Oregonians are lucky to live in a place that’s chock-full of stunning places. From the awe-inspiring Alvord Desert in the east, to the jaw-dropping viewpoints on the coast, and everywhere in between, there are plenty of well-known natural wonders all across the state to enjoy. Other places here in the Beaver State are just as incredible, but they’re lesser-known. For instance, Steins Pillar is tucked away in the Ochoco National Forest, and it’s a must-see, though many never lay eyes on it.

Towering high above a lush forest in central Oregon, Steins Pillar is a stunning natural wonder that many Oregonians have never seen.
Dru!/flickr
To get a look at it close up, you can take the Steins Pillar Trail two miles to its base. To find the trailhead, take U.S. 26 east from Prineville for nine miles, then travel on Mill Creek Road, and follow the signs.
Daren Bledsoe/Alltrails
If you drive past the turn-off for the trailhead and continue on Mill Creek Road, you'll find a spot with great views of Steins Pillar. The land between the road and the pillar here is privately-owned, so to hike in, you'll need to travel back south of the pillar to the trailhead.
The trail is four miles out and back, and it does have an elevation change of 770 feet, so it's rated as moderate. You'll enjoy a stroll through the Ochoco National Forest, surrounded by trees.
Jason Chappell/Alltrails

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There's a viewpoint at 3/4 mile, so you'll want to stop and take some photos, then keep going to get to the pillar.
Chris Moody/Google
Steins Pillar stands 350 feet tall, towering well above the tree line. It was named after Major Enoch Steen, who was a frequent visitor to this part of the state back in the mid-1800s. His name was frequently misspelled, so the pillar named after him is misspelled, as well.
mick maddox/Alltrails
The pillar was created 40 millions years ago, when the Wildcat Caldera collapsed. Read more about the geologic history of the pillar and this valley on the sign alongside the trail.
Celeste Ramsay/flickr
Most people who hike to Steins Pillar find that they have the area all to themselves. Since it's pretty remote, it's not one of the more popular landmarks here in the Beaver State, and you'll likely enjoy some quiet solitude in the forest.
Michael McKay/Alltrails
The road to the trailhead is gravel, and there are some steep elevations climbs along the way, so make sure your vehicle can handle the terrain.

Have you ever hiked to Steins Pillar? Tell our readers about your adventure in the comments!

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