Beauty in Solitude: Alvord Desert, Oregon

Beauty in Solitude: Alvord Desert, Oregon
Alvord Desert is a dry lake bed in the South East corner of Oregon. This spot is very remote. It is also the driest place in Oregon. A dry desert is a pretty unique feature for Oregon. Many people like to visit so they can drive fast on the playa. We visited in late winter which had very few people and a little more moisture than usual. This is the last of 3 videos from a recent Eastern Oregon trip. I hope to go back some time to get to the top of Steens Mountain.
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[@stevenikitas8170]

I hitchhiked through Burns and the Alvord area back in 1976. It is one of the most desolate and beautiful places that I have ever seen.

[@MattCookOregon]

I love it. Hitchhiking Alvord sounds rough haha.

[@incog99skd11]

I drove to Boise through the Alvord in 1975. It was the most desolate places I'd ever seen and that included Nevada. Better have a full tank of gas then and carry water and food .

[@SaabAholic]

I once sat on the top of the Steens and could literally reach up and touch clouds that were forming right above me. Amazing area!

[@MattCookOregon]

Agreed. I hope to get to Steen's this year.

[@CWS-h5z]

Thank you for the beautiful video of an area I did not know about. So dramatic and those night skies!!!!

[@MattCookOregon]

Thanks. It is kind of hidden by Steens. Everyone should see it once!

[@randman21]

I so love that the first music I hear is from my favorite game. Best soundtrack ever.

[@randman21]

What incredible scenery. If not for a random KZbin video, I would have no idea it exists.

[@MattCookOregon]

They are special games to me too. I definitely gained an appreciation for exploration from them. It is a pretty unique spot for Oregon, kind of hidden behind Steens Mountain.

[@MattCookOregon]

From about 2:20 - 4:00 I had to mute the music/sound at parts. I got a copyright claim on the song.

[@OregonMikeH]

Great Job Matt!

[@miguell4835]

When the gerudo desert theme started playing it got much more epic. Oregon deserves that theme. It's beautiful.

[@MattCookOregon]

Haha! Gotta love Gerudo. Perfect fit. Thank you so much man.

[@trevorwhat]

Well done, Matt. Thanks for putting this together.

[@MattCookOregon]

Thank you! An easy spot to point a camera at to get good stuff. I still haven't done any videos on Steens mountain there. Maybe this year is the year.

[@adventuresofjandk]

One place we still need to get to. Looks fantastic.

[@MattCookOregon]

You have to! What a unique place for Oregon.

[@GPosner8]

I really enjoy the tranquility that your videos provide. Big fan👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@MattCookOregon]

Thanks so much! Big fan of escapism here.

[@terryjackson9055]

good job for describing the Creation , thank you

[@MattCookOregon]

Thanks so much! I am really enjoying getting in to the science of things. Learning as I go of course I get a lot of things wrong.

[@neverhomepnw]

I was having a stressful night but your videos always tend to miraculously chill me out. Don't stop doing what you do.

[@MattCookOregon]

Thank you! Things are a bit slow with 2 little daughters but no plans to stop. I got some cool geologic features to cover in central Ore soon.

[@neverhomepnw]

​@@MattCookOregon Best of luck with that. Dont overwork yourself. Siked to hear you got some content in the oven.

[@edruttledge342]

Working my way through your posted content. This was excellent. A fav place to which my visits, sadly, are rare.

[@MattCookOregon]

Thanks for checking the videos out. Hope you enjoy. Alvord is far for most of us but thats part of why it is special.

[@MikeWilliams-dr4lh]

Excellent presentation. I would enjoy viewing the sky on a dark clear night. Storms as well could be very visual from a safe viewing area as your film stressed multiple times. Thank you

[@MattCookOregon]

Thanks Mike. I only had like 10 minutes with the stars. As soon as I had gear ready, focus right, clouds rolled in. Summer would be much easier I bet.

[@ThomasJordan-ITW]

Your videos/footage are amazing!! I will be taking a look through all of them - I think I could learn a thing or 2! Well done friend!

[@MattCookOregon]

Thanks a bunch. Yours are too. Video editing is definitely one of my favorite things. Hit me up if you ever want to chat about video stuff.

