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All the United States Oregon New Princeton Alvord Desert

Alvord Desert

At the base of Steens Mountain resides an otherworldly desert.

New Princeton, Oregon

Added By
Nina
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Steens Mountain from the Alvord Playa. Yes, that white patch is snow lingering into August!   slgwv / Atlas Obscura User
Steens Mountain from the Alvord Playa. Yes, that white patch is snow lingering into August!   slgwv / Atlas Obscura User
Tracks to Infinity.   slgwv / Atlas Obscura User
Mirage on the Alvord Playa. The skylined peaks are probably Buckskin Mountain (l) and Flagstaff Butte (r).   slgwv / Atlas Obscura User
Sunset at the Alvord Desert.   Nina Ragusa / Atlas Obscura User
Steens Mountain in the background   Nina Ragusa / Atlas Obscura User
Mirage on the Alvord Playa (II).   slgwv / Atlas Obscura User
Probably Tule Springs Rim on the skyline.   slgwv / Atlas Obscura User
Coyote on the Alvord Playa. This animal seemed to be in distress.   slgwv / Atlas Obscura User
  Jude921 / Atlas Obscura User
The Jeep, the playa, and the mirage.   slgwv / Atlas Obscura User
  Jude921 / Atlas Obscura User
  Jude921 / Atlas Obscura User
Steens Mountain from Alvord Lake playa   genedieken b2790f0b / Atlas Obscura User
Notch in the Rim. (Probably Tule Springs Rim.)   slgwv / Atlas Obscura User
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About

Stepping onto the Alvord Desert will feel as though stepping onto a distant planet. Deep in the shadows of the towering Steens Mountain, it's a place that's hard to forget, with views stretching for miles in all directions. 

Thousands of years ago, a lake almost 200 feet deep covered the desert, leaving behind many of the salt minerals that comprise the desert today. On average, the Alvord only receives around seven inches of rain every year. 

Each season provides a very different experience in the desert. Cold temperatures dominate the winter months, while the spring is filled with sporadic rainfall. In the summer, the Alvord feels much more like a desert with dry air and little to no rainfall.

Nearby, the Alvord Hot Springs provide a stark contrast to the surrounding landscape. There are actually four other springs located around the desert region including Mickey Hot Springs, Tule Springs, Buckbrush Springs, and Borax Hot Springs. However, the Alvord is the only one you can actually get in and enjoy the waters. Wild horses sometimes come to the springs for a drink, a beautiful sight to witness.

Related Tags

Environment Salt Geology Deserts

Know Before You Go

Due to the fact that there is very little light pollution in the desert, the stargazing opportunities here on a clear night are incredible. Depending on the time of year you go, the Milky Way is particularly impressive. People love the idea of camping on the playa, which should always be done on the edges of the desert due to people driving through the middle. Particular care should be taken when there is water on the playa, as this can move during the night.

Camping here really is a magical experience, with jaw-dropping vistas making it a photographer's paradise. Watching the sunset behind Steen Mountain is a great experience, and visitors should also try and catch the sunrise, especially when the rays first hit the land in the morning.

Community Contributors

Added By

Nina Ragusa

Edited By

slgwv, genedieken b2790f0b, Jude921

  • slgwv
  • genedieken b2790f0b
  • Jude921

Published

October 3, 2019

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  • https://oregonisforadventure.com/camping-at-alvord-desert/
  • https://oregonisforadventure.com/camping-at-alvord-desert/
  • https://oregonisforadventure.com/camping-at-alvord-desert/
Alvord Desert
New Princeton, Oregon, 97721
United States
42.535446, -118.456013

Nearby Places

Steens Mountain

Princeton, Oregon

miles away

Pete French Round Barn

Diamond, Oregon

miles away

Thousand Creek Gorge

Winnemucca, Nevada

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Oregon

Oregon

United States

Places 208
Stories 31

Nearby Places

Steens Mountain

Princeton, Oregon

miles away

Pete French Round Barn

Diamond, Oregon

miles away

Thousand Creek Gorge

Winnemucca, Nevada

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Oregon

Oregon

United States

Places 208
Stories 31

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