Set Out for the South
Southeast Oregon
Seventy-five miles east of Bend, the Painted Hills offer 3,132 acres of sublimely photographable hills, glowing with soft reds, golds, and greens. Short hikes and picnic spots make for a nice driving break.
View Slideshow »The Kam Wah Chung Museum is one of the best reasons to stop in the town of John Day. Take a tour of the former store and apothecary of Lung On and Ing Hay for a rare glimpse into the lives of the thousands of Chinese who came to southeastern Oregon during the late 1800s in search of gold.
View Slideshow »A huge yard, well-appointed rooms, and rib-sticking breakfasts make the Sage Country Inn one of the best places to stay in Burns.
View Slideshow »Crystal Crane hot springs is a great place to stop if you’re heading from Burns over to East Steens Road. Opt for the outdoor spring reservoir and paddle around with the ducks in a pond of 100+ degree water.
View Slideshow »A notable trend in Southeast Oregon: bullet-ridden road signs.
View Slideshow »The Alvord Hot Springs are easy to miss, so keep your eyes peeled for this shack on the east side of East Steens Road.
View Slideshow »Nothing inspires acrobatics like a big ol’ playa.
View Slideshow »Fields Station: a heavenly oasis in the vast emptiness of the Alvord Desert.
View Slideshow »The cheeseburger at Fields Station is the ultimate traveler’s delight—it would be a shame to skip.
View Slideshow »Settling into the Diamond Hotel on a warm summer night is like chicken soup for the traveler’s soul. Not to mention the hearty meals that will have you sleeping like a baby, ready to face the morning bright, early, and full of spright.
View Slideshow »Take the Steens Mountain Loop for some stunning viewpoints, like this one at Kiger Gorge.
View Slideshow »Not even an inkling of vertigo in this canine companion.
View Slideshow »The Peter French Round Barn may sound like a bore, but once you’re inside, its elegant simplicity becomes completely mesmerizing.
View Slideshow »The Malheur National Wildlife Refuge contains 187,000 acres of marshland and natural habitat for countless migrating birds and wildlife—a giant paradise for fans of the avian set.
Portland Monthly Editor Rachel Ritchie shares pictures from her getaway adventure into Southeast Oregon.
More adventure awaits in Explore Hidden Oregon
Published: October 2009
