Alvord Desert, Dry lake and desert in Harney County, United States.
Description
The Alvord Desert is a vast, flat basin of dried lakebed in southeastern Oregon's high desert region. The bare, light-colored surface is rimmed by mountains and offers minimal features beyond the hard, compact ground.
History
The basin dried out following the end of the last ice age, leaving behind a salty clay surface. The name honors General Benjamin Alvord, an army officer who served in the region during the Civil War.
Culture
The flat surface draws drivers seeking to break speed records, drawing those pursuing high-speed challenges. This location has become known to anyone interested in automotive record attempts.
Practical
The best time to visit is between July and November when the surface is dry enough for vehicles. Visitors should bring plenty of water, have reliable navigation, and understand the area is very remote.
Did you know?
The location sits between two mountain ranges, creating a rain shadow that keeps the area extremely dry. With minimal annual rainfall, this is one of Oregon's driest spots.
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Oregon offers a notable diversity of geological formations and natural landscapes ranging from the Pacific coastline to the volcanic plateaus of the eastern portion of the state. The Cascade Range dominates western Oregon with dense forests, waterfalls, and thermal springs, while the dry east...
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