The American Desert You Never Learned About (SUV Camping/Vanlife Adventures)

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks for watching! I mention in the video that the guy died of hypothermia. That's what the source I originally read had said: hotspringslocator.com/mickey-hot-springs. But turns out it was hyperthermia (basically, body got too hot), as per this source: www.spokesman.com/stories/1996/oct/01/man-dies-at-oregon-hot-springs/. Definitely makes more sense! -Tristan

[@ShoestringMartha]

I was just stopping by to comment about that 😂

[@dem5393]

Did the hot spring that is now commercial did a few other that were hotter near there. Started the loop from french glen but did not complete. Narrow window. Earlier than sept too much snow from the last year later than September the snows start again

[@thetommantom]

Yea hyper thermia is accelerated body temperature and hypo thermia is reduced body temperature. They sound pretty similar

[@applegateoutdoorsadventures]

Heads up. I got reply from someone claiming to be you wanting me to dm for free gifts. Looks like a phish scam.

[@applegateoutdoorsadventures]

It seems that this guy claiming to be you is replying to all the latest comments. I hope this is helpful. Love your channel.

[@mattraven8243]

Tristan, I seldom ever leave comments on KZbin videos, but I just want you to know that you are, by far, my #1 favorite channel. Your videos are always of such great quality. The places you go, and the information you provide is so interesting and intriguing. I live in Texas, but try to do a couple of road trips out west every year. You have opened my eyes to all kinds of places that I have overlooked. THANK YOU! Keep up the great work!

[@goldenmom1111]

Tristan- I’ve followed you for a number of years and your filmmaking skills are getting better and better. Also I want to thank you for not following the growing trend on KZbin of dropping your “t’s” when you speak. You speak clearly and you say mountain, not mou-in. Seriously! Like a breath of fresh air 👍

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Janice! That's not a KZbin trend, that's a broader linguistic trend. It's called t-glottalization. It can also be more common in certain geographic areas than others. In Utah, for example, it's especially common. Here's some more info: www.deseret.com/2013/1/9/20512262/utahns-who-drop-the-t-in-words-like-mountain-not-so-unusual-y-study-says

[@goldenmom1111]

@@SUVRVing I didn't mean to say that it began on KZbin. I saw an interesting linguistics video that said it was common in Utah, which is no big deal to me because of normal unique geographic pronunciations. But it has become a trend on KZbin and that's not normal. People that I've been following for awhile have begun doing it (with gusto) and it's annoying.

[@metroteacher]

@@SUVRVing Fascinating link here! While reading it, I repeated those words with ‘t’ in the middle and found I also do not enunciate the t. I was born and raised in southern IL. Now I will focus on how others around me pronounce those middle t words!

[@kcstevens7532]

The yellow flower is a Sabin's Lupine, found only in the Blue mountains of eastern Oregon. It is not at all common. Thank you.

[@SUVRVing]

I wasn't in the Blue Mountains here, so it must be a different subspecies of lupine. Thanks for watching.

[@kcstevens7532]

@@SUVRVing Simply stated, it IS based on the taxonomy.

[@deanfirnatine7814]

@@SUVRVing They probably are in the Steens as well

[@lundelover]

@@SUVRVing My app, Picture This, states that the flower is a Yellow Bush Lupine. Nice app for plant identification !

[@DeerheartStudioArts]

thanks for great armchair adventures! I’m 75 and recovering from surgery and your travels are so enjoyable!🦌💌❤️🚙

[@jeteater1]

"Not marinate yourself in poison" .. That actually made me laugh out loud.. Sad that it needs to be said, but still wonderful advice..

[@BP_in_OR]

So while the hot springs near the Alvord **aren't** really Oregon's 'Yellowstone', that feature (and the fault block formation of Steen's Mountain) WERE caused by the Yellowstone Hotspot when it was located south of this area approximately 16-17 million years ago. The basalt erupted on top of Steen's was created by the crust being stretch as the Yellowstone Hotspot approached the edge of the North American craton near the McDermitt caldera area near the Oregon and Nevada border. So it ain't Yellowstone, but it **used** to be. Basically we are looking at a fossilized Yellowstone caldera. Kinda cool.

