Lakeview to Steens

Lakeview to Steens is in southeast Oregon and begins five miles north of Lakeview. It travels northeast to the junction with OR 205, south of Frenchglen. The 90-mile byway follows OR 140, CR 3-13, and CR 3-12. Oregon Highway 140 and CR 3-13 are two-lane paved roads suitable for all vehicles. Country Road 3-12 is a gravel road that requires a high-clearance vehicle. Vehicles pulling trailers are not recommended on this portion. Lakeview to Steens is usually open all year, but severe winter storms can result in rough driving conditions or temporary closure.

Lakeview to Steens Back Country Byway crosses a portion of the Fremont National Forest through the Warner Mountains and crosses a vast expanse of high desert country. After crossing the mountains, the byway descends into Warner Valley and crosses the Warner Wetlands. Spring and fall brings hundreds of migrating birds to this area including cranes, herons, egrets, ducks, and swans. The route then climbs the escarpment of Hart Mountain through the Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge. In addition to herds of pronghorn antelope, the refuge provides habitat for sage grouse, burrowing owls, and coyotes in the lower elevations and mule deer, bighorn sheep, and prairie falcons in higher elevations.

Developed recreational facilities are nearly nonexistent along the byway. A primitive campground is located in the antelope refuge a few miles south of the refuge headquarters. Dispersed camping is permitted nearly anywhere on land managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Check with the district office in Lakeview regarding any private land that may exist along the byway before choosing your campsite.

Fremont National Forest offers Mud Creek Campground, which has eight campsites and drinking water. The campground is a few miles north of OR 140. About fifteen miles south of Lakeview off US 395 is Goose Lake State Recreation Area. Visitors will find 48 campsites with electric hookups. The park also has shower facilities, picnic areas, and a trailer dump station.

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