The Donner und Blitzen River arises as an intermittent stream on the lower slopes west of Steens Mountain at the  level at , roughly  south-southeast of Burns and  northwest of Alvord Lake and empties at  into Malheur Lake. Numerous nearby springs create its tributaries including South Fork Blitzen River, Little Blitzen River, Big Indian Creek, Little Indian Creek, Fish Creek, Mud Creek, and Ankle Creek.
The Donner und Blitzen River is a seasonal stream that originates on the western slopes of Steens Mountain near Burns and Alvord Lake. It flows into Malheur Lake through numerous tributaries like South Fork Blitzen River, Little Blitzen River, Big Indian Creek, Little Indian Creek, Fish Creek, Mud Creek, and Ankle Creek.