[@conniewaite1371]

Think that gate was for people on horseback to open without getting down. So love the exploring you do! Thanks!

[@SUVRVing]

Ah, interesting! Thanks for watching.

[@jimsackett5954]

Just wanted to say thanks for doing some eastern Oregon vids. I grew up in Oregon...the coast and Willamette valley. Moved away in 2007, and didn't get the travel bug till 2017. Bend is pretty much the farthest east I have been in Oregon, and I have always wondered what places like Steens Mountain and Eagle Cap wilderness (among others) were like. Thanks to your videos, I have a better appreciation for the other half of the state. Looking forward to the next one!

[@deanfirnatine7814]

Eagle Cap wilderness in the Wallow Mountains is one of the most gorgeous places in America

[@TeodoraTheFlowerLady]

What a beautiful place! Just imagine what it looked like when the lake had water. The purple and yellow flowers you see are wildflowers called bush lupine. Very common to see in wilderness areas.

[@SUVRVing]

Would have been beautiful, for sure! Thanks for watching, Teodora.

[@catherinepdx7922]

Thank you for this great video of my home state of Oregon. We call that mountain area "The Steens." I always thought that it was a series of mountains in the "Steens" range. "Steens Mountain" is the correct term (had to look it up ;-} The mountain ridge looks like a mountain range rather than a single peak. In Oregon so many of the mountain peeks are highly definable because they are dormant volcanoes. Love camping at the Steens on the western slope. The Malheur ranger station "stand-off" was not far from here, also. The geological wonderments in this state never cease to amaze me and many others here.

[@steveegbert7429]

The Alvord can get treacherous with a little rain on it. A Summer thunderstorm can turn it to a slick mud lake that can trap any vehicle.

[@1ouncebird]

That was another beautiful place and very interesting information about it Tristan. I love that you give details about the places you visit. Your camera work is always great but I have to point out a special mention for the great shot at 6:31. You drove OVER! your camera on that dirt road with a great view of the snowy mountains in the distance. Great idea and it worked wonderfully. It goes by so fast that I almost overlooked it but that was really solid. Good job man.

[@chrisackerley1842]

I was camped at Alfoed Hot Spring on December 25, 1991. If I live to be a hundred years old, I will never forget that night. It was so cold! It was snowing but the wind was blowing and the temperature had to be down near zero. The commercial hot spring business wasn't there at that time. There was nothing but a 10' x 10' x 2' concrete tub. We finally got a small fire going and I turned on my portable shortwave. The BBC out of London was talking about how the Soviet Union had fallen. I remember feeling the world had changed prfoundly but it was so cold I couldn't fully grasp what it meant. All in all, a truly memorable night in an unforgetable place!

[@superdave1949]

Nice shot of the mountain lion. Never saw one in all my old travels out west. But about 15 years ago, standing in my front yard just south of Austin I saw one quietly walking down the street in the middle of the night!

[@SUVRVing]

Wow, that's crazy!

[@dianayount2122]

In the late 90's, coming back from a houseboat trip on Lake Powell, we were driving to Zion Canyon from the west. We had our headlights on as it was near sunset. About a mile from the entrance we had to stop our car d/t animals on the road. Illuminated by an oncoming car and our own car a ball of fur with tails was rolling around fighting. Eventually "it' stopped. What scampered off the road were 2 mountain lion cubs. Didn't see mom. You know she was there watching the entire time.

[@lornabartlett2744]

We thoroughly enjoyed the brisk walk. Understandablely shakey ground. All the information is knowledgeable which added to the experience, thank you for providing this scenic adventure. You're living bravely, courageously and with a adaptable sense of respectful purpose. Watching from maritime's Nova Scotia Canada🇨🇦💞🦅

[@MrSoyabi]

Liked the humor in this one Tristan.

[@BrendaHaltom-cs6ck]

I enjoyed watching the RAV 4 flying across the dry lake bed! Also loved the Lupin and Yellow Lupin! Also loved the campsite with the beautiful deer!❤️😀🇺🇸🚙🌏

[@BrendaHaltom-cs6ck]

I love those Lupin flowers and that beautiful meadow and the deer where you camped!❤️😀🇺🇸🚙🌏

[@johnd746]

Surprised with as much hiking, and exploring that you do that you haven't seen more bears, and mountain lions.

