Wildhorse and Kiger Creeks

Oregon

Bureau of Land Management
Burns District Office
28910 Highway 20 West
Hines, Oregon 97738

Designated Reach: October 30, 2000. Kiger Creek, from its headwaters at the top of Kiger Gorge to the boundary of the Steens Mountain Wilderness Area. Wildhorse Creek, from its headwaters to the private property line at the mouth of Wildhorse Canyon, into section 34, township 34 south, range 33 east. Little Wildhorse Creek from its headwaters to its confluence with Wildhorse Creek.

Classification/Mileage: Kiger Creek, Wild — 4.3 miles; Wildhorse Creek, Wild — 7.0 miles; Little Wildhorse Creek, Wild — 2.6 miles. Total — 13.9 miles.

Kiger Creek: From its headwaters just below Kiger Overlook north through private land toward the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, Kiger Creek offers invaluable scenic beauty. Throughout its winding path in Kiger Gorge, a glacial canyon, the 4.3-mile slice of this wild river runs within the newly designated Steens Mountain Wilderness.

The natural setting and steep topography of Kiger Gorge create a spectacular setting for this wild and scenic river. Existing recreational opportunities in the area include hiking, primitive camping, fishing, and sightseeing. Kiger Creek also serves as habitat for redband trout. Other wildlife include mule deer, Rocky Mountain elk, bighorn sheep, and pronghorn antelope.

Wildhorse Creek: From its headwaters in Wildhorse Canyon, Wildhorse Creek descends south from just below Wildhorse Overlook, one of the higher points on Steens Mountain. Running for 9.6 miles within the newly designated Steens Mountain Wilderness Area, this scenic wonder ultimately ventures through private land and into the Alvord Valley.

Located deep within the walls of Wildhorse Canyon, the Creek is home to cutthroat trout and other wildlife, including mule deer, Rocky Mountain elk, bighorn sheep, and pronghorn antelope. Hiking, primitive camping, fishing, and sightseeing are common recreation opportunities in the area. Remarkable geologic formations in the Canyon, including Wildhorse Lake residing in a hanging valley, create a natural and rugged setting for Wildhorse Creek.