Burns Travel Guide

Planning a trip to Eastern Oregon? Read our comprehensive travel guide to Burns, including places to visit, outdoor adventures, food and drink scene, accommodation options, and more.


Introduction to Burns

Welcome to Burns, a charming city located in the heart of Eastern Oregon. Known for its awe-inspiring natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and plethora of outdoor activities, Burns is a must-visit destination for all types of travelers. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a blend of both, Burns offers something for everyone.

In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll take you through the best places to visit, things to do, food and drink scene, and accommodation options in Burns. We’ve also included tips on local customs, safety, and transportation to help you plan your trip.

List of Places to Visit in Burns

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Burns is home to numerous museums and historical sites that offer a fascinating glimpse into the region’s rich past and cultural heritage. Some of the top attractions include:

  • Harney County Historical Society Museum: Located in downtown Burns, this museum houses a vast collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents that document the region’s history.

  • Pete French Round Barn: Built in 1882, this historic landmark is a prime example of rural architecture and is now part of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.

  • Burns Paiute Tribe Museum: This museum showcases the culture and history of the local Paiute tribe through exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays.

Natural Attractions of Burns: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Burns is known for its stunning natural beauty, and there’s no shortage of outdoor activities and breathtaking views to explore. Here are some of the top attractions to check out:

  • Malheur National Wildlife Refuge: Spread over 187,000 acres, this refuge is a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. The refuge is home to over 320 species of birds and myriad other wildlife.

  • Steens Mountain: Located about an hour’s drive from Burns, Steens Mountain offers scenic vistas, hiking trails, and opportunities for stargazing.

  • Alvord Desert: This massive playa is located in the southeastern corner of Oregon and offers a unique desert experience with vast expanses of cracked earth and incredible sunsets.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Burns

Burns is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, and there are many hiking and biking trails to explore. Some of the popular routes include:

  • Steens Mountain Loop: This 52-mile loop offers a challenging workout and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain ranges.

  • Diamond Craters: Located about an hour’s drive from Burns, Diamond Craters is a volcanic field with numerous hiking trails.

  • Blitzen River Trail: This 7-mile trail offers scenic views of the river and surrounding canyon.

Best Things to Do in Burns: Activities and Tours

In addition to outdoor activities and historical tours, there are numerous other activities to enjoy in Burns. Here are some of the top things to do:

  • Hot Springs Soaking: Enjoy soaking in the soothing hot springs after a day of adventure in the surrounding natural beauty.

  • Harney County Fair: Held annually in August, this fair attracts visitors from all over the region for a fun-filled weekend of rides, livestock shows, and concerts.

  • Wildlife Viewing: From birdwatching to wildlife viewing, there are ample opportunities to experience Oregon’s natural beauty up close.

Week-Long Itinerary for Burns

Here’s a suggested itinerary for a week-long trip to Burns:

  • Day 1: Visit the Harney County Historical Society Museum and explore downtown Burns.
  • Day 2: Take a day trip to the Steens Mountain Loop and Diamond Craters.
  • Day 3: Soak in the hot springs at Crystal Crane Hot Springs.
  • Day 4: Visit the Burns Paiute Tribe Museum and learn about their culture and history.
  • Day 5: Explore the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge and go birdwatching.
  • Day 6: Relax and unwind at Harney County Fair.
  • Day 7: Take a scenic drive to Alvord Desert and enjoy the sand dunes and vast expanse of the desert.

Food and Drink Scene of Burns

Must-Try Dishes

Burns offers a range of dining options, and some of the must-try dishes include:

  • Steak: Burns is known for its delicious steak, which can be enjoyed at local restaurants like The Pine Room and The Silver Spur.
  • Huckleberry Pie: Huckleberry pie is a local favorite, and many restaurants and bakeries in Burns offer this delicious treat.
  • Craft Beer: Burns is home to one of Oregon’s best-kept secrets, the Steens Mountain Brewing Company, which offers a range of craft beers.

Local Beverages

In addition to beer, Burns boasts an excellent coffee scene, with local coffee shops like 10 Depot Street and Sagebrush offer a caffeine fix.

Where to Stay in Burns: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Burns offers numerous accommodation options, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Some of the best options include:

  • Bullard’s Motel: This charming motel offers clean, comfortable rooms and a central location in downtown Burns.
  • Best Western Rory & Ryan Inns: Located near the Harney County Fairgrounds, this hotel offers spacious rooms, excellent amenities, and a great location.
  • Crystal Crane Hot Springs: This rustic resort offers cabins, tent sites, and RV hookups, all located around their hot springs.

What to Buy in Burns: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking for souvenirs or local products to bring home, consider the following:

  • Huckleberry Products: Huckleberry jam, syrup, and candy can be found in many local shops and make excellent gifts.
  • Handcrafted Items: Local artisans make a range of handcrafted items like pottery and artwork that make beautiful keepsakes.
  • Cowboy Hats: Burns is surrounded by ranches, and cowboy hats are a popular souvenir.

Local Culture and Customs of Burns

Burns is a welcoming and hospitable city, and visitors should always be respectful of local customs and practices. One of the most important practices is to always be mindful of the delicate ecosystem of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge and the surrounding natural areas. Be sure to follow all posted rules and regulations and practice Leave No Trace principles.

Best Time to Visit Burns

The best time to visit Burns is from May to September when the weather is warm and conducive to outdoor activities. However, visitors should be prepared for hot temperatures in the summer, and winter travelers should be prepared for snowy conditions.

Do’s and Don’ts of Burns

Do:

  • Respect the local customs and practices.
  • Plan ahead for outdoor activities and be mindful of the environment.
  • Try the local food and drink.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage natural areas.
  • Ignore posted rules and regulations.

Safety and Health

Safety in Burns

Burns is a generally safe destination, but visitors should always exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings. Be sure to lock your car doors and keep valuables out of sight.

Health in Burns

Visitors to Burns should come prepared with sunscreen, insect repellent, and adequate clothing and gear for outdoor activities.

Getting to Burns: Transportation Options and Logistics

Visitors to Burns can arrive by car, bus, or plane.

Airports Near Burns

The Burns Municipal Airport offers daily flights to Portland.

Bus Stations Near Burns

Greyhound offers service to Burns from numerous locations across the region.

Other Options

Driving is one of the most popular ways to get to Burns, and visitors can easily reach the city via several major highways.

How to Get Around in Burns

Visitors to Burns can easily get around on foot or by car. Most attractions are located within walking distance of the downtown area, and rental cars are available from the airport and local vendors.

Where to Go Next from Burns: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re looking to continue your journey after visiting Burns, here are some nearby destinations worth exploring:

  • Bend: Located about three hours south of Burns, Bend offers excellent skiing, hiking, and mountain biking in a charming small-town setting.
  • Boise: Located about four hours east of Burns across the border in Idaho, Boise is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city that’s perfect for college students, young professionals, and families.
  • Pendleton: Located about two hours north of Burns, Pendleton is known for its historic downtown, excellent museums, and world-famous Pendleton Round-Up.

Conclusion

We hope this comprehensive travel guide has provided you with all the information you need to plan your trip to Burns, Oregon. With its rich history, breathtaking natural beauty, and range of outdoor activities, Burns is a must-visit destination for all types of travelers.

The Buena Vista Overlook at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge The Buena Vista Overlook at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge