Guides/Overland routes/Oregon
Overland route89 midifficulty: moderate

Lakeview to Steens Mountain Back Country Byway

RegionOregonAgencyBureau of Land ManagementLast verified—
Lakeview to Steens Mountain Back Country Byway — overland route near Lakeview, Oregon, Oregon
Photo by Murray Foubister via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Trail vitals6 facts
Length
89mi
Technical difficulty
Moderate
Direction
Point to point
Vehicle
High-clearance vehicle. The route uses all-weather roads suitable for passenger cars in dry conditions; severe storms can briefly close sections.
Best months
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Cell coverage
None on most of the byway
Take action
Plan in Epic PlansOpen in Google MapsOfficial site

The Lakeview to Steens Mountain National Back Country Byway is an 89-mile route across some of the wildest terrain in Oregon, traversing the Warner Mountains, Warner Valley, Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge, and the broad high-desert basins between Lakeview and Frenchglen. The byway begins at the junction of US-395 and Oregon-140 in Lakeview and ends at Oregon-205 north of Frenchglen, providing the northern continuation of the Steens Mountain Loop Road.

The route uses all-weather roads suitable for passenger cars in dry conditions, but severe winter and spring storms can briefly close sections. The byway accesses the Warner Wetlands (waterfowl viewing), the Hart Mountain refuge (pronghorn herds and hot springs camping), and the Catlow Valley before connecting to the Steens area.

Hazards

Read before you go

  • Snow closure. Most of the byway closes informally December through April.
  • Mud. Spring snowmelt and summer storms can rut the dirt sections.
  • No cell coverage.
  • Wildlife. Pronghorn, mule deer, sage grouse on the road.
  • No services. Plan fuel and supply stops carefully.
  • Hart Mountain refuge rules. Specific seasonal closures and motor-vehicle rules apply on the refuge.
  • Cultural sites. Petroglyph Lake rock art is federally protected.

Location

89 mi · Overland route

Approx. location 42.190, -119.500

Trail facts

5 fields
AgencyBureau of Land Management
Nearest townLakeview, Oregon
Websitewww.blm.gov/visit/lakeview-steens-mountain-national-back-country-byway
ClosedDec, Jan, Feb
Approx. location42.190, -119.500

Getting there

Directions

Southern access (Lakeview). From Lakeview on US-395, the byway begins at the junction with Oregon-140. Drive east on OR-140 then north at Plush.

Northern access (near Frenchglen). From Frenchglen on Oregon-205, drive north 5 miles. The byway connects to OR-205 from the Long Hollow Road on the east side.

Approximate Hart Mountain refuge area (midpoint) coordinates: 42.190° N, -119.500° W.

Photos

1 photo

Photos · 1

Field notes

Getting Oriented

The byway runs in Lake and Harney counties, the lowest-population corner of southeastern Oregon. Lakeview on US-395 is the southern service hub; Frenchglen is the closest small settlement to the northern end. The route crosses one of the most pronghorn-rich basins in North America and includes the Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge, established in 1936 as one of the first refuges specifically for pronghorn protection.

Trail Overview

From Lakeview, drive east on Oregon-140 through the Warner Mountains. The byway turns north at Plush onto the Plush Cutoff Road, climbing past the Warner Lakes wetlands and entering the Hart Mountain refuge. Inside the refuge, the road climbs onto the Hart Mountain plateau, passes the Hot Springs Campground, and continues north across the plateau before descending into the Catlow Valley. From Catlow Valley, the route follows the Long Hollow Road to its junction with Oregon-205 north of Frenchglen.

Driving the full byway takes 4 to 6 hours. Most travelers spend at least one night camping at the Hart Mountain Hot Springs Campground or dispersed in the Catlow Valley, turning the byway into a 2-3 day trip.

Points of Interest

  • Warner Mountains. Forest-and-meadow range crossed in the byway's western section.
  • Warner Wetlands. A complex of seasonal lakes important for migratory waterfowl.
  • Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge. 278,000 acres protecting pronghorn and habitat. Hot Springs Campground at the heart.
  • Petroglyph Lake. Ancient rock art on a small playa within the refuge.
  • Catlow Valley. Open ranching country with views to Steens Mountain.
  • Long Hollow Road. The northern dirt section connecting to Oregon-205.

Where to Camp

Hart Mountain Hot Springs Campground (free, 25 sites) inside the refuge is the byway's signature camping experience, with the natural hot springs nearby. Dispersed camping is allowed throughout BLM portions of the route with the standard 14-day stay limit. Lakeview has commercial RV parks. Frenchglen has the Frenchglen Hotel and a small commercial area.

Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip

  • Visit late spring through early fall. Winter snow closes most of the byway.
  • Carry full water; the Hart Mountain refuge has no potable water.
  • Top off fuel in Lakeview, Frenchglen, or Burns. Plush has a small store but limited supply.
  • Cell service is absent for most of the route.
  • Watch for pronghorn, mule deer, and sage grouse.
  • The Hart Mountain Hot Springs are clothing-optional. Respect the volunteer maintenance.
  • Stay on designated routes. The Hart Mountain refuge has specific rules about off-road travel.
  • Don't disturb the Petroglyph Lake rock art. Federally protected.
  • Contact the BLM Lakeview District at 541-947-2177 or the Hart Mountain refuge at 541-947-2731 for current conditions.

Frequently asked

Common questions

How difficult is Lakeview to Steens Mountain Back Country Byway?
Lakeview to Steens Mountain Back Country Byway is rated moderate. The route runs 89 miles.
What kind of vehicle do you need for Lakeview to Steens Mountain Back Country Byway?
High-clearance vehicle. The route uses all-weather roads suitable for passenger cars in dry conditions; severe storms can briefly close sections.
When is the best time to visit Lakeview to Steens Mountain Back Country Byway?
The best months are May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct. Avoid Dec, Jan, Feb.
Is there cell service at Lakeview to Steens Mountain Back Country Byway?
None on most of the byway