DIRECTIONS TO ALVORD DESERT
From Portland: 420 miles
From Bend: 268 miles
From Burns: 138 miles
CLICK FOR DIRECTIONS FROM BURNS, OREGON
We recommend accessing the Alvord via OR-205 S. This route will shorten the time driving on the gravel road, and give you the option of a pit stop in the town of Fields. The Fields Station has gas/diesel, a general store and restaurant.
Take Fields-Denio Road to the Frog Spring Access Road.
After reaching the playa from this access point head due east until you are at approximately these coordinates: [42°30'30.8"N 118°25'23.2"W].
Then turn to head north towards the party coordinates: [42°33'33.9"N 118°24'50.0"W].
CLICK TO VIEW PLAYA DRIVING ROUTE ON MAP
When you get close to these coordinates you will see our party tent shade structure with shrubbery to the east. There will be flags to mark the camping area when you arrive. Feel free to park as close or as far from one another as feels appropriate, as long as it’s in the designated area.
Please do not drive past the green line marked on the map (linked below), to the north or west of the shade structure. For aesthetic purposes we’d like to avoid tire tracks in the vicinity. Please also drive slowly as you approach the party/camping site to limit dust getting kicked up.
CLICK TO VIEW PARTY & CAMP AREA ON MAP
For our friends who are experienced with the Alvord Desert, please still follow these guidelines to respect the nature of our event.
LINK TO CUSTOM GOOGLE MAP WITH ALL THE ABOVE INFO
DRIVING ON THE DRY LAKEBED
We ask that you follow this exact route because driving directly northeast from the access road can take you through softer sections of the playa that should be avoided.
When conditions are dry, driving on the playa is easy and fun as long as you keep certain things in mind:
Never drive through any spots on the lakebed that look soft, raised, or wet at the risk of getting stuck. In October, if it rains it will likely dry up quickly, but don’t push your luck.
Watch out for large rocks or other objects on the open playa. It looks vastly empty, but don’t assume nothing is out there.
Camping amongst bushes is preferable to some people for wind protection, but there are potentially more areas there to get stuck.
Use extra care if you’re renting an RV and/or are unfamiliar with driving off-road. The Frog Spring access road is bumpy and uneven but can be easily traversed in average-clearance cars.
We are confident you’ll be capable of the adventure! But if you don’t have fun in uncomfortable environments, we can always celebrate with you another time. The Alvord isn’t for everybody - it is for freaks like us.