English: Wild Horse Creek Wild and Scenic River

From its headwaters in Wildhorse Canyon, Wildhorse Creek descends south from Wildhorse Lake, just below Wildhorse Overlook, one of the tallest points on Steens Mountain in the high desert of southeastern Oregon. Little Wildhorse Creek begins at Little Wildhorse Creek Lake. The two streams combine for over four additional miles through the Steens Mountain Wilderness Area. This scenic wonder ultimately ventures through private land and into the Alvord Valley.

Designated Reach: October 30, 2000. Wildhorse Creek, from its headwaters to the private property line at the mouth of Wildhorse Canyon, into section 34, township 34 south, range 33 east. Little Wildhorse Creek from its headwaters to its confluence with Wildhorse Creek.

Classification/Mileage: Wildhorse Creek, Wild — 7.0 miles; Little Wildhorse Creek, Wild — 2.6 miles.

Outstandingly Remarkable Values

Botanic The headwaters of Little Wildhorse Creek are designated as a Research Natural Area (RNA)/ Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) because of a mid- to high-elevation lake and associated ecosystem. This RNA/ACEC was designated to protect the area for scientific study opportunities. Interesting and unique plant communities are located above the Wildhorse Creek and Little Wildhorse Creek confluence.

Recreational

This river system offers many opportunities for remote hiking and primitive camping, as well as solitude, especially in the upper pristine areas. A portion of the Oregon High Desert National Recreation Trail traverses the Wildhorse and Little Wildhorse Canyons.

Scenic

The Wildhorse and Little Wildhorse Creek corridors offer outstanding opportunities to view glacier-formed canyons and other significant geologic features, including two glacial lakes. The canyons drop off the east face of Steens Mountain, resulting in spectacular views of geology and extensive landscape vistas. Both creeks exhibit good examples of past glacial activity, erosional processes and tilting action of a massive, fault-block mountain.

Wildlife

Wildhorse and Little Wildhorse Creeks provide habitat for California bighorn sheep and a variety of wildlife from headwaters to canyon mouths. Species such as pika can be found at upper elevations. Little Wildhorse Creek contains excellent riparian habitat at higher elevations. Wildhorse and Little Wildhorse Lakes provide vernal high elevation pools, talus and cliffs, willows and adjacent upland vegetation, which together provide a diversity of wildlife habitats