Fall on the Steens, 2019

We have been waiting for the right time, the combination of nice fall weather and trying to time the color change on the aspens. The first weekend we had planned was forecasted to be snowy with highs possibly in the 40’s. Then the sunny weather came along and we headed east to the Steens with our fingers crossed hoping for some fall colors on the aspens.

It was nearly dark by the time we arrived. The days in October are just too short. But we awoke to blue skies and golden colors on the trees.

We also noted on the drive in from Burns some snow on the mountain top. But how deep could it be? It’s October.

Well, deep enough I guess. Our plan was to drive to the summit and hike into Wildhorse Lake for some fly fishing. We we arrived at Keiger Gorge I started to question whether a hike was in the cards today.

Keiger Gorge
Big Indian Gorge

We continued up the mountain. It turned out the hike from the summit and fishing Wildhorse were not in the cards after all. The drifts were a bit too deep on Oregon’s highest road for us to reach the trailhead. We took in the sights down to the Alvord Desert below.

Steens Mountain, looking east to the Alvord Desert
Steens Mountain looking North to Mann Lake
Little Blitzen Gorge

After soaking in the views from the mountain top in all directions we headed down to lower elevations to walk through the aspens and enjoy the colors. Steens Mountain is a stunning landscape and fall is a great time to visit.

Mountain Mahogany

The day was quickly drawing to a close, we made our way back to the camp at Fish Lake, the moon came up and the coyotes came out the howl. Stars were in full display. A rough day all the way around.

Big Dipper in the campfire light

The next day we enjoyed a quiet morning and day hiked from camp. Some of the best colors we noted the day prior were in the next drainage over from camp. We struck out for a closer look.

Fish Lake

We may not have hit the colors at their peak, but they were pretty darn nice. It was good to capture fall on the Steens.

Lichen

All too soon we were headed back to the low elevations and home. Maybe we’ll make it back next year for the wildflower season…

This Post Has One Comment

  1. Walter Schlim

    WOW! Great pictures at peak season.

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