Steens Mountain Back Country Byway

Traverse the scenic Steens Mountain Back Country Byway to view dramatic scenery of glaciated canyons amidst the high desert region of southeastern Oregon. The most famous and oft-photographed view is of Kiger Gorge, which can be easily seen from the top of the mountain. A direct contrast to the arid desert below, the upper slopes of Steens Mountain are covered with lush meadows. Bighorn sheep, antelope and mule can still be seen grazing in the area as they did a century ago. Golden eagles soar above, and along the South Steens the thunder of horse hooves can be heard. End the loop in Frenchglen and walk around the town, buying a souvenir or snapping a picture of the famous Frenchglen Hotel. The Steens Mountain Back Country Byway shows what can be found in the desert landscape of Oregon.

Getting to the Byway: Burns to Frenchglen: In Burns head south on N Egan Ave toward W Adams St. In 0.2 miles turn left at W Monroe St/US-20/US-395. In 0.7 miles continue on E Crane Blvd/OR-78 After 1.2 miles turn right at OR-205. Continue on OR-205 for 58.4 miles until you reach Frenchglen, near where the byway begins. Lakeview to Frenchglen: In Lakeview head north on S F St/US-395 toward S 1st St. Continue for 134 miles then turn right at Greenhouse Ln. In 4.1 miles turn right at Or-205. Continue on OR-205 for 53.2 miles until you reach Frenchglen, near where the byway begins. Navigating the Byway: The byway starts at Fish Lake Road (or Steens Mountain Loop Road) at State Highway 205 near the town of Frenchglen. * Continue east on the Steens Mountain Loop Road. After about 30 miles, Fish Lake Road becomes Steens Mountain Road and turns south, then west again. * Continue west on the byway until you reach SR 205 again. * Turn north on SR 205. The byway ends where it began, in Frenchglen.