r/motocamping • u/Lightborne • 12d ago
Took a trip out to the Steens Mountains over the weekend.
https://imgur.com/a/wVbAoeW
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u/BadgerlandBandit 11d ago
What a beautiful area! So much variety in Oregon! I'm hoping to make it out their in the cooler months with my Campervan and DRZ.
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u/Lightborne 11d ago edited 11d ago
Yeah, the differences in scenery between the Willamette Valley and Eastern Oregon are pretty stunning.
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u/Lightborne 12d ago
I had been kicking around the idea of making a trip out to the Steens for quite a while, and finally pulled the trigger this past weekend.
Made my way up to the Fish Lake campground and set up camp for the weekend. I was treated to a completely clear sky, and with it being a new moon, a dark one as well. Watching the sea of stars come out as the sun finally set was awe-inspiring.
The next day I made my way up to the summit to take in the sights before making my way down the south side of the mountains and then heading to Fields for one of their famous milkshakes, which really hit the spot given it was ~97 degrees out there. I would have headed up into the Alvord Desert, but with some recent rains the playa was still pretty wet, and I wasn't willing to deal with that. Next time, though.
Packed up camp on Sunday, and headed down into Nevada before cutting West to Lakeview. There were huge rainclouds everywhere that, seeing as I had decided to NOT pack my rain gear, I fortunately managed to skirt around the entire time, receiving only a few light sprinkles here and there. Hit 10k miles on the odometer on my way to dinner.
For the tail end of the trip I had made a reservation at the Cowboy Dinner Tree, which had been on my radar for several years. For those unfamiliar, you get your choice of two entrees: a ~30oz steak, or an entire roasted chicken. Plus salad, cowboy-style beans, rolls, a baked potato with all the fixings, AND dessert. Sharing is not allowed. 10/10 meal.
Hell of a trip, can't wait for the next one.