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          Steen Mountains, Central Oregon 2003

We stayed the night with Rick's dad and his girlfriend (Norma) just outside of Frenchglen, Oregon, at a campground.  As dad was pitching camp a rattlesnake made himself known.  I can only imagine the excitement as the camp host was contacted to have the snake removed. 

This place is definitely the Grand Canyon of Oregon; and it is very little traveled.  I would recommend only taking the major road into the area and returning to Frenchglen.  The area doesn't open until after July 4th due to the amount of average snowfall on the roads. 

This view is looking north-northwest and there was a herd of elk (about 50 head) on the far ridge.  There are no roads up the canyons so the elk and deer are relatively safe.  I never knew there were any elk in this country. 
The lake in the distant valley (Mann Lake) has record trout.  The view from up here was just astounding.  The view here is to the north. 
As an added bonus, the wind up here was also astounding.  We had to be careful getting in/out of the truck, that the truck door didn't get you pinned against the truck. This view is to the west.  The trip was well worth it and I give this a high rating for the average camper to take a journey to.