Spring Basin Wilderness

Oregon Hedgehog Cactus, Eastern Oregon

Oregon’s Spring Basin Wilderness encompasses 6,382 acres and is located in north central Oregon, near the town of Clarno.

Oregon Hedgehog Cactus

This rugged wilderness area is located just over 2 hours from Bend, Oregon, along the John Day River and was established in 2009 and signed into law by President Barack Obama.

While Spring Basin borders the John Day River, it is largely a high desert area which greens in spring and is known for its healthy population of Oregon Hedgehog Cactus and abundant wildflowers.

These enchanting cacti look like they couldn’t possibly survive in the Oregon high desert. Their beautiful but delicate blooms only last a few days each spring and then resume their prickly cantaloupe appearance for the remainder of the year.

I made several visits to this remote area in the same year in hopes of capturing both macro photos as well as landscape photos of these beautiful cactus blooms. On my third attempt, my timing was excellent, capturing this delightful clump of blooming Hedgehogs, layered mountains in their springtime splendor and the John Day River winding its way throught the upper left hand corner of this beautiful new landscape photograph!