Getting in some places only 5 inches of rain per year the desert sits in a rain shadow caused by the Steens Mountains to the west. Spring and summer thunderstorms on the Steens empty into the desert to make temporary lakes.
Heading south from Frenchglen one passes through the Catlow Valley and The Roaring Springs Ranch.
The road south to the Alvord crosses the southern edge of the Steens
…..and descends to Fields Station the only civilization for fifty miles around.
In places one can drive out on the hard playa.
The Alvord Hot Springs
The minerals create many colored streams
Below from way up on Steens Mountain looking down on the remote road to Mickey Hot Springs.
A moonscape with scalding hot pools dotting the landscape
Less intimidating is Borax Lake
