Harney County

Burns, Oregon commonly referred to as the gateway to the Steens Mountains, became a town in 1891 and is the county seat of Harney County. Burns offers the visitor breathtaking scenery, outdoor activities of hiking, fishing, hunting, camping and backpacking with easy access to the Steens Mountains and the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge just 30 miles south of the City on US 205.  The 185,000 acres provides a Mecca for bird watchers as it is the habitat for over 250 species of migratory birds.  

A visit to downtown Burns provides opportunity for visitors to meet the friendly people of this western town, and view collections of arrowheads, art galleries and stores.  A visit to the Harney County Historical Museum is necessary and provides a history of the old west in Burns and Harney County, with historical photos, ranching memorabilia and full room restorations of the old western kitchen. 

For more information, visit cityofburnsor.gov/