Steens - When is early season shoulder?

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drm
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Steens - When is early season shoulder?

Post by drm » March 15th, 2021, 8:40 am

If I want to go to Steens mountain when the top is still covered with snow, but I can get within striking distance by car, about when would that be? Driving within say 5 miles and getting to the top on cross country skis strikes as a great way to see it. I wonder if snowmobiles would be up there too.

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adamschneider
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Re: Steens - When is early season shoulder?

Post by adamschneider » March 15th, 2021, 4:29 pm

I'm guessing it varies every year, and I don't know whether they open the road in stages or all at once. Maybe call the local BLM office?

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bobcat
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Re: Steens - When is early season shoulder?

Post by bobcat » March 15th, 2021, 7:31 pm

The road to the lower campgrounds, e.g. South Steens, should be open by mid-May. The entire loop road may be open by mid-June (depends on the year). There are a lot of miles and elevation gain between the lower campgrounds and the summit. It's usually done as a multi-day backpack ski trip before the loop opens.

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