Great Basin and Owyhee Uplands
69. Mann Lake
OWESA geographic model: | geomorphology | climate |
vegetation | wildlife | human
settlement |
Geomorphology
Rockhounds search for thundereggs, agates and other rocks and minerals in
the area.
Climate
Vegetation
Wildlife
This shallow lake surrounded by rolling sagebrush and high desert hills,
with the distinct Steens Mountain (see images) in the background, provides
excellent viewing opportunities for pronghorn and mule deer. Birds attracted
to the lake include mallard, cinnamon teal, pintail, northern shoveler,
ruddy duck, American avocet, and willet. Mann Lake is a favorite fishing
spot for rainbow and cutthroat trout. Antelope, chukar, quail, and sage
grouse are also found in this area. About fifty miles south of Mann Lake,
on Highway 78, going towards Burns Junction, the image of the above three
mustangs in defensive posture was taken. See the Oregon Wildlife Viewing
Guide (1994) for important additional details on wildlife description,
viewing information, and directions to wildlife viewing sites.
Human Settlement
Mann Lake was named for an early nearby rancher, Philip Mann. The closest
town is Fields. Charles Fields homesteaded on the present town site and
established a station in 1881 that supplied the needs of people traveling
through the area. The Fields post officewas established in 1913. Fields
has a gas station, general store, cafe and motel and is the largest community
on the east side of Steens Mountain. It is 21 miles to Denio located on
the border of Oregon and Neveda. The cafe at Fields is reported to have
a cheeseburger and shake worth driving from Frenchglen.
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Sources
McArthur, L., Oregon Geographic Names , 6th Ed., 1992. Oregon
Historical Society Press, Portland, Oregon.
Steens Mountain Area: Points of Interest. n.d. .Bureau Of Land
Management, Burns District Office, Ines, Oregon.
Yuskavitch, J., Oregon Wildlife Viewing Guide , 1994. Falcon
Press, Helena, Montana.
Copyright
Phil Kessinger, 1997
Eugene,Oregon USA
All Rights Reserved
phil_k
at
efn.org
Revised December 2002