Here in Oregon, the wanderlust is real. If you’ve been dreaming of hitting the road and exploring the beauty of The Beaver State, then we have the perfect scenic route to take. Tucked into the southeastern corner of the state, Steens Mountain is one of Oregon’s most wondrous hidden gems, and on the eponymous Steens Mountain Loop, you can experience this majestic mountain up close. The byway winds through the secluded mountain and its otherworldly foothills, with the unique Alvord Desert sprawling out to the south. Steens Mountain Back Country Byway is a back country road you didn’t know existed but is perfect for a scenic drive in Oregon.

Steens Mountain is one of Oregon's most epic peaks—but it's not as well known as some of the state's other famous landmarks.
© 2013 Bun Lee/Moment Collection via Getty Images
With an elevation of 10,000 feet, Steens Mountain makes you feel like you're on top of the world.
Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington/Flickr
It's remote and absolutely one of the state's most beautiful treasures.
Part of the Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Area, the Steens Mountain region consists of 428,156 acres of public land, offering some of the most diverse and extraordinary landscapes in the state.
Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington/Flickr
From deep, glacier-carved gorges to picturesque mountains, lush wilderness, and wild rivers, the Steens Mountain region truly is one of Oregon's best-kept secrets.
The views here are incomparable, and the most enjoyable (and relaxing) way to take it all in, is along the Steens Mountain Back Country Byway.
Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington/Flickr
Also called the Steens Mountain Loop Road, this scenic byway is roughly 52 miles long. Have you ever wondered, "how long does it take to drive the Steens Mountain Loop"? The answer is about 1-2 hours.
Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington/Flickr
This backroad is a bit rocky in places, but generally clear and easy to navigate. During the winter, parts of the byway can be closed due to snow or other inclement conditions.

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The Steens Mountain Back Country Byway offers an impressive view at the Kiger Gorge Overlook.
Oregon Department of Transportation/Flickr
One of the most photographed places in Oregon, Kiger Gorge is a massive, 6,500-foot wide, U-shaped valley. This 2,000-foot canyon is a truly profound natural wonder.
The Steens Mountain Loop Road is easily the best way to experience Oregon's rapturous high desert region.
Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington/Flickr
The byway is also a lesson in the juxtaposition of Oregon landscape; while the start of the loop is in the arid desert where triple-digit temperatures aren't uncommon, it ends in the snow-capped mountains at a breathtaking 5,000 feet in elevation.
This route is also a nature enthusiast's dream.
Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington/Flickr
If you're lucky, you may spot eagles flying overhead, and along the South Steens, wild horses galloping by.
The byway also provides access to four campgrounds, inviting travelers to stay and explore.
Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington/Flickr
There's also a guest ranch in the Steens Mountain region that's an utterly delightful place to spend the night.
With stunning panoramas and some of the darkest skies in all of the lower 48 states, this backcountry road is absolutely breathtaking.
Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington/Flickr
This is pure Oregon; a place to center and connect, and marvel at the state's sublime natural splendor.

Have you driven the Steens Mountain Back Country Byway? Isn’t it one of Oregon’s most beautiful backcountry byways? For even more travel inspiration, check out the following video footage taken of Steens Mountain. We think you’ll be packing your bags in no time!

And if scenic drives are your jam, you’ll absolutely love these 11 backcountry roads in Oregon. And if you’re planning an epic road trip through Oregon, don’t forget to check out our list of road trip essentials.

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More to Explore

scenic drives in Oregon

Beth C. | August 22, 2023

What are some of the most beautiful drives in Oregon?

Oregon is a stunning place to drive through. Below you'll find a list of some of the most beautiful drives in Oregon:

  • Pacific Coast Scenic Byway
  • Blue Mountain Scenic Byway
  • East Steens Tour Route
  • Hells Canyon Scenic Byway
  • Journey Through Time Scenic Byway
  • McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway
  • Mt Hood Scenic Byway
  • Umpqua River Scenic Byway
  • Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway

 

Learn more about what makes each of these roadways so unique when you check out our previous article outlining some of the very best scenic byways in Oregon.

What are the best parks to visit in Oregon?

Oregon is positively brimming with beautiful parks! Below you'll find a list of some of the best parks to visit in Oregon:

  • Silver Falls State Park
  • Ecola State Park
  • Smith Rock State Park
  • Shore Acres State Park
  • Crater Lake National Park
  • White River Falls State Park
  • John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
  • Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor
  • Wallowa Lake State Park
  • Fort Stevens State Park
  • Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
  • Sunset Bay State Park

 

Each of Oregon's beautiful parks is worth visiting. Learn more about why the above destinations deserve a spot on your outdoor bucket list!

What are the most famous hikes in Oregon?

Some of the best hikes in Oregon include:

  • Trillium Lake Trail
  • Mount Scott Trail
  • Cape Meares Lighthouse Loop
  • Tumalo Falls
  • Neahkahnie Mountain
  • Trail of Ten Falls
  • Salmon River Trail
  • Salt Creek Falls

 

Learn more about these bucket-list-worthy hikes in Oregon.

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Steens Mountain Loop, Oregon, USA