[@ThomasJordan-ITW]

Matt.Cook.Oregon You certainly know what you’re doing - incredible editing/filming! And that would be much appreciated, thank you! I’ll be in touch 👍🏻

[@TonyKuehler]

Excellent video and good subject. I moved to Oregon to spend the rest of my life here specifically because of places like this! I ramble around this area as well as Northern Nevada, such beauty at every time of the day and weather both healthful and harsh.

[@MattCookOregon]

Thanks. It is such a nice spot. Too far from everything to ever get crowded.

[@easydiddit]

I haven't seen stars in the sky like that since I was a child. Beautiful sunrise, sunset, and landscapes. I can feel the peace in this. Thanks again.

[@MattCookOregon]

Thanks! I was definitely going for the peace vibe. It was that or have a bunch of gun cars like mad max.

[@easydiddit]

@@MattCookOregon I got a good feeling you run either way and make it work out. Love the way you think. Stay safe.

[@conniewaite1996]

Wow!I am blown away by your narration and photography.now I have to binge watch all your videos.just awesome!

[@MattCookOregon]

Thank you! Hope you enjoy.

[@antonioloredo8800]

It's just so peaceful watching the video. Thanks Matt for sharing your wonderful videos on beautiful places...

[@MattCookOregon]

Thanks so much! Peaceful was definitely a vibe I was going for. That vibe was given to me by this place.

[@dboconnor57]

Thank you Mr. Cook, for taking us to these wondrous places. Pop took us to a few Oregon destinations when I was a kid, but your videos are amazing. I look forward to each one!

[@MattCookOregon]

Thanks David. They are a lot of fun to put together. I was tortured by Steens and not being able to go up with the snow. Hopefully I get to go back there soon.

[@natalieberg2102]

Deserts are so interesting and nothing like the landscapes I have here!

[@MattCookOregon]

True. It is not too usual for Oregon either.

[@alanmydland5210]

Matt Cook ya did a great job thank you. Crosses just south if the tracks gerlock to Winnemucca, , took all day and a great ride,, saw nobody!!

[@MattCookOregon]

Thanks Alan. We had a busy trip with Steens, Malheur, Alvord. I need to go back!

[@RubieslifeinOregon]

So beautiful.

[@MattCookOregon]

Thank you! 😊

[@KarlBonner1982]

I visited Old Mill in Bend, OR last fall and again this spring. The two Guldove themes from Chrono Cross were the perfect soundtrack for the contrast.

[@MattCookOregon]

Thanks. I liked using video game tracks like that early on. Then I ran into too many copyright issues so find more generic music to use these days.

[@MattCookOregon]

Thanks. I liked using video game tracks like that early on. Then I ran into too many copyright issues so find more generic music to use these days.

[@UsAsWeAre]

Wow, you got snow while you were there. How lucky! Funny story about those muddy spots on the desert, which didn't make it into my video: I drove us straight into one while going at a good speed, and we slid quite a long way. We were fortunate that I was able to keep the car pointed straight enough that when we hit the dry part we didn't roll over or something. I was pretty bummed not to have captured it on camera, but the lesson was learned. The "milk steppe" effect of that shallow, miles wide puddle is gorgeous. The Alvord Desert will always be one of my favorite places in Oregon. Very cool video. Looking forward to more!

[@MattCookOregon]

Thanks a bunch. Special place for sure. That happens to me a lot, something interesting happens and you dont get the footage. Oh well. Your videos have a unique style, very cool, keep it up.

[@HappyTrailsHiking]

I am always late in watching things these days. Always love your work when I do get around to watching. Well done, Matt!

[@MattCookOregon]

Thanks for taking the time to check out an old friend. I got a pretty amazing night sky video coming tomorrow.

[@OregonMikeH]

The Late night draws to a close while outside my home region visiting Family. This was a great way to close it, enjoying this video again. It rewards more each time viewed. Night Pal

[@MattCookOregon]

Yo Mike. Thanks for checking out the old video! This was a fun trip. Exactly 1 year ago. We learned about the covid stay at home order right when we got out of the desert.

