Frog Spring - Alvord Desert Access

Had a great time. Spent a night out on the flat during clear weather. It was awesome. Found a road from the Northeast of the flats that circled around the hills and back to Mickey hotsprings. The road was rough and washed out. Made for a fun bit of 4x4ing. Looking forward to returning in the future.

Wow, what a really cool area. This was our first time down in the Alvord Desert area. We just visited for an hour or so bit you can camp down here for a “donation “ fee which is pretty cool. The playa is still pretty wet (they had a big spring runoff and flooding all over Harney county this spring of 2025) so no camping or driving on it as of May 1st or you’ll be sinking in the mud. Had a nice chat with one of the US rangers who works the area.

The first views of the Alvord Desert as you come up over the hill take your breath away. Unique among all the places we've visited. Solitude, silence, and stunning sunsets and stars. We rode our bikes on the Playa with hardly another soul to be seen.

Free entrance to Alvord lake bed. We entered through the hot springs for $10. To me it was worth it 😁 Road our bikes around. Watched a lot of rigs racing across the lake.

Playa is still moist (if not WET) as of early April), but parking/ camping available above by the restrooms. Beautiful views and sunrise!