Discovering the Hidden Gem of Southern Oregon

As I roamed around Steens Mountain, I was fascinated by its diverse landscape and the unique flora and fauna I encountered along the way. The mountain range is believed to have been shaped by volcanic activity and glaciers over millions of years. The summit reaches over 9,000 feet, making it the highest peak in southeastern Oregon. The stark contrast between the lush green vegetation in the valley and the barren rock faces higher up is truly breathtaking. I was also able to spot several bighorn sheep and pronghorns in their natural habitat. The local Paiute people refer to this mountain as 'Nuvaxsît', which means 'place of snow', and it is easy to see why. In fact, some of the snow melts flow down into the Alvord Desert below, creating a unique ecosystem. Overall, my visit to Steens Mountain was a reminder of the incredible diversity of Earth's landscapes.