Whorehouse Meadow, Mountain meadow in Harney County, Oregon, US
Whorehouse Meadow is a mountain meadow on the western slope of Steens Mountain in Harney County, Oregon, located southeast of Frenchglen. The landscape features grassland interspersed with aspen groves, all situated between 7,200 and 7,600 feet in elevation.
During the Old West period, women from Vale established temporary settlements made of wood and canvas to serve the herders and ranchers in the area. These camps became part of the region's frontier economy and settlement patterns.
Basque American herders carved their names and marks into the aspen trees that surround the meadow, leaving a visible record of their presence. These engravings reflect the pastoral traditions that shaped the landscape for generations.
The meadow is privately owned but remains open to the public for outdoor activities and exploration. Summer and fall are the best times to visit when weather conditions are most favorable.
The meadow regained its original name in 1981 after federal authorities temporarily renamed it to Naughty Girl Meadow during the 1960s. This name change reflects an unusual period in the place's administrative history.
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