Oregon's Big Country

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Harney County, OR, US

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Route Overview

Limberlost

Bike adventures off the beaten path.

357 mi.

18,349 ft.

Linking up the best of Oregon's Big Country with forgotten wagon roads and rugged overland travel. Cross three mountain ranges, a desert playa, visit five hot springs, and enjoy the solitude of vast empty landscapes.

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Route Details

One of a kind overland bikepacking route through Southeastern Oregon. After three separate excursions to this corner of the state we've unearthed a route that links up all the major highlights of Oregon's Big Country: @slice[Malheur Wildlife Refuge](d,0,48049.7), @slice[Steens Mountain](d,52861.98,96346.62), @slice[Alvord Desert](d,136423.94,147794.57), @slice[Trout Creek Mountains](d,187099.16,256128.73), @slice[Virgin Valley](d,351162.4,362273.3), and @slice[Hart Mountain](d,450172.24,500365.22).

This route is nearly all on dirt, sometimes following an imperceptible path through dusty sage brush. Its rugged nature mandates at least 2.3" tires and is a perfect romping ground for 3" plus sized tires. Although it passes through some of the most inhospitable terrain in the state we've found @photo[secret watering holes](1910167) enabling you to ride throughout the summer season.

It's best approached doing 25-75 miles per day, leaving room for side explorations and midday naps in the shade. The ideal length of this bikepacking trip is 8 days with a small resupply point in Denio Junction halfway through.

Every time we visit this corner of the state we find something new that draws us back. Oregon’s “Big Country” is filled with colorful history, exotic wildlife, and grandiose vistas. And while it’s not filled with many people, if you talk to anyone here they’ll kindly tell you that’s just how they like it.

# Route

* @poi[Frenchglen](2146881) has a well-stocked seasonal store, a nearby @poi[campground](1150978), and a historic hotel that will let you park your vehicle for a few days out back. (ask first) The drive to Frenchglen is a long one from just about anywhere, so it's best to get a very early start, or car camp on the Donner und Blitzen River after the drive. 
* @slice[DAY ONE:](d,0,60457.78) Ride through the flat Malheur Wildlife Refuge, tick off dozens of new species on your bird list, grab some delicious food at the @poi[Diamond Hotel](2146882), and start your asscent of Steens Mountain into the @poi[Kiger Mustang area](2146889). 
* @slice[DAY TWO:](d,58931.22,134838.69) The secret pass up the shoulder of Steens Mountain *and* down the other side. The Kiger Mustangs (if you're lucky), @photo[Paddler's Meadow](1910177), and @photo[Stonehouse Road](1910171) are all some of the most memorable (and difficult) sections of the whole route. Once you descend to the valley floor, stock up on water and ride the flat, @photo[scenic road](1910169) into Alvord Hot Springs flanked by the massive Steens Mountain the entire way. 
* @slice[DAY THREE:](d,136033.32,178454.66) Get a morning soak in at @photo[Willow Creek Hot Springs](1910168), grab a quick resupply of snacks, and cross the immense @photo[Alvord Desert](1910166) dry lake bed. There's barely any shade all day, so conserve energy pushing through the big sand gap and if it's been a wet season be prepared for some @photo[water and muck](1910165) through Whitehorse Ranch. Take a long siesta in the @photo[Bog Hot Springs](1910179) and rest up for tomorrow's climb.
* @slice[DAY FOUR:](d,178454.66,236773.77) Ascend 30 miles of utterly @photo[exposed terrain](1910162) to your highest mountain pass yet. Bask in the immense views and set up camp near one of the many small springs. 
* @slice[DAY FIVE:](d,233937.07,359366.76) Quickly bomb down rugged doubletrack and ride sandy roads into Nevada and your only meager resupply: @poi[Denio Junction](1151124). After filling up on burgers and shakes, leave 'town' with a soak in @photo[Bog Hot Springs](1910158) (our favorite), a few brutal climbs, and a final campsite in the Virgin Valley. The hot springs aren't that hot, but if you still have some energy @photo[Thousand Creek Gorge](1910153) is beckoning just a mile away. 
* @slice[DAY SIX:](d,357686.23,404585.44) Delve deeper into the Sheldon Wildlife Refuge, keep your eyes open for @photo[Pronghorn Antelope](1910175) and camp near one of the many abandoned ranch buildings. 
* @slice[DAY SEVEN:](d,402314.44,491105.15) Follow steep, rutted tracks back into Oregon and up onto the undulating grassy plateau of Hart Mountain. Make a final push over the pass and pitch camp at the @photo[Hart Mountain Hot Springs](1910174). 
* @slice[DAY EIGHT:](d,492336.6,574883.18) You still have 50 miles to go, but it's reletively downhill and a great, mello pitch to end the trip on. Bask in the @photo[distant mountain views](1910173) and trace your week-long route through their colorful hills. 
# Notes

* Snowpack can impede your progress well into May at the higher elevations and heat will make summer months very unpleasant. 
* The water sources seem quite reliable so in addition to the spring window, a fall ride on this route could be pleasant as well. 
* The type of desert soils out here turn to drivetrain gobbling muck after just a bit of rain. Watch the weather closely for conditions. 
* To cut the route into two smaller loops use the [Funnel Canyon Option](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/15952275). 
* The roads and terrain require tires fatter than 2.25" but fatbikes are likely overkill for the long distance. 
* There is very little shade. Sun protection and avoidance is paramount. That said, it can get very cold and develop scary electrical storms as well. 
* This is a challenging route both in terms of fitness, wayfinding, and resupply logistics. Make your days shorter than you think, but make sure you camp at good water sources. 
* As mentioned, water is very scarce but reliable springs are pretty evenly spaced throughout the route. Look at the mileage between each and determine how much water capacity you'll need for each leg. 
* There are very few food options along the route. Pack plenty of dry meals and don't count on anything. Call ahead to ask what is available. There are hot meals at the Frenchglen Hotel, Diamond Hotel, and Denio Junction. There are small stores with limited snack options in Frenchglen, Diamond Hotel, Alvord Hot Springs, and Denio Junction.

Oregon's Big Country

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