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When the weather warms up in the mighty fine state of Oregon, it’ll probably be May. If they’ve gotten a good snow load over the winter, then it’ll be melting, the streams will be full, and the Oregon Outback will be blooming into one of the most beautiful summer destinations in the US.
The Oregon Outback Scenic Byway is a highway that runs through central Oregon from La Pine down to Lakeview, and it’s a good introduction to the Oregon portion of The Great Basin, but it leaves out so much of Oregon’s Empty Quarter, that today we’re going to design a drive that will take you past most of the highlights of this breathtakingly beautiful, and fairly remote portion of the continental United States. So buckle up, and let’s hit the road!
Most traveling folks know where Reno, NV or Lake Tahoe, CA are located. Using those two well known and interesting destinations as a starting point, reaching the Oregon Outback is as simple as driving up Hwy 395 from Reno through Susanville, CA, through Likely, CA (stop for lunch at the Likely Cafe), through Alturas, CA where the road turns north and you cross the Oregon state line in New Pine Creek.
Lakeview, OR is a great starting point for an Oregon Outback excursion. it has all the amenities and supplies you’ll need as well as being picturesque and a great slice of true small town America like you’d remember from black and white TV days. If you take Hwy 140 E out of Lakeview (hwy is slightly north of town) you’ll drive through the Warner Mountains which are part of the Fremont National Forest and down from the mountains in the the basin. Hwy 140 continues on east and dips briefly down into Nevada’s Sheldon National Antelope Refuge before eventually intersecting Hwy 292 in Denio (pronounced deny-o). There’s a combination truckstop/hotel/diner/gun store in Denio that will cater to your tummy and your fuel tank, and it’d be best to fill up both here.
Head north on 292 and you’ll pass through Oregon’s beautiful Steen Mountain area which abound in natural beauty, hot springs, and outdoor activities. Next you’ll pass by Malheur Lake as you make your way into Burns, OR. From Burns you can either make your way west back to Hwy 395 and south back to Lakeview through Wagon Tire, past Albert Rim, and through Valley Falls. Or you can head east on 20 until you intersect I-84 into Boise or up towards the Columbia River and Portland.
Remember, they don’t call it The Oregon Outback for nothing. This country is pretty remote and sparsely populated, so before you hit the trail please swing by our website for all your parts and accessories!