Alvord Desert
You wouldn't expect to find such a landscape or climate in Oregon. But out in the extreme southeastern corner of the state, the Alvord Desert, is a northern extension of the Black Rock Desert that snakes up from the Nevada border.
If you can find it, and have the time to get out there, you can throw your own personal Burning Man. There seems to be an "anything goes" policy in place in the Alvord Desert.
This is truly public land.
It is effectively empty; no one is out there. On any given day, as you drive in, you may only see a few sail car racers off in the distance or aviation enthusiasts flying their experimental aircraft around.
But deeper on the playa it's likely you will be the only car. If any, there may be one or two other cars, but surely, full of weirdoes like you.
Driving as fast as you want in any direction is permitted, and possibly even encouraged. With several thousand acres of mud flat you can speed around, exploring the surreal landscape all day, avoiding everyone and claim a corner as your own for the night.
Often the northern and eastern edges are flooded by local springs. This creates an incredible mirror effect with the sky that is seen nowhere else in North America.
Just be aware around the mirror the mud is the wet and soft, you do not want to get your car stuck out there!
Coordinates for Alvord Desert
42°32'15.5"N 118°28'06.6"W
Directions:
From Portland:
Take Route 26 out of town through Gresham. Follow that, all the way down over Mt. Hood, and on well east of Bend to the town of Prineville. Jump on 126 for a bit toward Milican and Brothers. Eventually, you'll hit Route 20, take it East toward Burns.
Google Maps may tell you to take 205, but Shafer Guide suggests you continue on to Burns. The roads going south into Alvord Desert are better than those running north. You may want to resupply and gas up in Burns, it is the last outpost before you head out into the desert plateau.
Instead, continue on to Burns and take 78 South thru Crane; where there are great hot springs; and roll on about 37 miles past town.
This 40 mile stretch is where it gets particularly desolate. There will be nothing around; but eventually you will come upon a right hand turn. This is Folly Farm Road.
Take this road, also known as Andrews-Denio Road, over the cattle guard, past Ten Cent and Mann Lakes, go beyond the ranch and another cattle guard. About 40 miles down this dirt road you will see the playa off to your left and the ranch operated hot spring will be the only thing around. About 1 mile past the hot spring, you'll find a series of access roads. Drive out on to the playa and enjoy.
Camping
Campsites are available at the hot springs for a small fee. There is a toilet; campsites come with a picnic table, and you have extended access to the hot springs.
For no fee, camping out on the playa is allowed and is highly recommended. Setting up camp is permitted pretty much anywhere out on the playa. But it's best to find a corner near the southwestern edge to protect your camp from the strong wind that sweeps in as the playa cools off in the evening.
Be mindful to stay on the public lands, some privately owned ranch lands stretch out into the playa. As a courtesy consult a local map or ask at the hot springs which sections of the playa are truly BLM.
If you want to have a fire, you'll need to bring in your own wood. You will also need to dig a deep pit or scavenge for rocks to protect your fire from the winds. So be prepared with a shovel or camp near the playa's edge where you can gather rocks.
Alvord Hot Springs
About half way down the western edge of the Alvord Desert playa, at the base of Steen Mountain, you'll find this little hot spring. Owned and operated by the local ranch family, there is a $5 fee to enter the hot springs. The family maintains a small snack shop with souvenirs and keep the pipes around the tubs in check.
There is a small changing room and a roofless shack around one pool to provide a little shade. The main pool is HOT. Bring a book and cool down on the decking. There is a strange beach like feeling to this spot.