[@alexanderweaver7066]

I remember reading the story of the speed story and the death of the record holder...sad story. I love the beautiful campsite and that you had it to yourself. It's rare to find campsites like that and not share it with others. Great adventure, Tristan.

[@lindaw2418]

You are one of my favorite people, Tristin. Carry on! 🤗🥰

[@karentapia888]

Me too!

[@janices6136]

The flowers are Lupins. The South Island in New Zealand has them giving the countryside a look of mauve/pink hue . I believe they come in all colors. . . Kiwi from Virginia

[@SUVRVing]

Beautiful flowers!

[@margreetanceaux3906]

The Netherlands has them too; they thrive in the wild as well as (cultivated) in your garden. Same in England.

[@Anita_T-Rex]

Steens Mountain is one giant uplifted fault block. It's the coolest thing to drive the mountain loop from the Frenchglen side, walk to the edge and look over the sheer drop of about a mile to the Alvord desert below. We also saw a rare sight, a melanistic (dark chocolate brown!) mule deer on the loop.

[@LostOnLandAgain]

The Rube Goldberg gate cracked me up! Very interesting place. The mountain lion picture was fabulous! That would scare the crap out of me so I'm glad you saw it and I didn't.

[@helenvwalker7919]

The flowers are definitely lupins. Loved this video. Completely new area to me.

[@cerulean999]

Just wanted to point out the two similar shots you made with the foreground with you in it, and framing a great scenic shot of the lake bed. Your shot planning is getting ever better. Keep up the great videos, and the super location coordinates below.

[@tychosnova2896]

20:45 yikes!!! Stay safe out there, friend. Fantastic video by the way 👍❤🐾

[@caroledn]

Lupins....oh how beautiful to see yellow ones! Here in the Superior National Forest in Minnesota, we have purple, white, fushia, variegated...and the illusive tangerine orange. June, our mountains are covered

[@darlenestout7548]

Thank you for sharing. These are places I'm sure I will never get to see if not for you. Beautiful place

[@3generations393]

Love your adventures Tristan. The drone shots of driving was fun to watch. Sad story of the young ladies passing 🙏 Thanks

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks for watching!

[@michaelsmith7193]

Quite a wonderful adventure! I really appreciated the information you shared about the extinct Alford cutthroat. What a shame that isolated species were so easily lost due to hybridization.

[@johnchedsey1306]

I only learned about the Alvord desert because before covid, there was a workshop for photographers/models held out there. Absolutely amazing place to shoot! (I only saw a friend's photos) I eventually visited a couple years ago but alas, no models were there that day. Still an amazing, unique landscape. And extremely far from anything.

[@godscommandmentsaretruthis2837]

I enjoy watching your videos... I wouldn't have paid the $7 bucks either... it's too much fun hiking. Thank you for sharing this.

[@evoo6]

Gosh...Nature is everything on this planet ...

[@garysanchezphotography]

Thanks again for another intersting video. I think those flowers are some species of Yellow Lupine.

[@sharondavis8003]

Loved today’s adventure. Can’t beat the beauty of Mother Nature. My favorite is the campsite with the running creek, deer grazing & all the lush green trees & grass. 🤗 Thanks, Tristan 🌲🦌

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Sharon!

[@robertholmes1556]

Awesome video! Been there a few times with my father. Still remember a fighter jet flying by so low I could see the pilot. I understand that they have a practice target located over the border in Nevada. Also, the very small town of Fields is not far from the Alford desert, and they have the best milkshakes.

[@deanfirnatine7814]

Oh yes those milkshakes OMG, Tristan you have to get a milkshake the next time you are there

[@lutherlutes7568]

Thank you for taking us along on your adventures!

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks for watching!

[@bobbeckman3735]

Thanks Tristan. I was at the desert a week ago. One of these days we are going to be in the same place at the same time. Ironic part is like being around people about as much as you do. Love your videos!

[@oscarmayer9823]

That double arch was like a pair of eyes keeping a vigilance over the surrounding flora and fauna.

