Roam Wild like the Pronghorns at Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge

If you're looking for a lot of scenic solitude when you travel, you'll find it at the remote Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge in Eastern Oregon. This 250,000-acre refuge was created in 1936 to protect and provide habitat for pronghorn antelope, but you'll also find California bighorn sheep, mule deer, sage grouse, and many other animals that thrive in the high desert. The sagebrush-grassland surroundings at the base of Hart Mountain might remind you a bit of the Serengeti Plain in Africa, but this refuge also has an unexpected soothing hot springs, mysterious Indian petroglyphs, and offers spectacular views of the Warner Valley.

The story behind the hotspring is that a rancher saw water bubbling from a rock, so he stuck in a stick of dynamite and blasted up an instant hot spring. Whether that's true or not, the hot spring sure feels good after a long day of hiking or driving. A rock wall shields the 10 x 15 foot pool, where the water temperature generally ranges from about 100 to 105 degrees. It's just a short walk from the primitive campsites scattered along Rock Creek at Hot Springs Campground.

To see rock art created generations ago by prehistoric Indians, hike around Petroglyph Lake (which looks more like a giant brown mud puddle). Bring plenty of water, and wear sunscreen and sturdy hiking boots. The symbols you find carved into the cliff bordering one side of the lake are quite varied, leaving us to speculate about what they mean. Some are geometric patterns, while others are zoomorphic, or in the form of animal-like images that look maybe like a turtle or a giant bug.

There are no gas, groceries or other supplies on the refuge, so stock up. The nearest major town is Lakeview, about 65 miles west. From Lakeview, take Highway 395 north for about 5 miles, then go right (east) on Highway 140. Turn left at a well-marked intersection. 19 miles later you'll be in Plush, the last community with gas. Several miles after Plush - follow the signs - the paved road gives way to an improved gravel road. In about 35 miles, you'll arrive at the refuge headquarters, where an office with information, restrooms and water is open 24 hours.

For more information, click here or call the Sheldon-Hart National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters at (541) 947-3315.