Oregon Desert Trail Backpacking and Thru-Hiking Guide

Distance: 750 miles (mileage varies depending on route alternatives)

Time to hike the entire trail: 5 - 7 weeks

Elevation gain:  72,000’

Elevation loss: 73,500’

High Point: 9,570’ (Steens Mountain)

Low Point: 2,664’ (Owyhee Reservoir)

Best season: Spring or Fall

Permits: A backcountry camping permit for the Hart Mountain Antelope Refuge is required if you camp outside an established camping area.

Difficulty: Strenuous

Continue reading to learn more, written by Mike Unger & Naomi Hudetz.

Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari

Clothing and gear can be treated with a 0.5% permethrin spray, sold under names including Sawyer, Insect Shield and Ranger Ready.

Bay Area News Group
News Group

Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari

Sawyer’s picaridin lotion offers the longest protection windows on test — up to 14 hours against mosquitoes and ticks — and its creamy, low-odor formula goes on smooth and dries quickly.

Rachel Cavanaugh
Mwandishi

Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari

The Sawyer Squeeze and Cnoc Vecto made hydration easy.

Josh King
Mwandishi wa Kuchangia