[@northcoastoutdoorchannel]

Thanks for sharing, this of one of my favorite spots in Oregon. Crazy how remote it is. I enjoyed your hike by Pike creek. Nice shots of the lupine flower. I have seen some large rattlesnakes around that mountain!

[@geemoe3064]

Thank you for your words of wisdom on marination. So true!

[@tylermiller7295]

The lower stop is to prevent livestock from rubbing on the handle and opening the gate. Livestock are great escape artist and can open all kinds of gates.

[@SUVRVing]

Interesting. Someone else said it's so that people on horseback can open the gate.

[@tylermiller7295]

The long handle makes it easier to open gate while mounted.

[@dixxebell]

That plant looks like Golden Lupine...Another great adventure.

[@lezamcB116]

Your video's are the best!!!!!! So much knowledge!!!!!! Thanks, Be safe.......

[@mwaynem]

Thats a powder river gate the designed for cattle. The little lock is to keep cattle from working the lever open. Fun fact there are lots of hot springs in Oregon. Around Klamath Falls is the coldest moving body of water the Wood river and just a few miles a way is one of the warmest body of moving water the lost river. The river barely gets up to the upper 30 degrees in the hottest part of summer.

[@wildeescape]

Another fun adventure. I really like OR. The drone footage across the desert of the Rav was epic!

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Eric! Oregon is great. Lots of fun stuff to see and do there.

[@RLHayes]

Sabin's yellow lupine!! Gorgeous!

[@kabukiarmadillo]

My wife and I have camped on the Alvord twice. We were there a couple of days before that female was killed in her world land speed record attempt. We saw her team arrive to start setting up gear, learned a day after leaving that she was killed. Our first night of our second stay, we went out for a midnight drive to take photos. Ended up breaking through the dried mud and into the soft stuff below. Bottomed out our van trying to dig ourselves out. Slept in the van that night. The next morning my wife set out across the desert on one of our foldup travel bikes to get help while I stayed with our vehicle. The same family that operates the hot springs also have a rescue service for people who get stuck out on the desert. They charge $200 US which is still WAY cheaper than a tow truck from the next nearest town which is hours away. Extra tip: Do not sleep out on the desert floor thinking it will be romantic to sleep under a canopy of stars overhead. There are scorpions near the 'shoreline'.

[@alchristensen8121]

One of my favorite places. My laptop screen is a photo of my van on the lake bed. The times I've been there - late summer/early fall, the surface was very hard. However, I moved off of it when it looked like we'd get rain during the night.

[@alchristensen8121]

SPAM

[@mikestone9839]

I've always wondered when the "speed" enthusiasts attempt records, if they prepare the surface in any way, or do they run on the surface as it is. Curious if anybody knows. Also fascinating the different types of trout in the rivers long ago separated by the lake drying up. Always something new to learn! Thanks!

[@calvinvesco9883]

They prep the surface

[@imc4357]

I’ve been visiting the Alvord for over 30 years now, and the increase in visitation has exploded in the last few years. Unfortunately, the surrounding area has suffered because of uncaring people that leave their trash and bodily waste everywhere. One troubling part is people building bonfires (think mini Burning Man parties) out on the playa using pallets and other metal contaminated wood. There was a cleanup recently that netted massive amounts of nails, wire, screws, hinges and other metal pieces. Also, holes are being dug as fire pits and not filled back in. I would think people trying to break records out there would need to inspect the route first. I know I’m much more cautious driving on the playa now. It used to be so pristine and quite out there …not so much anymore.

[@samanthadodd8112]

I really enjoy all ur videos. Thanks for making these for us.

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks for watching!

[@seanfrank4158]

What spectacular country. Hope to visit it soon.

[@augustharter981]

Yes definitely windy and cold looking. I wanted to watch this video since i been wanting to visit that part of Oregon on our trips up there. That is a cool prismatic spring. Wow the sinkhoke is pretty cool! I remember Jesse Coombs and the land speed record at the dry lake bed in Alvord Desert. I saw some dust being blown up behind you when you were walking up the trail. The tree growing through the boulder was a nice thing to point out. A friend of mine likes to fish for the Iahonta cutthroat trout in other parts of Oregon. Beautiful flowers. Wish I knew the names. The double arch is pretty cool. Love arches! There are some nice views in the canyon area. Thanks for pointing out the shack. Definitely beautiful campsite you found. Enjoyed your vdeo!!

