Alvord Desert

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In this page, you will find informations and advices we can give, based on our experience

Alvord Desert - Oregon

What to do if you have little time : The journey to get there is long, so if you have little time you won't go to Alvord Desert.

Alvord Desert is an exceptional place for several reasons. First, this is a dry lake in summer 11.8 miles long by 6.8 miles wide. You can then drive on the bed of the lake and even camp there. However, avoid going after rain because you will remain mired. It is also in Alvord that you will find the longest beach in Oregon, also called "the Playa". But it is also the most remoted place in the United States after Alaska. The nearest town is Fields with only about 90 souls! For shopping, you have to go to Burns, 112 miles away (one way).

Length and duration of the hike No hike

1 day

Free

GPS coordinates

N 43° 03' 25.3"

W 118° 11' 30.6"

You should at least watch a sunset over Alvord Desert. When the conditions are right, it's just beautiful. The place is extremely isolated and gas stations are rare. It is therefore imperative to provide sufficient gasoline.

Access : from Burns, there are 2 options:

Access n°1 : take 205 south for 110 miles to the junction with the Fields-Denio Road. Take then left (north) for 21.7 miles, until you see the "building" of the campground and hot springs. This access is the one where you will drive the less on a track.
Access n° 2 : take Highway 78 east for 68.4 miles to the Fields-Denio Road. Then take a right on this road for 41 miles until you see the "building" of the campground and hot springs. This access is shorter but you'll drive longer on a track.

Be advised that the Fields-Denio road is unpaved. You can easily drive on this road with a passenger car as it is graveled. Anyway, it's on this road that we had our first flat tire in 11 trips to the USA !

To see around

Steen Mountains

Lodging

Lodgings in AlvordDesert are rare. It is preferable to plan to camp or at least to sleep in your car. We have tested :

Alvord Hot Springs Campground : semi wild campground in the middle of nowhere. No shower. Toilet and sink at the registration. Hot spring. $ 20 for a tent site.
It is also possible to camp on the Alvord Desert, but make sure that no rain will transform this desert into a huge mud puddle. The breakdown will cost you.