Step out of your car at any given point on the Outback Scenic Byway, and you will be startled by the ever-changing landscape. Transitioning from forests and lakes to sagebrush and desert, the Outback Scenic Byway offers an awe-inspiring view of the diverse nature and landscapes of southern Oregon. Round up the family and head out on this resplendent northwestern drive for an unforgettable encounter with nature.
Travel about 20 miles south from the byway’s beginnings in La Pine and then go about 10 miles east off the byway. Here you’ll find a giant bowl-like formation in the landscape, known as Hole-in-the-Ground. While some mystery surrounds this interesting landmark, it is most commonly recognized as the result of volcanic activity. Measuring at about 4,500 feet east to west and 5,500 feet north to south, this crater is a must-see. Stop and explore this 300-foot-deep dish-like crater-- you'll marvel in its sheer magnitude!
For more striking evidence of volcanic activity, travel about 10 miles southeast of Hole-in-the-Ground and 20 miles east of the byway to Devil’s Garden. You and your family will love exploring this lava flow that left a system of lava tubes behind. Stand near the site and notice how porous and light the lava rocks are. Picture what the landscape could have been like millions of years ago.
For more volcanic excitement, drive along the byway about 10 miles southwest of Devil’s Garden and then go about 5 miles east from the byway. You’ll see miles of sagebrush until suddenly a giant rock formation stands before you, a solitary peak in the surrounding flatlands. This marvel, known as Fort Rock, is a crater from a dormant volcano and has been designated a National Natural Landmark. To really experience this 325-foot-high tower, enjoy a picnic or a day hike on any of the trails near the crater. Complete your Fort Rock adventure with a stop at the nearby old Fort Rock Homestead Village, a quaint ghost town filled with buildings that date back to the 1800s. Pay a visit to the Fort Rock Valley Historical Homestead museum and learn about the captivating history of these buildings and the Fort Rock area.
From Fort Rock, head about 30 miles east, just above Christmas Valley, and you will see a truly unusual landmark known as Crack-in-the-Ground. Cracks and fissures like Crack-in-the-Ground are common results of volcanic activity or earthquakes, and most fill quickly with magma or rubble. However, this is not the case for Crack-in-the-Ground-- this fascinating fissure has been open for about 1,000 years! Spend a few hours exploring and hiking this 2-mile-long chasm. You can even hike on the bottom of the crack—some places reach depths of 70 feet with a width of only 10 to 15 feet.
While considering the long history of this area, visit Picture Rock Pass, about midway along the byway, 20 miles south of Crack-in-the-Ground. See evidence of past civilizations in the many pictographs on the surrounding rocks. Study these images and imagine Oregon natives leaving their mark on the world 12,000 years ago-- the age of some of the drawings. Capture these pieces of art with your camera, but be careful not to touch them.
Drive further south along the byway to the Abert Rim, a 30-mile fault escarpment just east of Lake Abert. The ground level has been broken and elevated here, due to plate tectonics. Rising 2,000 feet above the Outback Scenic Byway, Abert Rim is a giant compared to the flat land you’ve been driving. Looking to stretch your legs? Try hiking around Abert Rim on one of the many trails that vary in length and elevation. Plan the perfect day hike, as there are no developed campgrounds in the area.
As you near the end of the byway, stop at Oregon’s only continuously spouting geyser, Old Perpetual. This waterspout shoots a tower of 200-degree water 60 feet in the air every 30 to 90 seconds. As the only geyser of its kind in the Pacific Northwest, Old Perpetual is truly an anomaly. Take a short walk from Old Perpetual to another watery wonder known as the Hot Springs. Relax in water from this geyser and, according to local legend, you may be healed of whatever malady you may have.
The sun falls on another cool Oregon day as your byway journey comes to an end. From astounding landmarks to rich history to soothing hot springs, this one-of-a-kind Oregon experience will have you planning your next trip on the Outback Scenic Byway as soon as you leave!
Otherwordly Landscapes Along the Outback
Outback Scenic Byway Overview