Top 6 Lakes in the Steens Mountain

The lakes in Steens Mountain offer diverse natural features. You can find high-elevation cirque lakes like Wildhorse Lake, which sits in a deep bowl with impressive surrounding walls. There are also geothermal phenomena such as Borax Hot Springs, featuring boiling springs and the unique Borax Lake. Many lakes are set in sage-covered high desert landscapes, offering scenic views and opportunities for wildlife observation.

Fish Lake, located at 7,400 feet, is excellent for trout fishing, swimming, and picnicking. The surrounding area is rich with wildflowers, and it's a fantastic spot for cross-country hiking. No boat motors are allowed, preserving its tranquil atmosphere. It's also recognized as an excellent location for night sky viewing due to its remote location. Camping is available at Fish Lake Campground from mid-June through October.

Mann Lake is celebrated for its remote beauty and exceptional fishing, particularly for Lahontan Cutthroat trout. Visitors can enjoy camping, hiking, wildlife viewing (including pronghorn antelope and chukar), and rock hounding for thunder eggs and agates. The lake allows motorized boats and offers stunning views of the Steens Mountains, especially between March and May when snow gleams on the peaks. It's also a great spot for stargazing.

Yes, the hike to Wildhorse Lake is considered challenging. It's a 2.5-mile round trip with a steep 1,100-foot vertical climb through lava rock, requiring sturdy footwear. The trail can be covered in snow well into June, so checking conditions is advised. Despite the difficulty, the lake is ideal for swimming and paddling, and the trail is dotted with wildflowers in spring and early summer.

Steens Mountain offers diverse fishing. Fish Lake is regularly stocked with rainbow trout. Mann Lake is renowned for its Lahontan Cutthroat trout, uniquely adapted to alkaline waters. Krumbo Reservoir, within the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, provides excellent fishing for rainbow trout, largemouth bass, and white crappie, with trout often averaging around 16 inches. Fishing is particularly good in spring and fall at Krumbo.

Yes, Fish Lake offers family-friendly activities like swimming, picnicking, and easy hiking in a tranquil setting. Griffith Spring Reservoir is also noted as family-friendly. For camping, Fish Lake Campground provides basic amenities suitable for families. Always check specific lake regulations for activities like swimming or boating.

Camping is available at several locations. Fish Lake Campground offers 23 campsites with basic amenities like picnic tables, fire grates, vault toilets, and drinking water, open from mid-June through October. The Mann Lake Recreation Site provides two boat-launching areas and three camping areas with vault restrooms. Near Krumbo Reservoir, camping is available at the nearby Page Springs campground.

The best time to visit varies by lake and activity. For Mann Lake, March to May is ideal for scenic views with snow on the peaks. Fish Lake is best visited during the summer for fishing, swimming, and camping. Krumbo Reservoir offers good fishing in spring and fall when temperatures are cooler. High-elevation trails, like the one to Wildhorse Lake, may have snow into June, making summer and early fall generally best for hiking.

No, motorized boats are not allowed on all lakes. For instance, Fish Lake and Krumbo Reservoir prohibit motorized boats to maintain their tranquil environment. However, Mann Lake does permit motorized boats and has two boat-launching areas.

While exploring, Griffith Spring Reservoir is known for its good water quality. Warm Springs Creek and pond also had good water in June 2024. For Riddle Reservoir, which can be shallow and muddy, a small stream flowing from the mountain might be an option, but always treat any collected water.

The Steens Mountain area offers a variety of hiking trails. You can explore routes like the challenging Wildhorse Lake Trail, the moderate Pike Creek Trail, or the difficult Big Indian Gorge Trail. For easier options, consider the Riddle Brothers Ranch Road. You can find more details and routes in the Hiking in the Steens Mountain guide.

The lakes and surrounding high desert environment are rich in wildlife. Near Mann Lake, you might spot pronghorn antelope, quail, and chukar. Riddle Reservoir is an excellent spot for watching wildlife, including pronghorns and various waterfowl. The Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, where Krumbo Reservoir is located, is also known for its antelope and diverse birdlife.