High Desert is located in central Oregon between the Blue Mountains and the Basin and Range Region. It occupies the Malheur Basin, which ranges in elevation from 4,000 to 5,000 feet (1,200 to 1,500 meters). Volcanic ash blankets much of the area. Cinder cones are features of the western section. Localized interior drainage and temporary lakes are common. The High Desert area is very thinly populated. It is used for seasonal grazing.
