Bureau of Land Management/Flickr Creative Commons
The last two blogs were about some of the emptiest places left in America. They were about drives and locations that would add an element of adventure to your travels, either because of their lack of available services or because the pure isolation. Some people enjoy the crowds, the hustle and bustle, while other prefer the quiet and the solitude. Well today’s blog is the last in our three-part series of big, beautiful, empty places that are off the beaten track and available for your enjoyment.
We’ve talked about Lake County, Oregon in previous blogs so today we’ll concentrate on the rest of the Oregon Outback. The Oregon Outback Scenic Byway begins in on Hwy 395 in Lakeview. As you head north you’ll come to a split in the road in Valley Falls, the huge exposed geologic fault called Abert Rim will be off to your right, and Abert Lake will be in front of you, however you turn left towards Paisley. You’ll cross over the Chewaucan River a couple of times, and will more than likely see quite a few fishermen after trout. The road travels through Paisley and heads along the base of Winter Rim which still bears the scars of the devastating Winter/Toolbox Fire of 2002. On your right will be Summer Lake. Once you’re past Sumemr Lake, the road will begin to climb and you’ll be back up in high desert. The Fort Rock turnoff will be coming up on the right. Fort Rock is a natural volcanic feature that is 200 feet high and over 4000 feet wide and is quite spectacular. After Fort Rock the byway enters Deschutes National Forest and you can head on into Bend, Redmond, or Prineville, OR from there. Of course if you prefer to use Redmond as a starting point, it is an equally spectacular drive and you can continue on 395 south all the way to Reno, NV, or Tahoe, or…?
OH! One last thing. Before y’all head out into the great beyond, be sure and stock up on batteries and water, and also swing by PPL Motorhomes.com for any other accessories you might need!