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| Steens Mountain in eastern Oregon, is the most well-known Basin and Range uplift. The raw, nearly vertical east face towers more than 5000 feet above the Alvord Desert and playa, dominating the landscape. From the west, the gentle slopes lure visitors to its layered interior, which is exposed in the rugged gorges carved by glacial ice and corrosive rivers. Steens Mountain is a classic north-south fault block and consists of many layers of distinct lava flows. The scramble up the imposing headwall of Big Indian Gorge will reward adventurous scramblers with a sense of accomplishment. Although you are able to drive to the top of Steens Mountain, scrambling up the gorge gives you a unique perspective on this Oregon natural wonder. John Scharff Migratory Bird Festival
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