[@OregonMikeH]

@@MattCookOregon That's Outright Amazing Matt, Grand my Friend!

[@Hangs4Fun]

Beautiful Matt!!! I'm learning a ton about Oregon thanks to your channel!

[@MattCookOregon]

Thanks man. Glad to hear it! I always wonder if this has any value to anyone outside of the state. Tourism research makes sense.

[@Hangs4Fun]

@@MattCookOregon I appreciate all of the information. Believe me I know how much time that adds to your post production time. Oregon should definitely link to your videos like this. Have a great day, and be safe out there.

[@keithjones203]

Matt: Just came across some of your videos on Eastern Oregon, one of the more remote and beautiful places I have visited. The production value of your videos is outstanding. The calm and soothing nature of your narration adds to their charm.

[@MattCookOregon]

Thanks. That is a nice thing to read when putting so much effort into these. I have a lot of fun going out and shooting videos.

[@wildzenventures]

I finally made it to check this place out, it's amazing! Your video was beautiful; but experiencing this place in person is a must! Always appreciate the history you include. Cheers!

[@MattCookOregon]

Awesome. I want to go back. With a dirtbike would be fun.

[@Alniemi]

Great video! Is that FFX music I hear in the background?!?!?! excellent choice

[@MattCookOregon]

Thanks. Yes it is! Love the fantasy adventure music and would use it more if not for inconsistent copyright claims. The quiet sunset part I had to mute more ffviii music due to copyright claims.

[@herberterickson621]

Having lived in Oregon from my birth in 1945 until my emigration in 1980, I never got to this part of Oregon. Thanks for the tour.

[@MattCookOregon]

Thank you. It is definitely out there for most. Wow that is a long time in Oregon. I have been here about that long too.

[@conniewojahn6445]

Never knew this place existed. I don't get out much anymore due to mobility issues, so your video was great. Thank you.

[@MattCookOregon]

Thank you. It is pretty hidden from the rest of Oregon. Even if you know about it, have to drive like 10 hours to get there.

[@brookeshaffer4377]

Interesting.Great photography.

[@MattCookOregon]

Thanks Brooke. This is really an unusual place for Oregon. Makes photography feel very unique.

[@ArielleViking]

Really beautiful documentary video about this desert. I love the stunning views. ❤

[@MattCookOregon]

Glad you enjoyed it! Was very peaceful times.

[@HikeCamp]

Outstanding Matt... Epic production !

[@MattCookOregon]

Thanks a ton!

[@tomlauritzen9522]

Now how did I miss this one? Great video. I've driven around the Alvord but never ventured inside.

[@MattCookOregon]

4 years ago! I remember this. Literally the start of covid. We get to some mcdonalds in Burns after a week of no service, and read that we are supposed to be staying home.

[@DestinationsChronicles]

I lived in Portland and Gresham for six years (in College) and miss Oregon. Thanks for this journey into eastern Oregon. I am coming over from Pusa Chat to say HI and check you out. Great info on this vid!

[@MattCookOregon]

Awesome thanks a bunch. I have a nice eastern Oregon playlist with many others too. Where do you explore now?

[@DestinationsChronicles]

@@MattCookOregon I am back in my home country in NorCal in the Sierra Nevada's. Just north of Yosemite Natl park. Lot's to explore her too

[@alexonthemountain8343]

Holly cow Matt! This is some great work! The cinematography is outstanding. I’m surprised you don’t have followers in the hundreds of thousands!

[@MattCookOregon]

Hey thanks so much! I think you might be in the same boat, more focused on good content than views. Maybe I am just terrible at marketing. I am always worried about being too spammy so I generally just post to my social media and thats it. Any ideas of marketing are always appreciated!

[@dalewiley1756]

Agreed. Some of he best work I have seen, I am a professional photographer so that don't come easy, Good job.

[@JungleJayAdventures]

Place looks awesome!

[@MattCookOregon]

You look awesome. Haha. Thanks dude.

[@pamelagonzalez9567]

Wow snow in the desert thats so cool what beauty vantastic video Matt!!

