About Alvord Desert
While Steens Mountain looms to the west, the shimmering salt flats of the Alvord Desert unfold to the east. Tens of thousands of years ago, a lake almost 200 feet deep covered the Alvord Desert and extended southward into Nevada. The old shoreline forms terraces along the edge of the valley, and deep under the desert floor are the same lava flows that make up the top of Steens Mountain. The Alvord Desert playa can be either wet or dry depending on the time of year and is one of the largest playas in Oregon—six miles wide and 11 miles long. That means plenty of room for setting up a tent and peering up at the stars in the sky! It is a popular venue for land sailing, glider flying, land kiteboarding, and camping, among many other outdoor pursuits.Know Before You GoThe Alvord Desert is accessible year-round; however, ideal conditions exist June through November, when the playa is usually dry enough for vehicular travel.Do not drive anywhere that is wet or even looks slightly wet. The Alvord Desert playa is made of fine clay sediments that become incredibly slick when damp. What looks like a harmless puddle can quickly turn into thick, sticky mud that will trap your vehicle with little warning. Getting stuck out here is no joke and a tow bill from this remote location can be hefty. Don’t risk it. If in doubt, stay off.With no potable water, cell phone service, or designated camping areas, travelers should bring their own conveniences and plan on a barren, open air adventure.Bring your own shade, shelter, and water, and tie everything down. Strong winds are common, and weather conditions are often unpredictable.The nearest town is Fields, Oregon, approximately one hour south. Food and fuel are available here; however, contact the Fields Station for current hours of operation.Pack it out: A single vault restroom at Frog Springs, squeezed between the playa and East Steens Road, is the only public facility available as far as the eye can see. There are NO other amenities. P
