Remember that roadside services and cell coverage is spotty at best, so leave your trip itinerary with others before embarking into the backcountry. Between late November and March, snow and ice can lock in much of this rugged terrain - major highways are still accessible, but snowmobiles are needed for back roads. Weather and travel: Before you head out to Eastern Oregon any time of year, check weather and road conditions. The mill, originally built in 1931, established the community of Hines and is being restored to its former state by a local family. Stretch your legs afterward with a tour of the Hines Pine Mill House, just north of the lodge, with rooms set to open soon to visitors. Also find solid comfort food at the log-cabin-inspired Bosch’s Big Bear Lodge, where you can relax beside the handmade river-rock fireplace or at a picnic table outside.
Boomer’s Place is a locals’ favorite fly fishing-themed restaurant and sports bar, with trivia and karaoke nights and Sunday breakfast buffets. Return to Hines, home of the classic Harney County Fair and rodeo, which celebrated its 95th year in September 2019. Cool off in front of one of the several glamping teepee rentals and take in the views of the Crane Creek Mountains beyond. After breaking down camp on the playa, head north towards Burns for about 90 minutes to Crystal Crane Hot Springs for a soak in the large outdoor pond or in a private bathhouse. Brew some tent-side coffee and take a far more leisurely bike ride east across the playa to score views of Steens Mountain. Your tent-side dinner on the desert under the stars will be one for the books.
#CRANES IN THE SKY KARAOKE FULL#
Take in the full beauty of the Steens, a 50-mile long massif that boasts the highest-elevation road in the state, at 9,700 feet. After rinsing off the gravel dust, head on over to the two hot spring pools for a soak. Plan to camp on the playa or at the campground located at Alvord Hot Springs, where there are both tent sites and bunkhouses for rent.
#CRANES IN THE SKY KARAOKE PATCH#
(Cyclists should make sure to check their spare-tire pressure and invest in a bike patch kit and extra bike tire tube.) This is a great spot to hop on the saddle for a short ride along part of the Steens Mountain Loop, a popular bikepacking route at the base of the mountain. If you’re itching to ride, turn off at the bottom of the highway descent from Summit Springs into Sunrise Valley. Load the bikes onto the car rack and head south on Highway 205 toward Alvord Desert, with a quick stop at The Fields Station for a world-famous milkshake and groceries for a do-it-yourself campsite dinner on the playa, which is quite isolated. If you didn’t bring your own bike, look to rent one at The Hub Cyclery or the WebCyclery on your way through Bend. Rise and shine with a lovely continental breakfast at Hotel Diamond and get ready for your cycling day (ideal for an early fall, spring or early summer trip). Enjoy a hearty dinner at the hotel and make sure to step outside to watch the Milky Way wheel across the open sky before bed. Settle in for your second night at the historic Hotel Diamond, owned and operated by a six-generation ranching family. 5) and keep an eye out for the wide pull-outs along the road, so you can catch the sunset on the high-desert plains. By early evening, head back to the town of Diamond (pop.
Next, head 26 scenic miles southeast to Diamond Craters for a hike across the basalt lava fields. Grab a snack, coffee and supplies just down the road at The Narrows, an RV park with a convenience store and homestyle restaurant.
(Bird nerds shouldn’t miss the Migratory Bird Festival in Burns in April.) Take a selfie at the angel-wings mural in downtown Burns on your way out of town, then cruise 35 miles south to Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, where you can peek at migrating sandhill cranes or try to spy on the elusive American bittern. Head up the street to the Harney County Historical Society and Museum at the north end of Burns to see regional artifacts and exhibits, including photos of Old West settlers. Here, you can pick up a map and traveler’s guide and get acquainted with your surroundings. Spend the afternoon touring the small, friendly towns of Burns and Hines (just six minutes south), starting with a visit to the Harney County Chamber of Commerce. Relax next door at the Central Pastime, a casual watering hole where locals go for live music alongside a pint and bacon cheeseburger and fries. Make your first night in Burns at the boutique Historic Central Hotel, a newly renovated 1929 building with Prohibition-era decor and style and that includes smaller rooms for bike travelers. The region is so expansive that you may want to spend each night in a different town to maximize daytime fun.
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