Why Visit Burns Oregon?

There are so many beautiful places to visit in Oregon, and Burns is one of them! If you are someone who prefers quiet, quaint towns and natural beauty without all the rush and crowds of the big city, then Burns is the place for you. From the summit of Steens Mountain to the historical Pete French Round Barn, you’ll find this little oasis has everything you need!

Natural Burns Attractions

Burns, Oregon hosts a wide variety of natural attractions for every outdoor enthusiast. Steens Mountain, which rises nearly 10,000 feet, has many opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and more! It is the perfect getaway for day hikers and backpackers alike, with trails ranging from 2 to 59 miles. Along these routes you will pass natural sites such as lakes, rivers, and glacial valleys- you may even be lucky enough to spot the wild mustangs that roam the surrounding wilderness!

If you are someone who prefers to stay at sea level, you may find enjoyment in Burns’ hot springs. The hot springs are one of many reasons to visit Burns, Oregon. They are full of healing minerals to help you relax your muscles, and the temperature stays at around 101 degrees Fahrenheit. You can enjoy the springs privately or in the hot springs pond.

Animal lovers have plenty to see in Burns! Each spring and fall, hundreds of thousands of birds migrate through the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. This unique event is a birdwatcher’s dream. As many as 320 species of birds have been documented in the area- that’s over half of all of Oregon’s bird species! If flying animals aren’t your thing, you can always check out the Oregon Wild Horse Corral.

For those who enjoy solitude, the vast expanse of the Alvord Desert is a quiet refuge. The dry, open landscape was once a lake that extended all the way into Nevada. Now, there is little water beyond the occasional spring (not suitable for swimming). Even so, visitors to this landscape say there is something magical about the huge emptiness. The Alvord Desert is best enjoyed at night, when you can see millions of stars stretching for miles.

Local Burns Attractions

Aside from its natural wonders, Burns also has a wide selection of local businesses and institutions! History buffs visiting Burns, Oregon will enjoy visiting the Oard’s Museum and Gallery. In business for over 130 years, the free gallery has art from nine different Native American tribes on display. All the art and jewelry displayed and for sale at Oard’s is fully authentic and homemade. Also nearby is the Harney County Historical Society museum and gallery, where you can go back in time and explore the lives of Harney County’s pioneers.

Art connoisseurs will enjoy Spark Mercantile. Along with displays of local and regional artwork, Spark Mercantile offers painting and pottery classes.

Burns, Oregon also has a variety of local restaurants. The Pine Room offers downhome American fare, and if you like something a little more exotic, you can visit the Elkhorn Club & Linda’s Thai. Pizza lovers will never go hungry will choices like Figaro’s Pizza, Glory Days Pizza, and Central Pastime.