Kiger Creek includes exceptional scenic, wildlife, fish, and botanic values across its 4.25 mile stretch! The lower part of Kiger Creek contains large aspen groves on moist, gentle slopes above the creek and mountain big sagebrush mixed with western juniper on drier slopes. Willows are densely packed along the creek with sedge-dominated meadows in open areas. The upper portion of Kiger Creek consists of many riparian tributaries originating from large snowfields and springs. Streamside vegetation in the upper gorge is dominated by willow thickets surrounded by large groves of quaking aspen. Spring areas contain meadow vegetation such as sedges and forbs. High elevation vernal ponds perched on the west side of the upper gorge were formed when glaciers retreated at the end of the ice age. The dry, rocky slopes above the stream in the upper gorge are dominated by mountain big sagebrush. Scenic: Kiger Creek flows through one of the most prominent canyons in the Steens Mountain area and offers a spectacular display of past glacial activity. The long corridor can be seen from miles away, and is identifiable by its own unique geologic feature - Kiger Notch. The U-shaped gorge is a classic example of a glaciated canyon. On a clear day, scenic vistas extend to the horizon.

Recreational: This remote river corridor offers outstanding opportunities for both primitive recreation and solitude. The area lies in rugged country with difficult and limited access. A high level of backcountry skill is required of visitors to this area.

Wildlife: Elevation gradient and canyon slopes provide highly diverse habitats associated with the riparian area. Pikas may be present in talus slopes near the canyon head. Bighorn sheep use the eastern slope of the gorge; elk and mule deer use this area extensively during summer months. Aspen, western juniper, cottonwood, beaver ponds, and large spring areas contribute to habitat diversity. Riparian dependent species may be present in riparian areas.

Fish: Kiger Creek provides habitat for wild, native redband trout. Additionally, Malheur mottled sculpin, mountain whitefish, and longnose dace have been observed in Kiger Creek downstream of the WSR segment. Redband trout and Malheur mottled sculpin are recognized by the BLM as Special Status Species.

Botanic: The west rim of Kiger WSR contains unique botanical sites. Wet meadows interspersed with willow hummocks are habitat for several Special Status plant species including pinnate grapefern, Cusick’s draba, and foetid sedge. Drier, rocky areas adjacent to meadows contain Steens Mountain penstemon, weak-stemmed stonecrop, and sky pilot. Located above the meadows are cirque lakes perched on the side of the canyon wall at edges of lateral moraines. Areas around these lakes display vegetation that grows in other canyon sections but later in the season due to late-lying snowdrifts.

For more information stop on by the BLM’s Burns District Office or contact:

Phone: 541-573-4400 E-mail: BLM_OR_BU_Mail@blm.gov