Ever see or read something amazing about an area you visited, but featuring a spot so cool you wonder how you missed it? I get this feeling all the time. Like today.

Here is the video I watched which caused me to figure this out: Video Link on X

Here it the location of the crater, in SE Oregon. Closest access to this area is via the Boise area. Sidenote for those with a keen eye: Idaho has a place on the map named Dickshooter. I don’t want to know more.

While living in Pullman, WA, one of my favorite motorcycle camping routes was straight south to Oregon, which led to the Wallowa Mountain range, the Grand Ronde and Snake River gorges, and then the Umatilla National Forest, once south of I-84. Once in this region, there are a multitude of smaller mountain ranges, curvy roads, dispersed camping and generally an empty perfect area. It can be hot, so May and September are great months to visit. Somehow I completely missed Coffee Pot Crater.

I basically made a complete loop around Coffee Pot Crater while on my way to Steens Mountain and the adjacent Alvord Desert. This area is remote and awesome. You sort of need to “bring it with you” as there are not many services available. It should be noted that Coffee Pot Crater is accessed by Blowout Reservoir Road. A little photo research indicates a real high-clearance 4WD vehicle is a good choice. I was not using a 4WD vehicle. Maybe that is my excuse.

Out on the playa due east of Steens Mountain. The closest “town” is Fields, which has fuel, water, and milkshakes. And a little hotel, too. On this trip I was camping.

If you like the site and smell of sage brush, this part of Oregon is perfect for you.

This is the western side of Steens Mountain. There is a road that leads up to an overlook of the Alvord Desert, however is was still closed for snow (9500 ft elevation!) in May.

I’ve made other trips to Eastern Oregon and Idaho specifically to visit desert landscapes that are unique to the region, including the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument - Painted Hills Unit and Craters of the Moon National Monument. Both are worth a visit when in this part of the PNW.

There are three units of John Day Fossil Beds parks in central Oregon. You can visit all three in a weekend fairly easily.

That’s all for now. I’m sure it will only take me a few days to decide what Part 2 will be about.