The Ord's kangaroo rat is a medium-sized kangaroo rat with awl-shaped lower incisors. It is the lightest-colored kangaroo rat in Oregon; overall the dorsum is a rich buff with gray overtones. The venter, upper lip, feet and side of the tail are white; there is a white spot above each eye and behind each ear; and a white stripe crosses each thigh. The moustache, eyelids, and ears are blackish.

In Oregon, it occurs east of a line connecting The Dalles, Hood River County; Sisters, Deschutes County; and Lakeview, Lake County except in the Ochoco, Blue, and Wallowa mountains.

Although occasionally seen abroad during daylight hours, Ord's kangaroo rat is active mostly at night; however, nighttime activity is affected by moonlight, temperature, and inclement weather. Burrows commonly are constructed beneath desert shrubs, and excavated earth thrown up often buries the lower branches. Burrows usually are kept plugged by residents to prevent escape of moisture and entrance of predators.