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

I’m also a fan of the venerable Sawyer Squeeze. Just collect water and drink!

Trey French
Mwandishi

Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari

Sawyer’s picaridin lotion lasts a long time, stores well in survival kits and cars, and doesn’t have the laundry-list poison control label like DEET sprays.

Sean Gold
Founder & Lead Writer

Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari

I’m not a fan of bugs, so Sawyer Picaridin spray is always in my pack.

Isis Briones
Writer and Editor