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The Bird Days of Summer: South Steens Camp and Hike (Harney County)

Come see the wildflowers and birds of the glacially carved Little Blitzen Gorge. Camping gear available for folks who need it. Please let Teresa Wicks know ahead of time, twicks@audubonportland.org.

The Little Blitzen Gorge is a glacially carved gorge on Steens Mountain. This trail runs from South Steens campground along the bottom of the gorge. There is a river crossing over a mile up the trail. If the river is too high for a crossing, this will be our turn around spot. If the river if crossable, we’ll head a bit further up the trail. South Steens Campground can fill up quickly on weekends in the summer and reservations are not available. Arriving on Friday, August 11 is advisable. Little Blitzen Hike will be on Saturday, August 12. There will be an optional hike/exploration at Riddle Brothers Ranch on August 13.

 

Accessibility

Distance: 3-5 miles (depending on river conditions)
Elevation Changes: 100-200 feet
Trail Tread and Width: Dirt trail, <36 inches wide
Exposure: Full exposure
Pacing: Slow
Amenities: Bathrooms are available in the campground but not on the trail.
Rest Stops: We will be moving slowly with ample time for stops to look at flowers, the geology of the gorge, birds, and other wildlife.

Binoculars are available to borrow.

Little Blitzen Gorge, South Steens, photo by Tara Lemezis

Register

Join Portland Audubon’s Education and Conservation Teams for The Bird Days of Summer, a series of free, super beginner-friendly programs for anyone curious about birds in nature. We’re combining community-building, exploration, and fun to create safe spaces for people to get to know each other as well as the birds. Binoculars can be provided upon request, and we’ll begin each program with a short “how-to” to help you get started.

Register

The Bird Days of Summer Field Trip Details

  • Date: August 11-13, 8 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
  • This program is located in Burns, Ore. Teresa will reach out with more details.
  • Contact: Teresa Wicks, twicks@audubonportland.org
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Details

Start:
August 11 @ 8:00 am
End:
August 13 @ 1:00 pm
Event Categories:
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Venue

OR United States
Website:
https://audubonportland.org/venue/3749/
Cost:
Free – $25

Venue

OR United States
Website:
https://audubonportland.org/venue/3749/
Cost:
Free – $25

Organizer

Tara Lemezis
Phone:
971-222-6131
Email:
tlemezis@audubonportland.org

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