There are also great hiking opportunities too. Three short hikes lead to viewpoints of Kiger Gorge, the East Rim, and Steens Summit. There is a longer hike that starts at the mountain top parking area to Wildhorse Lake. The trail descends 1,100 feet in a 1.2 mile (2.4 round trip) zigzag down the precariously jagged rock face and levels out and follows a small creek into a basin with wildflowers and an incredible picturesque view. Continuing on, you reach Wildhorse Lake with a small sandy beach perched in the middle of a wide-open basin. This is a popular spot to backpack and camp in the backcountry outside of the designated campgrounds. There are no campfires allowed, so be sure to bring a stove. It is true alpine backcountry with no trees, sparse vegetation, and is exposed to the potentially brutal weather found at the Steens.
The United States Congress designated the Steens Mountain Wilderness in 2000 and it now has over 170,200 protected acres. All of this wilderness is located within the Oregon boundary and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Recreational opportunities on Steens Mountain are endless. Popular activities include camping, sightseeing, hunting wild game, fishing, photography, and exploring the open country on foot and horseback. Winter activities, despite limited access, include cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Many animals make their homes on the unique habitat of Steens Mountain and the surrounding valley. Bighorn sheep can be spotted on the rocky escarpments, along with pronghorn antelope, elk, mule deer, mountain lions, and golden eagles. The end of the tour loop winds through genuine wild horse country. The South Steens Wild Horse Herd descended from mustangs that escaped from early explorers, Native Americans, settlers, and ranchers. The herd of around 300 animals is managed by the Bureau of Land Management to preserve their wild, free-roaming nature.
The landscape is unrivaled in its majestic beauty from a snow cap summit to amber grassland valley. For those seeking solitude, the Steens are a throwback to our pioneer ranching lifestyle of having small means but an abundance of views for as far as the eye can see. The weather can be a challenge and turn on a dime, but that is also part of adventure of visiting such an isolated and inhospitable landscape. The grandeur of Oregon’s treasure will continue to bring visitors –Steens Mountain is truly a top destination in Oregon for hiking and
Steens Mountain Wilderness is a US Point Of Interest based in Princeton, Oregon. Steens Mountain Wilderness is located at Princeton, OR 97721, USA.
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