Steens Mountain, which rises more than 9,000 feet out of the desert in southeastern Oregon and lies on the largest geological fault in North America, is home to more than 75 rare species of plants, bighorn sheep, golden eagles and the wild Kiger mustangs, a protected herd thought to have descended from Spanish mustangs brought to America in the 1600s. The mountain overlooks the dry lakebed of the Alvord Desert below, an unusually stark landscape with sand dunes, playa lakes, hot springs and salt desert vegetation.
Created by President Roosevelt after native egrets disappeared from the area, the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge is home to the largest fresh-water marsh in the United States, attracting thousands of birds every year. The refuge's 185,000 acres house more than 225 species of birds and other animals and is one of the region's best spots for wildlife viewing.
Nearby you'll find Diamond Craters, one of the finest basaltic volcanic features in the nation, and cattle baron Peter French's distinctive round barn, built in the 1870s and 1880s, still stands, a tribute to the region's rich cattle history.
Picture Oregon picture of the Steens Mountains named, "Steens Mountains"
Picture Oregon scenic picture of the Steens Moiuntains called, "Red Hills At The Steens"
Picture Oregon scenic laqndscape picture of the Steens Mountains called, "Cold Day In The Steens"
Picture Oregon landscape picture of the Steens Mountains named, "Spring Melt Off In The Steens"
Oregon scenic landscape picture of the Steen Mountains called, "Sun On The Steens"
Oregon picture of the Steens Mountains called, "Sunrise In The Steens"