[@MattCookOregon]

Glad you enjoyed it! Oregon does things differently haha

[@TheAnthonyScene]

Wow love the view, so peaceful. If i get a chance I would like to have a mini adventure over there and get some breath taking photos of my own. And, I like the Final Fantasy sound tracks you have included in your video, very fitting in setting the mood.

[@MattCookOregon]

Thanks a bunch! Nice recognizing the calming final fantasy music. It was ff viii which was a special one to me. Hope you get to go soon.

[@YankeesOutdoorAdventures]

Awesomeness 💪🤠👍 didn't Kitty pass away not long ago trying to break her own record?

[@ManasesRamos]

Jessi Combs

[@MattCookOregon]

There was a death last year. RIP to Jessi. I actually had a line about that, but decided to remove it.

[@davidbones8947]

I was there last year on my motorcycle it had rained the day before the people at fields advised me to not ride out i would be stuck good advice im going back in a week great vids thanks

[@MattCookOregon]

Thank you. I can't wait to go back. ATV or dirtbike would be fun.

[@softroadingthewest]

Beautiful work Matt...you captured the majesty and uniqueness of this place so well, it just makes me want to go back, but solo this time so I can explore on my own terms.

[@MattCookOregon]

Go for it!

[@MattCookOregon]

Thanks man. Used one of those awesome auto responses on you lol. So impersonal. Yep we both need to go back. I was looking East and South at some of the mountains from there... A new map to explore.

[@softroadingthewest]

@@MattCookOregon LOL...I can't bring myself to use those auto replies. So many more useful features the developers *could* have put their time into. It seems to get very interesting out there beyond the Alvord. It really needs to be like a weeklong trip, to have time to get there, and truly explore that lower right corner, and get home. It's a frustrating amount of driving for even a long weekend.

[@MarkDouglasOutside]

Great video! Very cinematic. Seems like a desert this barren would be boring but you proved me wrong 👍

[@MattCookOregon]

Thanks man. Made something out of nothing. This place is so unique to Oregon it didn't feel empty to me.

[@WildBill541]

Awesome work man. You just showed me a new place I will be checking out soon!

[@MattCookOregon]

Thank you. Being so far out, different, and hidden behind a mountain this is a rare sight for most.

[@Karlacook89]

You are doing a fantastic job my brother. Keep it up, I like what you are turning your channel into. So much research into this video. Are you doing ok? I hope you are staying safe👍💕

[@MattCookOregon]

Thanks sis. The Matt Cook Oregon show continues to grow! All is ok here. I usually stay at home anyways, other than outdoor trips.

[@anybodyoutthere3208]

Gosh your filming skills are amazing. One of the best Chanel’s out there. Your voice is perfect for doing these reflective informative videos about the world around us. You could probably have a side career as reading audiobooks. Thanks for these stunning videos. Hoping to get to this spot this fall~

[@MattCookOregon]

Thanks so much Jen! Hopefully this grows into something either way. The audio complements mean a lot. We are all so self conscious of ourselves, especially with voice. Learning to not let that stop me was a long process and I am glad to be free of that worry.

[@OregonMikeH]

@@MattCookOregon Here Hear!! :)

[@CandleRomance]

Wow, I just discovered your channel and I'm in love!

[@MattCookOregon]

My man! Hope you enjoy learning about Oregon's nature. That is what I do.

[@sonofamountain2862]

Excellent video Matt.

[@MattCookOregon]

Thank you!

[@unpavedexplorer338]

Hello Matt, this was a excellent video. That place is amazing. Your video and editing is top notch. I thought I was watching a documentary. Take Care and Keep Exploring The Outdoors.

[@MattCookOregon]

Thanks Explorer! Documentary is usually the feel I am going for. This was fun as the spot is so unique to Oregon. I was thinking of doing a livestream where I edit a more simple video and explain the process. Stay tuned.

[@ManasesRamos]

Another Awesome video dude!! your videos are fun and educational!!

[@MattCookOregon]

Thanks so much! So many people with nice cameras out there. I try to stick out by having good info.

[@ManasesRamos]

@@MattCookOregon it's all about the content of the video!!!

[@MattCookOregon]

@@ManasesRamos Yep, storytelling. Keep the viewer captivated. Give the video a purpose.

