Steens Mountain Back Country Byway Is A Back Road You Didn’t Know Existed But Is Perfect For A Scenic Drive In Oregon

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.

With an elevation of 10,000 feet, Steens Mountain makes you feel like you're on top of the world.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Steens Mountain Back Country Byway offers an impressive view at the Kiger Gorge Overlook.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.