Written by Kimberely Stephens, Photos by Kimberely Stephens
I’ve lived in the Willamette Valley for the majority of my life. One of the joys I find is in visiting the refuges, observing, and photographing Oregon’s abundant wildlife. One day I got to thinking ‘I’d love to photograph Wild Mustang’s!’ Surely there had to be somewhere in Oregon that I could, so off to the internet to research I went. I was happily surprised that within driving distance, just a six-hour drive, there was a herd of Wild Mustang’s. Fondly, and might I say, appropriately named The Hollywood Herd!
Now that I’d found the who and where, I continued my research, and found accommodations near Malheur National Wildlife Refuge at the Steens Mountain Resort. Lovely people, comfortable, and very affordable. We now had our mother and daughter trip all planned.
Though, I must say, the internet was lacking on images of the landscape. I made a note to myself to rectify that and happily took many pictures of the stunning views.
We arrived Friday evening, checked in, and did a little surveying before dark. Setting out Saturday morning to explore what we could of the refuge in a day. The mountains, and of course to visit the horses. We began our morning as though we had spent the night right on the refuge. Not an experience one could have here in the valley, so it was a magnificent feeling.
Though, we were unsure what the weather might do in the middle of Spring. We were delighted the passing light rain left the surroundings clean and fresh in appearance. Nature just gave everything a quick rinse and left a beautiful rainbow in its wake.
I was delighted to have captured this image as though the road and clouds were going right under the rainbow.
I fell in love with all the contrasting colors. The Spring foliage of greens and yellows just popped against the dark trunks of the trees. Everything was visually pleasing, magical, and so charming. From Canada Geese, Red Wing Black Birds, Killdeer, Belding’s Ground Squirrels, Ring-necked Pheasants, to the Black-tailed Jackrabbit, and many other species. I never lacked a subject to photograph.
Central Patrol Road with trees to the side Black-tailed jackrabbit 
Really lady! No privacy and you’re taking pictures? Mule Deer crossing the road
The day did not lack comical occurrences. One such was the longest piddle I’ve ever witnessed by a Mule Deer. Still working our way out to see the horses. We spotted a few mule deer crossing the field, to cross the road, to get to the other side of the refuge. This one (pictured above) stopped and squatted, so I grabbed the camera, thinking I’d better be quick. I started snapping pictures. Looking this way, looking that way, it was still going, took a few more pictures, still going… My arm actually got tired from holding the camera up, but the deer really had to go.
Another thing I found was the people on and around the refuge were so kind. Slowing down for the now very relieved mule deer to cross the road. I captured an image I’ve seen in various wildlife photos over the years. Now I had one of my own.
The Sandhill Crane has been on my list of birds to photograph. Previously, I’d planned on one day making my way to Sauvie Island, where they are known to frequent. Thankfully, I will not be having to drive through Portland traffic, and was able to mark this one off my list.
“We got Cows!” A statement that was said many times throughout our visit. In conjunction with the Cow Guards, you know those no matter how slow you drive, you get jostled when driving across them? We speculated many things, maybe it’s for the snow run off, or a gate that is raised when moving the herds? Nope, just invisible Cow Gates!
After returning home and revisiting our adventure. My husband had a good laugh that we did not know what these were. He explained that the bars in the road are spaced out enough that the cows will not cross because they know their hooves will get stuck. Well now that makes perfect sense! Smart cows! Us girls, well, it is open range. Not exactly something you find in the Willamette Valley. How were two city girls to know they were just invisible cow gates….
Finally, we had arrived to photograph the Hollywood Herd! Such beautifully majestic creatures and as if on que to a new visitor. They began trotting up from the salt flats, one by one, to three at a time, as though they were introducing us to their herd. We were given quite the show!
Manes blowing in the wind determined to show us their stuff. The stallions reared and faced off! Nipping, biting, and challenging one another! Spectators shaking off the rain! Getting just close enough to sniff us on the breeze! There were numerous foals with their proud Mama’s!
To say the least I got what I’d come for….to photograph the Wild Mustang’s!
We continued up the mountain to find the road was closed, which was completely alright with me, fear of heights, and Oregon’s most dangerous road and all…. so we turned back and I spotted this little critter just off the road. We were not sure if it was a badger or what it was, though, not the best of images. I did get one passable picture so we could look it up later.
Well later came instantly. As we were driving out, another visitor stopped to tell us there were horses on the road behind them. We told them what we had just seen, and they knew exactly what it was. A Yellow-bellied Marmot, aka, a Rock Chuck. Oh yeah, we went there! How many rocks can a rock chuck-chuck if a Rock Chuck-chucked rocks? Neither of us could say it three times fast but we did have a good laugh!
In conclusion, our visit was the perfect day, and so much fun. I have already booked my next trip and can’t wait to visit the Steens Mountain and Malheur National Wildlife Refuge again. On that note, if you have never been, I highly recommend making the trip. From the wildlife to the awesome people, to the tremendously gorgeous views, those skies, you will not be disappointed. Also, don’t forget to stop in at the Mercantile in Frenchglen for a souvenir. I always try to support locally owned businesses and the people were just amazing. Moreover, a hoodie is always a great buy for remembering a remarkable vacation, especially, if one lives in Oregon. I purchased two!
Until next time – stay Wild Mustang’s! I’ll be back!
