Oregon Outback Scenic Byway
The Sounds -- and Colors -- of Silence. In the vast high desert, peace and solitude have sounds and colors all their own. The silence swallows up every noise. And the ever-changing light, even the passing of a cloud turns earthy browns, grays and greens into pastel blues, pinks and purples. Explore this remote, yet easily accessible part of Oregon. And enjoy the silence.
1.
The Shadow of the Cascades
Your "drive-about" through Oregon’s Outback begins deep in the Deschutes National Forest. From La Pine (30 miles south of Bend), head three miles south on U.S. Route 97, then southeast on Oregon Route 31, through stands of lodgepole and ponderosa.
2.
Fort Rock
About 27 miles east of U. S. Route 97, the forest abruptly gives way to vast sagebrush plains reminiscent of the Australian Outback. Like Australia’s Ayer’s Rock, Oregon’s Fort Rock is a mysterious rock formation that appears to emerge from out of nowhere. Actually, Fort Rock is the remains of a volcano that looks like a giant citadel rising 325 feet above the plain. From Oregon Route 31, Fort Rock State Monument is an easy seven miles away, offering hiking trails and picnic facilities. On the way, Fort Rock Homestead Village features a living history museum in the summer.
3.
Silver and Summer Lakes
Return to Oregon Route 31 and head south toward the community of Silver Lake. The town’s namesake is actually a dry basin a few miles east that fills every 30 years or so. From here, the Byway turns south and climbs 4,830-foot Picture Rock Pass, named for ancient Indian petroglyphs that decorate rocks that are within walking distance of the highway.
Over the pass, you’ll see Summer Lake, a long, shallow body of extremely alkaline water that is very suitable to waterfowl. In fact, the 18,000-acre Summer Lake Wildlife Area is a breeding, resting and viewing area for terns, gulls, swans and cranes on the Pacific Flyway. The little town of Summer Lake offers a variety of visitor services and a way-side commemorating an 1843 expedition led by Captain John C. Fremont.
4.
Put on Some Paisley
A dozen miles beyond the lake, Paisley is home of the annual Mosquito Festival in July. This community provides all services, hot spring baths, and several choice spots to fish the trout-stocked Chewaucan River. From here, Oregon Route 31 continues southeast to giant Lake Abert, whose placid alkaline waters reflect a palette of desert colors.
5.
Rim Shots
When you reach Valley Falls, Oregon Route 31 joins U. S. Route 395 south. Here, the horizon is dominated by Abert Rim, a 30-mile-long fault escarpment rising 2,000 feet above the desert floor. The rim’s southern section is a popular launching area for hang gliders.
6.
Tall Tales of Lakeview
A scenic 27 miles later, you’ll enter Lakeview, the state’s "tallest town" at 4,800 feet. A must-see here is Oregon’s only geyser, located at a resort a mile north of town. Old Perpetual typically shoots 60 feet in the air every 30 seconds. While you’re in town, visit the Schminck Memorial Museum and the Lake County Museum. Then head up to Black Cap for a spectacular view of the Goose Lake Valley. If you’re here in the summertime, you’ll see why Lakeview is known as the "Hang Gliding Capital of the West."
The Outback Byway ends about 15 miles south of Lakeview at the border town of New Pine Creek and Goose Lake State Recreation Area, a full-service RV park.
For more information, contact the Lake County Chamber of Commerce at 541-947-6040.