Learn for yourself why outback means "isolated rural country," when you drive through this rugged and remote area of Oregon. Let this byway take you through Oregon's outback, where the agricultural and timber industries are tied to life, heritage, and values; where the landscape ranges from lush green forests to arid desert; and where the people that live here seek independence but know each other by first names. While you're here, you'll also notice that community is paramount to the people who call this area home.
The drive starts in the Deschutes National Forest, through stands of lodgepole and ponderosa. Experience the beauty of this rural country, with geologic oddities that are the remains of volcanic activity in the area. You can walk along the edges of Hole in the Ground, a volcanic explosion crater, or visit Homestead Village, a living history museum near the unique formation of Fort Rock. There are also lava flows and caves, and the nation's largest flow of obsidian and cinder cones from volcanoes can be found here. Visitors can walk along the paths with molten lava boiling three miles below the surface and see the obsidian chips once valued by the Native Americans for arrowheads.
Volcanoes aren't the only scenery along this byway, where you can also experience the beauty of Old Perpetual, Oregon's only geyser, or see the snow-covered ridges of Abert Rim. Visit some of the various lakes of the area, such as Abert Lake, where a palette of desert colors are reflected in the alkaline waters. You can hike trails, unravel the mysteries of petroglyphs, or bike the quiet country roads at Summer Lake. Walk along the paths of the past by visiting Newberry Crater, which was home to Native Americans some 10,000 years ago, or when you go through Picture Rock Pass, imagine the hands that engraved the petroglyphs thousands of years ago.
With beautiful scenery and geologic wonders, take the chance to experience this unique drive along the "outback" of Oregon.
Lava and Landmarks along the Outback Scenic Byway
Otherwordly Landscapes Along the Outback