Alvord Desert from Pike Creek Trail
5/22/2016: Gorgeous wildflowers along the whole trail! Overall, the trail is very pleasant. There's not a lot of shady spots or cover, so hiking early in the day to avoid the heat and afternoon thunderstorms would be best. The view back down the canyon to the Alvord Desert is beautiful. Be ready to get rained or hailed on. We got both. Part of the adventure! At about 3.4 miles in, the trail just sort of gives out and is difficult to follow, so we turned around and called it completed.
We drove from Page Springs Campground along the Fields-Denio Rd to Mann Lake on this day. The views of the Mountain and the Alvord Desert were wonderful. Also, Mann Lake is one of Marg’s favorite camping spots in the world.
Per The Outbound: Pike Creek Trail is one of the few hikes to tackle the Steens Mountains from their dramatic, steep eastern face. This hike follows an old mining road along the southern edge of a canyon and offers views of unique rock formations on all sides, stunning views of the playa to the east, and a glimpse into the local prospect mining history.
Note: This hike is part of our 2016 trip to Steens Mountain and then on to the Owyhee area in Southeastern Oregon (one of my favorite places).
Mann Lake Camp - Marg's Favorite
Marg’s Notes: No notes from Marg. She was still working back then so felt that writing notes was too much like working...I guess. I just think she was lazy, and believe me, I know lazy.
Created: 6/2/2023