I try to visit Steens Mountain most autumns for fall color, but I hadn’t visited during wildflower time … boy, have I been missing out. Although the flowers weren’t especially profuse in late July this year, there was a huge variety and the spots of color added a special touch to this remarkable location! In fact, I think that Steens is in the same league as Crater Lake, but without the people (Shhh!!!). This huge volcanic rock was tilt-thrusted 9500′ into the sky above the high desert flats and then glaciers sculpted huge U-shaped gorges radiating out from its summit in all directions. And there’s the (usually) well-graded dirt road (highest in Oregon) that loops you to these sights without effort. Truly amazing. Steens Mountain Image Gallery

PS Here are image galleries of fall trips to Steens: 2007, 2008, 2016, & 2018