4. Coyote Lake

Suggested Citation: Kerr, Andy. 2000. Oregon Desert Guide: 70 Hikes. Seattle: The Mountaineers Books. pp. 98-99.

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What to Expect: A surreal adventure into a land of stark contrasts

Distance: 8-mile loop

Elevation Range: 4,075-4,095 feet

Drinking Water: No

Best Times: Spring, summer, fall

USGS 7.5' Maps: Coyote Lake East, Coyote Lake West

Oregon Map Starting Point: Burns Junction (OR 78 at US 95)

Go south on OR 78 for 21 miles. Turn westerly on the Whitehorse county road. At approximately 10.6 miles is the turnoff southerly to Twelvemile Ranch (3 miles west after crossing the prominent Twelvemile Ridge). Continue 0.2 mile south- westerly to the intersection with a unimproved road to the northwest. Drive northerly 8.5 miles and park on public land.

Hike (Coyote Lake East quad) the way northerly 2.1 miles to Coyote Lake. Explore the vegetated islands in the playa.

(See the Alvord Desert exploration for special playa recommendations on timing, sun protection, moonlight hiking, and fecal matter disposition.)

To return, set cross-country course to vehicle.