Take in the expansive views and rugged beauty with only the sound of your breath and the crunch of your footsteps to keep you company. Whether you’re looking for a solo mountain summit or a weekend of camping and exploring, we’ve got your perfect guide to all things hiking in Harney County’s High Desert.
lodging recommendations
Take a Load Off
The Outlook Airbnb
If you’re looking for the tranquility of a remote locale with all the comforts of home, The Outlook AirBnb offers the best of both worlds. Situated on a cattle ranch north of Burns, this quiet lodge invites you to start your day with sunrise coffee on the expansive porch and end it admiring Harney’s stunning night sky
Pro Tip
Looking for a quick bite before you head out? Steens Mountain Coffee is a classic northwest drive through coffee shop with great breakfast sandwiches, burritos, and bowls to fuel you for a big day of adventure!
Idlewild Campground
Looking for a more wild place to set up camp? Nestled within a forest of Ponderosa pines, Idlewild Campground in Malheur National Forest is a spectacular place to rest and recharge after a long day of hiking. If your goal is to disconnect, Idlewild is perfect–it has no cell service or Wi-Fi. The site also has pit toilets and no trash containers, so a “pack it in, pack it out” approach is essential. In the summer, running water is available but from mid-October to early June this is a dry campsite
South Steens Campground
South Steens Campground is the perfect base camp for exploring over 34 miles of trail that lead past waterfalls and swimming holes, towering canyon walls, and through aspen groves and wildflower meadows. Each of the campground’s 36 sites are equipped with grills and picnic tables, pit toilets, and drinking water – all available mid-May to mid November. An adjacent equestrian camping area with corrals and trail access makes it a great option for horseback riders, too
Crane Hot Springs/Campground
Sore muscles from a day on the trail? Check out Crane Hot Springs to enjoy a long soak while you admire the wide open spaces of the Oregon outback. You can choose to enjoy the hot springs for the day, or choose from one of the many types of accommodations offered at the campground: dry camping sites, RV sites, teepees, suites, and houses are all available for rent. Every site comes with access to the hot springs, camp kitchen, and private bathrooms with showers.
Activity Suggestions
Lace Up Your Boots
Distance from Burns: ~2 hours
Length: ~1 mile
Difficulty: Moderate
Summit the famous Steens Mountain, and make sure to snap a selfie at the top!
Overlook the emptiest place in the lower 48 from almost 10,000 ft in elevation. The climb is short but moderately steep.
Distance from Burns: ~2 hours
Length: 2.5 miles out and back
Difficulty: Hard
If you’re looking for more of a challenge after summiting Steens Mountain, make your way to the Wildhorse Lake Trail and descend over 1,000 feet in elevation to a pristine high desert lake.
Pro Tip
Post summiting Steens Mountain and/or exploring Wildhorse Lake, treat yourself to a milkshake and a burger at Fields Station (in Fields just south of the mountains) for lunch. You deserve it.
Distance from Burns: ~20 mins
Length: 3.1 mi loop
Difficulty: Easy
A quick trail through the Malheur National Forest just north of Burns at Idlewild Campground. Great hike for kids, families, and those looking for a way to get outside for a minute.
Distance from Burns: ~1 hour
Length: ~1.3 mile loop
Difficulty: Easy
Head out to Page Springs Campground about an hour south of Burns for a short hike through a few different ecosystems. Wildflowers are present at certain times of year, and getting out there at sunrise makes this hike all the more magical.
Pro Tip
After your adventure, make sure to check out The Palace in Burns. Grab a beer and some grub from the rotating food trucks. Make sure to check their website for live music updates!
Harney's Trail Haven
Discover endless trails in Harney County, from gentle walks to rugged backcountry treks. Lace up your boots and explore landscapes that reward every step with unforgettable views.
