The Big Indian Gorge Trail is a spectacular hiking destination located in the Steens Mountain Wilderness in southeastern Oregon, near Frenchglen. This trail offers one of the most accessible ways to experience the dramatic glacially-carved landscapes of Steens Mountain.
The trail is an 8-mile one-way hike (about 16.9 miles round trip) that takes hikers deep into a stunning U-shaped gorge carved by glaciers during the last ice age. The trail starts at 5,400 feet elevation and gradually climbs to 6,800 feet at the headwall, gaining about 1,400-1,900 feet total.
The gorge features towering canyon walls, multiple waterfalls (especially prominent in spring), and passes through beautiful meadows, cottonwood groves, and shimmering aspen stands. Hikers will experience a transition from dry juniper and sagebrush landscapes at the beginning to lush aspen and alder-shaded areas deeper in the gorge. In early fall, the aspen trees turn brilliant yellows, oranges, and reds, providing spectacular autumn colors.
The trail involves three stream crossings – two across Big Indian Creek and one across Little Indian Creek – which can be difficult or even impassable during spring and early summer when water levels are high. The trail is easy to follow for the first 7 miles, then fades and becomes a cross-country route to reach the headwall.
The trail initially follows an old jeep road bed for the first couple miles, then becomes more of a traditional hiking trail. Hikers should wear long pants as woody sagebrush overhangs portions of the trail.
Multiple primitive campsites exist along the trail, with popular spots around 6-7 miles in, including the scenic Big Indian Cottonwoods Camp. There's a particularly notable campsite on top of a waterfall around 8.5 miles in.
The trailhead is located at South Steens Campground, which offers camping, restrooms, and parking To reach it, drive to Frenchglen, continue toward Fields for 10 miles, then turn onto Steens Mountain Loop Road and drive 18.9 miles to the campground. Note that the Steens Mountain Loop Road is closed due to snow between November and June.
The best hiking season is mid-June through early October. Spring offers the best wildflower displays and waterfall viewing, while early fall provides stunning aspen colors and easier stream crossings. Summer can be very hot with little shade along much of the route.