Malheur and Steens

I'm going to the Malheur National Wildlife Refugee and Steens Mountain area this weekend.

I've never been there before, wondering if anyone has tips on locations, best time of day, or any other info you'd like to pass along.

Thanks,
Dennis

Hi Dennis, the Aspen leaves change color there in about 2 weeks, but there may be some change higher up in elevation. If you're up near the top early enough, you'll get a great sunrise over the Alvord Desert and also along the rim of the cliffs. You'll probably see a good-sized herd of antelope up there too. There are a few trails down low with some great bird watching. The Alvord desert has some great patterns and is nice at sunrise or sunset. I've walked along the Pueblo mountains to the south and there are some huge herds of bighorn sheep, a few stray antelope, many deer and elk. The Trout Creek Mountain range to the east has a few great canyons to explore. And the canyons of the Owyhee (Louise and Little Antelope) are spectacular. It took me two days to walk to Little Antelope, but it was well worth the walk.

David Cobb

Malheur NWR will have a decent variety of birds to see. When I was there in a previous September, I saw bald and golden eagles fairly close up, a wide variety of waterfowl, and deer. I also was lucky to see one of the herds of wild horses along the Steens Loop Road, which is pretty hit and miss as far as seeing any, but you'll have better luck on the southern leg of the loop (from what I've been told). Definately visit Alvord Lake/Desert. Take a drive up to the top, if not for photography, just to get a look at the amazing view toward the east from the summit.