Steins Pillar - Prineville, OR

This out-and-back trail takes you up, over, and down two high points before arriving at the base of Steins Pillar (apparently pronounced "Steens").

Along the way, you go through old growth forest...

Trail through the Forest

pass mountain meadows scattered with wildflowers...

One of the Two Most Prevalent Wildflowers along the Trail

The Other Widely Seen Wildflowers

and follow along rocky ridges.

View from a Ridge

About halfway to the destination is a viewpoint which gives you your first sight of Steins Pillar (although it is partially hidden behind two other rock formations).

First View of Steins Pillar

As you circle to the right along the ridge, you are provided glimpses from different angles of Steins Pillar and other rock formations.

The Top of Steins Pillar

Rock Formation next to Steins Pillar

You then begin to directly approach the natural wonder.

Getting Closer

After a last steep descent, you arrive at the base of Steins Pillar.

At the Base of Steins Pillar

Up the Side of Steins Pillar

In addition to being awed by its presence, the area around the base of Steins Pillar also provides views of the valley below.

View from Naturally Carved Rock Shelf

Instead of or in addition to the hike, you can view Steins Pillar and other rock formations from a viewpoint next to the road just a short way beyond the turnoff to the trailhead.

Steins Pillar from Roadside Viewpoint

Steins Pillar and Neighbor Formations

Just as I was starting the drive back to Prineville, I noticed a large bird out of the corner of my eye. I stopped the van and was able to witness an interesting sight. A hawk would perch on a branch until two little black birds flew aggressively at it. The hawk would then fly a short distance to the next tree branch. The birds would then go after the hawk again. This was repeated three or four times. I assume the little birds were defending their territory, a nest, or something similar.

Hawk