Alvord Desert, Dry lake and desert in Harney County, United States.
The Alvord Desert extends across 12 miles in length and 7 miles in width, forming a flat surface at 4,000 feet elevation in southeastern Oregon.
The desert received its name from General Benjamin Alvord, who commanded the United States Army Department of Oregon throughout the American Civil War period.
The desert surface serves as a testing ground for land speed records, with Jessi Combs setting a women's record of 522 miles per hour in 2019.
Visitors should plan desert excursions between July and November when the surface remains dry, bringing adequate water supplies and navigation equipment.
The location between two mountain ranges creates a rain shadow effect, resulting in only 7 inches of annual precipitation on the desert surface.
Location: Harney County
Elevation above the sea: 1,200 m
GPS coordinates: 42.53545,-118.45601
Latest update: May 26, 2025 21:45
Oregon features natural hot springs, waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes. The state contains geological formations, historic lighthouses, and coastal sections. The region presents desert areas, lakes, mountains, and canyons with various hiking trails.
Malheur National Wildlife Refuge
87.2 km
Harney Basin
82.7 km
Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge
105.1 km
Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge
98.4 km
Steens Mountain Wilderness
28.2 km
Pete French Round Barn
68.2 km
Northern Basin and Range ecoregion
129.7 km
Mickey Hot Springs
18.1 km
Fort McDermit
93 km
David L. Shirk Ranch
93.5 km
Sod House Ranch
87 km
Frenchglen Hotel State Heritage Site
49.7 km
Greaser Petroglyph Site
117.9 km
P Ranch
48 km
Camp Warner
105.2 km
North Black Rock Range Wilderness
131.4 km
Riddle Ranch
60.9 km
Stone Bridge and the Oregon Central Military Wagon Road
115.4 km
Granite Peak
120.2 km
Old Camp Casino
127.8 km
Double-O Ranch Historic District
108 km
North Jackson Mountains Wilderness
130.7 km
Deep Creek Falls
129.3 km
Sheep Ranch Fortified House
85.8 km
Desert Theatre
126.7 km
Owyhee Canyon
100.6 km
BLM Field Camp
78.7 km
BLM Field Camp
75.4 kmReviews
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