Kiger Creek (Harney County, Oregon) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kiger Creek |
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Kiger Gorge, looking north, downstream
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 Location of the mouth of Kiger Creek in Oregon
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| Country | United States |
| State | Oregon |
| County | Harney |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Steens Mountain Oregon 7,979 ft (2,432 m) 42°42′29″N 118°33′57″W / 42.70806°N 118.56583°W |
| River mouth | Swamp Creek 4,163 ft (1,269 m) 43°01′59″N 118°42′48″W / 43.03306°N 118.71333°W |
| Type: | Wild |
| Designated: | October 30, 2000 |
Kiger Creek is a cool stream located in Harney County, in the state of Oregon, United States. It starts high up on Steens Mountain and flows generally north. Kiger Creek eventually joins another stream called Swamp Creek near the small community of Diamond. Together, these streams flow into Diamond Swamp and the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, which is a protected area for wildlife.
A special part of Kiger Creek, about 4.3 miles (6.9 km) long, is protected as a "Wild and Scenic River." This means it's kept in its natural state because it's so important for nature and beauty. The creek is home to special fish called redband trout. Its surrounding area also provides a home for animals like mule deer, elk, bighorn sheep, and pronghorn.
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Why is it Called Kiger Creek?
Kiger Creek got its name from the Kiger family. They were pioneers who settled in Oregon in the mid-1800s. In 1874, they moved to the Steens Mountain area in Harney County. However, they returned to western Oregon a few years later in 1878. Minerva J. (Dolly) Kiger, a member of the family, named this creek. She also named one of its smaller streams, Cucamonga Creek, and another nearby stream, McCoy Creek.
Fun Things to Do at Kiger Creek
There are a few cool places to visit near Kiger Creek that are managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Exploring Kiger Gorge Overlook
Near where the creek begins, you can find the Kiger Gorge Overlook. From here, you can see the amazing U-shaped Kiger Gorge. This deep valley, about half a mile deep, was carved out by huge glaciers during the ice age. It's a great spot for taking photos and enjoying the view.
The overlook is about 22 miles (35 km) from the small town of Frenchglen. You can get there by driving along the Steens Mountain Loop Road. This area is usually open from July 4th to November 1st, depending on the weather.
Camping at Jackman Park Campground
If you like camping, Jackman Park Campground is a good option. It's a bit lower in elevation, around 7,800 feet (2,377 meters) above sea level. This campground is also along the Steens Mountain Loop Road. It's about 3 miles (4.8 km) from Kiger Gorge Overlook and 19 miles (31 km) from Frenchglen.
The campground is open from June 10th to November 1st. It has six campsites, toilets, and picnic tables, making it a nice place to stay overnight.
Seeing Wild Horses
The Kiger Wild Horse Viewing Area is also nearby. This large area, about 37,000 acres (15,000 ha), is a perfect home for wild Kiger mustangs. These are special horses that roam freely. The area has several spots where you can try to see these beautiful wild horses.
The viewing area is generally open from May 1st to November 15th. The road to get there is about 3 miles (4.8 km) from Diamond. It's an exciting chance to see horses living in the wild!
Smaller Streams Joining Kiger Creek
Kiger Creek has several smaller streams, called tributaries, that flow into it. From its start to its end, these include:
- Big Pasture Creek, which joins from the right side.
- Mud Creek, Little Kiger Creek, and Poison Creek, all also joining from the right side.
- Cucamonga Creek, which joins from the left side. This happens after Kiger Creek splits into two smaller branches and flows under Diamond Lane, getting closer to Swamp Creek.