[@CECTH]

Hi my friends, I love exploring and venturing, great if I could explore it there with you, I like your video

[@MattCookOregon]

Awesome thank you! Where do you usually explore?

[@frankf9233]

Great work man! Some parts felt like a view from a landspeeder! Loved the timelapses 👍

[@MattCookOregon]

Thank you Frank! I thought the time lapse master would appreciate this. They were mostly just sped up videos, rather than a series of photos.

[@MattCookOregon]

yay

[@JenniferLupine]

Beautiful desert! Is it dark sky designated? Must have been an awesome night - so open and so many stars-cool to see in the winter when maybe it wasn’t too crowded. It probably gets super hot in the summer 🌞🌞🌞 Thanks again for the great video share!

[@MattCookOregon]

Thanks a bunch. It might be our states darkest place. Only had like half hour of stars due to storms rolling in. I like going to places on their off season to beat the crowds.

[@SaabAholic]

The seasons there are about 2 months behind the rest of Oregon. It’s a totally different environment. I’d be afraid to go there in the winter.

[@SaabAholic]

I should say, rather, summer arrives late there……

[@barbarapearson1653]

Loving it. One small critique: The town on the border is pronounced "Dah-NI-O" A compliment: there's only been one other video of the Alvord that I have appreciated as this. Neither one of you use it at a platform for advertisements.

[@MattCookOregon]

Thank you. I often pronounce names wrong. It is extra hard with a road that no one talks about. Not a big deal to me but it is the thing I get corrected on the most. No ads other than whatever youtube does here, I am still waiting on that big MacDonald's sponsorship.

[@barbarapearson1653]

@@MattCookOregon Well, you did justice to the desert. Thank you.

[@shanekeaney2439]

Well done sir!

[@MattCookOregon]

Thank you!

[@adhphotographyvideo]

Bringing back memories with the sountrack!!!! I still play it on my phone tho the touchscreen is nothing like the old PS controllers. Love the video as well. I'm hoping to be there at the end of april.

[@MattCookOregon]

Thanks. 789 were huge games to me growing up, I have used a lot of inspiration from them over the years.

[@BeaglesBackcountryAdventures]

Wow, love the channel. Nice content! I'll need to go back to my roots and visit Oregon.

[@MattCookOregon]

Thanks so much! All I do is cover cool Oregon stuff.

[@anntares172]

I love how informative your videos are! You give all the information I would want to look up before traveling to a location. You also beautifully illustrate the area with videos and photography. Thank you!

[@MattCookOregon]

Thank you! I find videos to be a great way to research a new spot. That was part of the motivation to get me started making these videos. One of the main things for me was looking for wilderness footage to be familiar with an area and avoid getting lost.

[@anntares172]

@@MattCookOregon Exactly! So much of the amazing places in Oregon are not developed destinations so you really have to do your research. Thanks again for doing a lot of that work. Look forward to more videos.

[@darnold87]

Great job Matt!! I haven't been there since I was a kid. Time to plan a trip!! 😎👍

[@MattCookOregon]

Thanks. Was my first time in very long too. Summer star gazing sounds pretty nice there. We lost stars as soon as they got good.

[@darnold87]

@@MattCookOregon did you try the hot springs? I've never been to them.

[@MattCookOregon]

@@darnold87 Nah drove by and looked crowded. This was right when corona started being in the news and I am a cautious guy with that kinda stuff.

[@darnold87]

@@MattCookOregon I've never gone to any of our natural hot springs due to the crowds and unsanitary conditions.

[@MattCookOregon]

@@darnold87 Oh man. You gotta find the lesser known ones. Or go on weekdays. Plenty of hot springs you can go with 0 people. I wouldn't cover them on video though haha.

[@ShinyStickEC]

Oregon is so cool :)

[@MattCookOregon]

True

[@TexasFamilyCamping]

Very intriguing, thanks for the video. I can honestly say, I might panic if I got stuck out there when the sand got wet like that.

[@MattCookOregon]

Thank you! This is a very special place in Oregon. Fortunately most people go in summer and it is very very dry. Hey I have a pretty cool video coming in about 24 hours. It is a stargazing video at our observatory. Hope you can tune in.

