In addition to Summer Lake, many other Northwest desert destinations have their own appeal, as long as nearby lodging makes the long winter nights bearable.

Camping at Alvord Desert (one of the largest playa lakes in the state) will take your breath away. You’d think that a bunch ...

Part of the Alvord Desert is a very flat lake bed, usually dry enough in late summer and autumn to be able to drive on it. The edge of the desert is just four miles east of the 9,700-foot high ...

Desert. The word itself makes my lips feel sandy and salty, and my hands dry. My hair blows even though the wind is calm.

Desert views: Soaking in the hot springs while gazing out over the Alvord Desert and Steens Mountain is an experience unlike any other in Oregon. Rustic charm : The springs are simple and ...

The Alvord desert is the perfect playground for landsailers, with miles of uninterrupted playa, sage scenery and solitude that is unmatched in the Northwest. July 12, 2025. contribute now.

There's no place quite like Steens Mountain, a 50-mile fault block mountain that rises to almost 10,000 feet above the Alvord Desert in southeastern Oregon. It's a place where you can backpack ...