an enjoyable and very scenic drive, and is worth doing in you happen to be in the area.
_____________________
Civilization is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there
  2 archives
Jul 27 2018
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 Guides 100
 Routes 63
 Photos 2,548
 Triplogs 184

76 male
 Joined Nov 21 2015
 Grand Junction,
Steens Mountain SummitSoutheast, OR
Steens Mountain Summit
Southeast, OR
Hiking avatar Jul 27 2018
Steph_and_Blake • Triplogs 184
Hiking0.50 Miles 169 AEG
Hiking0.50 Miles
169 ft AEG
 
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
See Description.
_____________________
Stephanie and Blake Barnard
 
average hiking speed 2.05 mph

WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.

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