Alvord Desert 2 Stock Image, Harney County, Oregon

The dry and cracked lake bed is in wonderful contrast to the reflection of the Steens Mountain in this photo of the Alvord Desert in Harney County, Oregon. The desert is a 12-mile by 7-mile playa, a dry lake bed, and averages 7 inches of rain a year. Along with Steens Mountain, these topographical features create a rain shadow. The Alvord lies at an elevation of approximately 4000 feet. During the dry season, the surface is flat enough to drive across, or land small aircraft on.