Oregon is chock-full of natural wonders – we’re basically surrounded by breathtaking beauty everywhere we turn! But while some of our amazing spots are well-known, others are seriously underrated. If you’ve never explored the Alvord Desert, you’re missing out.
When you’re looking for a spot in the Beaver State that’s off the beaten path, head out to the Alvord Desert. This remote area has a unique, magical beauty.
Bureau of Land Management/flickr
Located in the southeast corner of the state, the Alvord Desert is a dry lake bed that’s 12 miles long and 7 miles wide. It sits in the shadow of Steens Mountain. The desert gets as little as five inches of rain per year, so it’s typically pretty dry.
Dave Morrow/flickr
This little desert evokes a sense of wonderment that makes you want to explore, and you’re not the first to feel this way. This photo of a surveyor for the U.S. Geological Survey agency was taken in 1918.
Bureau of Land Management/flickr
Take a stroll out across the parched, cracked lake bed. It’s like walking on another planet - absolutely unworldly.
Bonnie Moreland/flickr
You can walk, run, or jog for miles on the flat, dry surface.
College Outdoors/flickr
Some visitors might appreciate the endless expanse of open land that’s perfect for a game of fetch!
Sam Beebe/flickr
Really, you can spend your time here however you’d like. Relax and enjoy the sunshine.
Colin PDX/flickr
Some years, if there’s more rain than usual, the lakebed turns into a mucky mess…
Kathy and sam/flickr
…but most years you can drive right out onto the dry lakebed.
David Lebech/flickr
If you want to see the desert from a different perspective, take a hike up Steens Mountain.
Bureau of Land Management/flickr
The view below is jaw-dropping. The landscape stretches out as far as your eye can see, and the colors of the sky, mountains, sage, and sun-baked soil make a pleasing palette.
Bureau of Land Management/flickr
You can fly right in, land on the lake and camp right there, if you’re so inclined.
Sam Beebe/flickr
Those of us without planes can just drive across the lakebed to find the perfect camping spot.
Robert Shea/flickr
This remote place has no light pollution, so when the sun sets, you’ll be treated to a sparkling, star-filled universe above.
Dave Morrow/flickr
This vast, unusual place certainly has a haunting beauty, doesn’t it? If you’ve visited this area, we’d love to see your photos in the comments!
Bureau of Land Management/flickr
Dave Morrow/flickr
Bonnie Moreland/flickr
College Outdoors/flickr
Sam Beebe/flickr
Colin PDX/flickr
Kathy and sam/flickr
David Lebech/flickr
Robert Shea/flickr
And, if you’re looking for more underrated places in the Beaver State, check out these 11 spots that even some natives have never heard about.
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