Steens Mountain

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Most breathtaking little known sight in Oregon

If you want to get away from the crowds and see wonderful scenery this is it! Steens Mountain is fault block mount. Heading east from Frenchglen you pass the historic site of Peter French's "P" Ranch. Peter was a notorious cattle baron late 1800s. Driving east is a gentle slope. As you go you higher you pass thru different climate zones starting with high desert ending with Alpine. Up at the top you see where glaciers carved valleys and you see cirque lakes. You can fish at one. I was there one year in July and there was snow banks. When you get way to the top you park and walk up the last half mile to a weather station. It is clean & cool. Hear at the very top you look down a mile straight down to the the Alvord Desert. If you have a pick up or high clearance rig you can drive down the South route called the Roosters Comb. It is very rough. At the bottom is the Blitzen Crossing a park and stream. Follow the road about 10 miles and come out in Fields, Oregon. Have a milk shake! Frenchglen is about 10 miles north of Fields. Nearby visit the round barn. Ask directions in Frenchglen. It is neat and there is a museum too.

Keywords: Free, Just you alone / As a single, With teens, Midday, Scenic location, Remote, Everyone, With a group, Summer (June - August), Unique, With kids, On weekends, During the week, As a couple, In the morning