Steens Mtn. & Alvord Desert

October 9 – 13, 2013

Destinations and Birds

Steve Engel

Steens Mountain is one of Oregon’s most spectacular natural areas and it is beautiful in the fall.  Rising to almost ten thousand feet high in the southeast corner of the state it presides over alkali desert, oceans of sagebrush and the wildlife-rich marshlands of the Malheur basin.  From our base in historic Frenchglen we’ll spend three full days exploring this diverse landscape by van and on foot as we venture around all sides and on top of the mountain itself. 

On past trips we’ve seen approximately 80 species of birds including Townsend’s Solitaire, Mountain Bluebird, American Pipit, Horned Lark, Northern Goshawk, Golden Eagle and Prairie Falcon.  We search for and often spot Big Horn Sheep among the high peaks of the mountain, sometimes distant and sometimes near.  Coyotes and Mule Deer are often sighted and you never know when a Porcupine is going to waddle into view.  Conditions permitting we will venture out to Borax Lake, home of the unique and endangered Borax Lake Chub and we’ll visit the Alvord Desert.

Trip Details

Fee: $795 members / $895 non-members
Deposit:  $400 required to secure your place
Group Size:  limited to 14 participants
Leader:  Steve Engel

What is included:  Fee includes all ground transportation, 4 nights Double Occupancy lodging at the Frenchglen Hotel, all meals except dinners, all entrance fees and the services of your leaders.