[@515aleon]

Yeah, don't know that I would go way out of my way for Oregon's "Yellowstone" but it is interesting. You do such great details and lore.

[@LTBRAD06]

Gotta come back to this area on way to wallowas and exolore the leslie gulch area . Amazing drone canyon views

[@kelliephoenix]

Really enjoyed the unique areas in your video and info you gave about them! 🙂 The photo you took of the mountain lion was amazing❣️🐾

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Kellie!

[@kelliephoenix]

@@SUVRVing 😊

[@bridgetmuehlberger5141]

Another interesting and engaging video! I love the detail and history you provide. Side note: not sure what kind of phone you use, but iPhone has a plant identifier function in iOS15. (Skip if you are already aware!) 😊 1. Take photo of plant 2. Open photos and find the image 3. Swipe up or tap on the encircled “i” in the toolbar 4. Tap Look Up - results will pop up at the bottom of the screen. 5. Tap on the Siri Knowledge entries to read more (this is linked to Wikipedia), or tap on the Similar Web Images to view more images and check your iPhone has found the right plant. It’s my understanding the feature covers many, but not all plants. Not sure if it requires cell or WiFi connection for the results. Also, I’ve been told Androids have a similar function. Keep on RV-ing!

[@kathylusardi44]

the lovely yellow flower is Lupin, they come in all colors, purple is common!

[@susancluffmeier2483]

We LOVE your channel! We’d love to see you do an episode doing the Aravaipa Canyon in SE AZ. It takes a permit but what a neat place!

[@geoffreywilliams7530]

Nice video, as always! Fun to vicariously explore te west with you.

[@JohnSneed5502]

Saw a mountain lion just a few miles north of your hike the last time I was in the Alvord. Caught a couple of Lahontan cuts in Wildhorse Lake up at Kiger.,a good spot for Tenkara, perhaps. What a magnificent place.

[@CAMacKenzie]

The yellow flower looks like some kind of lupine. Unusual, I'm accustomed to seeing them in blue or purple.

[@historyofthejerseyshore]

Very nice! Wish I could have smelled those flowers. Honeysuckle is my favorite smell in the whole wide world!

[@hooperbloop7625]

The vents are called fumaroles. I don't live too far from there, but I've never been there. Thanks for showing us what is out there to explore.

[@Ravenwood82]

The stargazing is awesome! Dark skies. When you're in that area, you might head south on 95 to McDermitt and take the Cordero Road and check out the McDermitt crater before the possible lithium mine destroys it. A stunning sage grouse and lahontan cutthroat trout habitat. I was just there this week...worth the time to get there. Too much to see in SE Oregon in a lifetime. Love it. Thanks for the videos Will

[@oldboater]

Once again, Thank You for taking me to places I didn’t know existed.

[@scotthadley8049]

VOh yeah this just found a familiar message I lived in Yellowstone for three years as a boy there’s lots hear a resonate with thank you

[@DanHaug]

I need to get back down to the Alvord and the Steens. One of my favorite places to visit.

[@SUVRVing]

Awesome area, for sure! Thanks for watching.

[@TheJBirch]

Awesome video Tristan! Trivia: the different colors in the springs are due to diversity of bacteria, instead of simply more. The cooler the waters get, the larger number of different species of bacteria that can live as the water cools, nd that creates the different colors. There is typically no bacteria in the blue part because it's too hot and too acidic. Also, believe the yellow flower is Wild Indigo. Editing to say that it does appear to be Lupine.

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks for the info, Jeff!

[@dianayocum7378]

Thanks again Tristan for another interesting video. You are so good at educating us as you travel.👍🏻

[@anthonykago4428]

@10:40 I like how you compared your 50mph 😄😄😄😄

[@bettybrigance6784]

Looks like a mini Yellowstone....had no idea of that area...caben was good, your last camp was peaceful...thanks for your work here. Stay safe.

[@allanerickson5053]

those flowers are lupines... down in AZ in the Sonoran desert there are lupines that only grow a couple of inches tall and lupines are all over the west. In Texas they call 'em bluebonnets

[@cheboludoche]

Great scenic and informative video. Thanks for sharing.

