Outback Scenic Byway

Rises 325 feet out of the plain like a desert mirage. A national natural landmark, it takes its name from the fortress-like towering rock walls that form a near circle. It’s actually the ring of an ancient volcanic crater that was set in a shallow sea. Hikers can slip inside the walls, where wave action cut horizontal slabs into the rock.

Comprises several historic buildings from the valley, including a one-room schoolhouse, a church, a mercantile and settlers’ cabins, preserved and relocated by volunteers.

The road crests to 4,830-foot Picture Rock Pass, named for the Native American petroglyphs hammered into the rock just a short walk from the highway on the Medicine Man Trail. Atop the pass on a clear day, you can see the Three Sisters, a trio of Cascade Mountain volcanoes some 90 miles to the northwest.

A long, shallow alkaline lake with depths of 4 to 5 feet, the lake contains no fish and sometimes dries up completely. The 18,000-acre 4 Summer Lake Wildlife Area draws a wide range of waterfowl and is an important resting stop for birds migrating on the Pacific Flyway. .

At Valley Falls OR-31 joins US-395. To the east, the massive wall of Albert Rim rises up nearly 2,500 feet meters and stretches 30 miles, the largest exposed fault scarp in North America.

Located near Lakeview and within a hot springs resort complex 1 mile/ north of town, is Oregon’s only geyser, shooting a column of water up to 50 feet into the air. It has a history of erupting every 90 seconds but has become more tempera-mental in recent years; the geyser still goes off regularly from October to May.

Starting in the City of La Pine and heading southeast on SR 31 toward Fort Rock, your journey along the outback Scenic Byway has officially begun! On your drive to Fort Rock, you will find the Fort Rock Valley Historical Society Homestead Museum, which will be your first stop along the Byway to take in the history of the area.

Next up, if you want to spot some of the most gorgeous birds in the area you must stop at Paulina Marsh which is located right outside of Silver Lake. After that stop at Picture Rock Pass, which commemorates and showcases the Native American petroglyphs that can be viewed. As the road begins to descend, you will immediately see picturesque views of the pristine Summer Lake.

From the Summer Lakes area, you will soon make your way toward Paisley and cross over the Chewaucan River. There are plenty of chances to fish for beautiful rainbow trout and other native fish to the area. As you continue you will see some of the most beautiful views, including Albert Rim right across from Albert Lake right outside the community of Valley Falls.

The end of your journey will be marked by the towns of Lakeview and New Pine Creek, which are two wonderful areas that surround the beautiful Goose Lake. You can spend the night here and spend the whole next day enjoying the lake and the surrounding area!