Alvord Desert Playa
Alvord Desert Playa is a moderate 12 miles (playa) off-road trail near Fields, OR. It requires a properly built 4x4 with All-terrain tires, Recovery boards, Extra water (10+ gallons) and is best run June - October. Stock trucks and Jeeps are not recommended; plan on the required modifications before attempting it.
Trail Conditions
No reports yet
The Alvord Desert is Oregon's most surreal landscape, a vast white playa stretching 12 miles at the base of Steens Mountain's sheer eastern face. When dry, the cracked alkali surface is as flat and hard as an airport runway, allowing you to drive in any direction at highway speeds with nothing but empty horizon in view. The juxtaposition of the mile-high Steens Mountain wall and the flat white desert creates a sense of scale that's difficult to comprehend until experienced. Free primitive hot springs on the playa's eastern edge add a touch of comfort to this remote destination.
Fun Facts
The Alvord Desert playa is the remnant of a massive Pleistocene lake that covered the region 12,000 years ago.
When dry, the playa surface is so flat and hard that land-speed records have been attempted here.
Alvord Hot Springs flows at 170°F and has been used by travelers for over a century.
The playa is 12 miles long and 7 miles wide, making it one of the largest playas in Oregon.
🛞 Tires
🔧 Suspension
⚙️ Drivetrain
🪢 Recovery
📦 Other
Where to Camp
GPS Coordinates
Import into Gaia GPS, OnX Offroad, or Garmin
Map of Fields, OR
5-Day Forecast
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
A mild lift, all-terrain tires, and correct gear ratio will get you through this trail confidently.
Tire Size Calculator
Convert tire sizes and compare diameter differences before you swap.
Size up correctly, 33s vs 35s matters on moderate terrain.
Gear Ratio Calculator
Find the right gear ratio after lifting or upsizing tires.
Re-gear after a tire upgrade to restore trail torque and MPG.
Wheel Fitment Calculator
Calculate backspacing and offset so wider wheels clear your suspension.
Extra wheel width = extra clearance on tight lines. Check offset before buying.
MPG Calculator
Estimate fuel economy after a tire upgrade, important for remote runs.
Bigger tires cut MPG. Plan your fuel stops for this trail.