[@TexasFamilyCamping]

@@MattCookOregon Comes out on Friday? I hit that bell button, hopefully I catch it.

[@MattCookOregon]

My man.

[@aerials036]

Great footage

[@MattCookOregon]

Thank you!

[@tomfrantz]

Beautiful video.

[@MattCookOregon]

Thank you very much.

[@Outdoors4adventure]

Very nice.🙂👍

[@MattCookOregon]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@ninjabrox]

What drone have you been using

[@MattCookOregon]

DJI spark is the only drone I have had. Definitely limited in many ways. But I do not use a drone all that much.

[@eliastcobb5506]

……. Is that opening song a final fantasy song? And nice! I’m going here in a couple weeks

[@MattCookOregon]

Absolutely it is. If you liked that song you will like todays upload! Enjoy Alvord its great. Careful people get stuck in the muddy parts.

[@leviking9625]

Where would you say is some of the best places to enter the flats from?

[@MattCookOregon]

The hot springs is easiest to find. Then there are two dirt entrances a mile or two south of there.

[@leviking9625]

@@MattCookOregon Thanks, I have a trip planned at Steens mountain this summer when I get back home and considering staying at the base of Steens or in Alvord to look at the stars

[@Hummingbirder1]

This place reminds me of Zzyzx Dry Soda Lake in Mojave National Preserve, SE California. I have some photos from there in my tedious slideshow from 2006 "US Birding Roadtrip Slideshow - Part I -" at 6:15-6:43 but the quality is odd. It seems KZbin has changed its settings in the time that has gone by since I uploaded it (10 years ago). I have to redo my earliest work, I fear... Edit: Since I visited Oregon a week or so, too, (mostly a social visit) I'll add that there are a few photos from there in Part III 5:27-7:58

[@MattCookOregon]

Hey thanks for binge watching some of my videos! Oh yeah a 10 year old video would look very old. I cringe just watching my 3 year old videos.

[@Chukartramp]

Did you see any sage hens?

[@MattCookOregon]

Didn't see any animals at all!

[@richgkar1]

That desrt gets plenty of traffic and can see when wet you can get stuck which would not be fun.

[@MattCookOregon]

Yep. Awesome spot. I tend to do places in their off season to escape the crowds. Wish I recorded the person getting pulled out by a tow truck.

[@casedoumasr656]

Been to the Alvord desert area about 5 times went to the Steen's Mts across the road and looked down at the Hot Springs at that point super small P.S Jesse Combs a woman land speed record holder died Aug 27 2019 on the lake bed at the Hot Springs is a memorial to Jesse Combs 🙏🇺🇸🏆Great hot springs check them out 🤔🏆

[@MattCookOregon]

Nice. I need to get out there more but it is just so far. Well both my daughters haven't seen it so time to go again.

[@jcee2259]

If nobody has been any place where the sun never shines it has long been my intent to locate that entry. Which I'd first found in 1962 and it waited until 1964 before I found my first companion to explore the discovery. Presently one of the least visited destinations under California. Due to a resident paid caretaker watching the entry.

[@MattCookOregon]

Where is it?! Whats it called?!

[@KarlBonner1982]

Final Fantasy 8 OST?!?

[@MattCookOregon]

True!

[@2HighNoon]

Your background music sounds like it’s out of FF7 🙃

[@2HighNoon]

Or maybe Zelda?

[@MattCookOregon]

Yep. FF8 and Zelda twilight princess. Some of my favs.

[@2HighNoon]

@@MattCookOregon 😅👍🏆

[@phillip5545]

MY wife and I have been to the Alvord many times. I believe it is the Alvord Desert and not the Alverd Desert. It's pretty distracting to hear you call it the Alverd. Otherwise good video! Thanks!

[@MattCookOregon]

It sounds like alvord to me, maybe different ears.

[@travissmith6612]

You're killing me! Dude! At least ask the locals how to pronounce words! Do your homework! Be professional! You owe it to yourself! You're putting in the effort. Why not be the best?

[@MattCookOregon]

Jeez hope you at least enjoyed some of it. What pronunciation are you referring to?