Oregon Outback Scenic Byway Things to Do (Tourin’ with the Tumbleweeds)

These are my favorite things to do along the Oregon Outback Scenic Byway located in Eastern Oregon.  It’s way off the beaten trail and aptly named the “Oregon Outback Scenic Byway” due to the similarity to Australia’s Outback.

La Pine

Most likely you will be starting from Bend or Crater Lake.   Drive Highway 97 to La Pine.   La Pine is the last chance to stock up on goodies for your trip.  I highly recommend the Grocery Outlet – discounted groceries and good selection of wine and cheese.

From here, you will drive 2 miles south to the start of highway OR-31.  You can stop in the traffic triangle to get a picture of the official “Oregon Outback National Scenic Byway” entry sign.

Drive 29 more miles on OR-31 and turn left on County 5-10.

 Fort Rock

Fort Rock, The Uluru of Oregon

As you drive the 6.5 miles to Fort Rock town, you won’t miss the actual Fort Rock.  Fort Rock is the Ayer’s Rock (Uluru) of eastern Oregon.  But opposed to a monolith, Fort Rock is a volcanic cone.  But it rises in the

flats of the Oregon Outback and can be seen from miles away.  Fort Rock is a free state park and they have

restrooms and picnic facilities as well has hiking trails for multiple views of the Rock

 Eat

If it’s lunch time, stop at the Waterin’ Hole in Fort Rock town to eat with the locals and cowboys.

Paulina Marsh

The tumbleweed is abundant at Paulina Marsh

From the Waterin’ hole, you can drive 15 miles south on a gravel road through Paulina Marsh.  This road is full of dust and tumbleweeds.  Especially in the spring there are birds around this nearly or completely dry marsh.  Near the town of Silver Lake, you will rejoin OR-31 and head south.

 Summer Lake

Summer Lake

If you blink you will miss the town of Summer Lake.  There is a nice rest stop in the town.  When you take your break, look at the hills around the lake.  Bighorn sheep have been reintroduced here.  Also look at the lawn – many gophers live at the rest stop and they’re very curious.

Continue south along the lake.  There aren’t many places you can stop near the lake but there are nice views when the lake is full of water.

Summer Lake Hot Springs

Summer Lake Hot Springs, the pool

There’s a developed natural hot springs at the south end of Summer Lake.  This historic hot springs has a shed with showers and changing rooms inside along with a clean pool.  Outside you can find two smaller soaking tubs.  When I visited it was $10 for a day pass or $20 per person if you also want to camp overnight.  Summer Lake Hot Springs also has some cute cabins and RV spaces for overnight stays.

 Antelope Valley

You looking at me?

There isn’t really a place called “Antelope Valley” but this is what I call the area between Paisley and Lakeview because there were dozens of deer and antelopes seen along the highway.  There were also quite a few birds including Sandhill cranes in the marshy spots of the fields south of Paisley.

Lakeview Geyser

Old Perpetual – Lakeview Geyser

Lakeview Geyser nicknamed “Old Perpetual” is Oregon’s only geyser.  It used to shoot off every minute and a half but now it’s questionable if it erupts in the summer months.  But when I visited in April, it was very frequent.  The geyser is part of a hot springs resort.

Oregon Outback Scenic Byway – Where to Stay

On the north end of Oregon Outback Scenic Byway, you might consider staying in Bend (check rates and availability) or La Pine (check rates and availability).

On the south end, Lakeview (check rates and availability) is your best bet.  Buy any supplies and gas if heading further south on US 395 to Nevada.

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