This Scenic 171-Mile Drive May Be The Most Underrated Adventure In Oregon
By Christy Articola|Published May 26, 2023
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Christy Articola
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Christy Articola has lived in Colorado since 2013 and considers herself a Centennial State enthusiast and expert through and through. She's based in Denver metro, but over the past decade, she has traveled to every corner, river, village, park, town, and city in the state and continues to explore it deeper and further whenever she can. Christy simply can't get enough of Colorado, and loves sharing all her adventures with you through Only In Your State! She graduated with a degree in journalism from Fordham University and is thrilled to be working as a full time travel writer for this and other sites - she finally found her perfect niche - and is so grateful for that.
If you’re looking for a memorable road trip in Oregon that many have never considered, you should check out the Oregon Outback Scenic Byway. This route from La Pine to Lakeview, Oregon, in the south-central part of the state, is one of the best scenic byways in Oregon. You’ll see a lot of beauty on this route and you’ll have a great time. This part of the state looks far different than the Oregon that you’re used to and that’s what makes it so special. Read on to learn more about this scenic byway in Oregon and start planning your drive today!
The Oregon Outback Scenic Byway received its name because in some areas, it's reminiscent of the Australian Outback, but it doesn't start out that way. If you start this drive on the northern end of it, you'll begin where the Cascade Range ends, near La Pine, in lush forest.
This 325-foot-tall rock formation is actually the exterior ring of an ancient volcano. It's a great place for hiking - and people have been exploring it for thousands of years.
A pair of sandals was found here that has been carbon-dated to 9,300 years ago! It's the oldest pair of footwear ever found anywhere in the world.
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As you continue to travel south on OR-31, you'll pass a few lakes - but they're dry! The first one is Silver Lake. It only fills with water about once every 30 years.
Beyond Silver Lake, you'll find Picture Rock. Just a short walk from the highway on the Medicine Man Trail, this rock is covered with Native American petroglyphs.
Summer Lake is the next lake on your route. It often has some water in it, but at other times, it's completely dry. As a result, there are no fish living in this lake. The 18,000-acre Summer Lake Wildlife Area is popular with birdwatchers.
The Diablo Mountain Wilderness Study Area is south of Summer Lake and includes Diablo Mountain. It's one of the largest Wilderness Study Areas in the United States.
The next town that you'll pass through on this scenic byway is Paisley. It's a small town that's a great place to stop for food and gas, and you might enjoy soaking in the nearby hot springs.
Abert Rim is the largest exposed fault scarp in the United States! It is nearly 2,500 feet tall at points and it stretches for over 30 miles. This area is popular with hang gliders who love to leap off of it and fly.
Lake Abert is slightly off the byway - you'll have to turn on Route 395 in Valley Falls to check it out. It's a large, shallow lake with water too alkaline for fish to survive, but the brine shrimp that live in the lake attract many birds.
Back on OR-31, you'll soon come to Lakeview and the near-end of the scenic byway. This small town has a population of just 2,500, but it's a lovely place to spend a night at the end of your journey.
Lakeview is also Oregon's Tallest Town at 4,800 feet!
While you're in town, don't miss Old Perpetual. This is Oregon's only geyser and it shoots water as high as 50 feet in the air. Old Perpetual goes off about every 90 seconds, especially between May and October, so you'll have plenty of chances to receive a good photo.
Whether you stay over in Lakeview or if you just stop for a meal, it's a great little town to reflect on your Oregon Outback Scenic Byway adventure. This is a unique part of Oregon that you're sure to love. Have a great trip!
The Oregon Outback Scenic Byway is a fun adventure in south-central Oregon! You’re going to love everything that you see along the way. This road trip is a unique one that you’re sure to remember for years to come. Get on out there and give it a try!
