Steens Mountain, A Special Place
Steens Mountain is a special place for our family.
September 10, 2014 we lost my father-in-law, Mike’s dad, Dick Fotenos. Dick loved Steens Mountain. It was his favorite place in Oregon. He loved to drive around to see new places and he had a special affinity for rocky landscapes.
In August of 2015 we were able to go to Steens as a family to spread his ashes. All three of our boys joined us, Mike’s sister, and almost all her boys. We drove up to see the place Dick had loved so much. None of us had been there before and we all saw why it was his favorite place. It’s breathtaking and we fell in love too.
Here are a few pictures of the trip we made in 2015 with the family. The boys sure enjoyed making us adults feel nervous!
We were so glad to be able to go back and see it again this trip. There is a 59 mile loop you drive to see the area. We took our time and enjoyed the abundance of incredible scenery along the way. The first half of the drive we saw a lot of birds, distant mountains, and wildflowers. We took a couple short drives off the main road to see other things, and found a campground right on a lake called Fish Lake. We had no idea it was there (were we asleep last time?), but would love to stay there next time!
Now, when you first arrive in the Steens area, it is pretty. You see the mountains off in the distance, and they seem like just small mountains, not super exciting. Here’s a pic of what you see from town.
Back in 2015 we remember wondering why all the fuss, that first night. The next day we went on the Steens Loop drive. That’s where it all made sense.
When we get to the Kiger Gorge viewing area, it took our breath away. You’re now up on the mountain that didn’t seem all that high from town, and you’re looking down thousands of feet into this huge, gorgeous, green gorge. It’s absolute amazing. The summit of the mountain is the highest place you can drive in Oregon at 9,734 feet. The town of Frenchglen is at xxx feet. You don’t realize until you get up there that the beauty isn’t in looking up at the mountain like we’ve looked up at Mt Hood from Portland all these years, but in looking down once you’re on the mountain. It’s like nothing we had ever seen. And the second time, it’s just as picturesque.
There are a few different spots you can stop to look out. The East Rim looks down on the Alvord Desert. There is beauty everywhere you look, and although we got some great pix, they don’t fully do it justice (as pictures rarely can). Towards the end of the loop we were lucky to get to see several of the wild horses known as the Kiger Herd.
If you get the chance to go to Steens: GO. Go, go, go. Be prepared for bugs, and desert climate, and driving miles and miles on gravel roads. Bring a picnic and plenty of water for the Loop. Bring your camera and binoculars. Fill the car up before you get to the area (gas is very spendy in Frenchglen). You won’t regret it, it’s one of the most beautiful places we’ve ever seen. And say hi to Dick while you’re there!
Here’s a great resource if you want to learn more about the Steens: https://traveloregon.com/things-to-do/trip-ideas/scenic-drives/steens-loop-tour-route/
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