[@reggiebald2830]

Thanks for the fun video. 6/12/22 & we have a couple deer fawns grazing in our yard! (n/w California coast) Beautiful picture of the mountain lion!

[@carolsmith7380]

Very interesting and gorgeous video again, Tristan. Thanks as always! And travel safely.

[@marianfrances4959]

Buffalo beans! 🏵 (?!?) Great location...loved the hike. 👍😎🇨🇦🌲🌾

[@johnpagejr.7628]

Hi Tristan! I just got back home in Chelan WA from the Giant Loop motorcycle ride. I went down by way of Hwy 395 to Crane Hot springs near Burns OR. What a beautiful ride that was and after I set up at the camp grounds a fellow I met at the gathering and I went on a ride down to the Alvord desert. We had a milk shake in Fields Yum. I was taken aback by the beauty of the whole Eastern side of Oregon. It is simply amazing. Thanks for such great videos.

[@cameronb1907]

I really appreciate how much detail you go into at each location you visit. Being from Oregon, it was nice to see your version of a trip to the Alford Desert and the Steens. I have yet to visit them, but hopefully this is the year. Thanks for all your videos.

[@sandrabeck8788]

This scenery and your photography is stunning! I love southwest landscape, the colors and textures are so beautiful. I cannot hike this myself so really love youradventures

[@robertlinser2425]

The yellow wild flower is a lupine. In Minnesota they are on the north shore of Lake Superior around Tofte. Usually while and purple. But I could tell by the leaves.

[@johnnygreene5447]

No marinating in this water. Great advice! Enjoyed the video

[@michaeltichonuk2176]

Very unique locations and such info! Well done too of course!!

[@pleinaire8698]

WOW!!! that yellow-flowered plant looks like a lupine...same type of leaves!..I've never seen a yellow lupine before.!!

[@barbarapadgett5538]

I have a friend in the hills of Ocala, Florida and you have to check your shoes in the morning before putting them on as scorpions are plentiful.

[@r.eugenelee9148]

Thanks Tristan. Just found your channel a few days ago. Thank you for the great places you have taken us to. I live in Grand Junction and have been to many places in the west. Again...thanks for taking us along with you. Be safe. =-)

[@Jax4umalta]

Super cool photography on that mud flat. I especially liked when you drove over the camera towards the beginning of the video. That was pretty sweet. I watch a lot of guys that live in Oregon that do over landing. The Alvord desert is a big location for all of them. Awesome video Tristan. Cheers my friend.

[@williamhorton9796]

The flowering plant is lupine.

[@Mariteach777]

Thank you for sharing. Interesting video and beautiful campsite.👍

[@edwardsbarbara25]

All of this was so enjoyable. Thanks for taking us with you!

[@christinerolle3876]

Love your campground it's awesome.good for you Tristan.Thanks for sharing again.

[@shanekeaney2439]

Your videos are great. Great information, filming, and chill. Much appricated.

[@terryholt1832]

Always nice to have your video loaded and ready. Great camp site.

[@drakebonnellbonnell9045]

A nice rule of thumb. Thanks and as alway enjoyed the trip

[@bertkelly7650]

This past week we went to our states (PA) grand canyon which was free to get in. We also went to a private tower that wanted $5 to get in. If it had an elevator, maybe. It didn't and we didn't. That was some awesome view of your canyon. Thanks.

[@SUVRVing]

Sounds like a fun trip! Thanks Bert.

[@danbrownellfuzzy3010]

Love to do day hikes and bag peaks too. If that lion was taking a look at me, taking its picture would not be happening. I saw one, in my car, in Wyoming. Overwhelming feeling of being a mouse for 20 seconds.

[@deanfirnatine7814]

Hope you enjoy Eastern Oregon, gorgeous place of mountains, deserts and forests with very few people, I grew up in the region and love it.

[@mikehammons2829]

My favorit place is South East Oregon. I grew up traveling to it when I was younger and still do. Was really hoping you wouldn't get around to these areas. Lol I kind of thought it was great that most people didn't know about it. But fortunately a lot of people don't think of it as a tourist destination. One of the only place that you can be the only person for miles and miles. Great video as always. Keep em coming. Mike