レイク郡の天然記念物・トップ20

This is a huge site where you can find tons of ancient petroglyphs. Native people have been living in this area for thousands of years, so some of the rock art dates back some to 12,000 years ago. Almost every larger rock has rock art which consists of illustrations like circles, animals, and humans and much more. Take your time to explore this unique place and leave it like it was.

A faint backcountry road skirts along the Abert Rim Wilderness Study Area and is used by hikers along the Oregon Desert Trail. This route leads towards the edge of Abert Rim, providing you with breathtaking views down into the valley. With more than 30 miles, Abert Rim is the longest exposed fault scarp in North America and was formed during the Miocene epoch. Keep your eyes peeled for pronghorns and bighorn sheep which roam the area.

This fascinating geologic formation offers plenty to discover on its short set of trails. This semicircular rock formation that rises from the high desert was once an island in a giant ice age lake, and the rock walls show ancient layers of mud and rock carved by the water's movements long ago. Falcons nest high in the rocks, and you might catch a glimpse of a rabbit or two. In the summer months, this spot can be quite warm and you have to watch for rattlesnakes, but in the winter, you just might have it to yourself along with the frozen sagebrush. Human artifacts dating back 9,000 - 13,000 years were found in a nearby cave. A really cool spot to explore no matter the season.

Myers Meadows Spring is located some feet below the trail and close to an old backcountry road. The spring water flows into a small tub, is cool and clear. A great water source! There are some nice spots to pitch tents with a beautiful view towards Morgan Butte with the fire tower.

The Squaw Ridge Wilderness Study Area in Oregon encompasses a rugged and remote landscape characterized by high desert terrain, basalt canyons, and sagebrush plains. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, this area is valued for its ecological diversity and opportunities for solitude and primitive recreation. As a wilderness study area, it remains protected from development. It might be hard to find a suitable spot to camp since the area is covered with sharp lava rock, sagebrush and cow paddies.

Crack in the Ground is a stunning geological feature within Four Craters Lava Bed Wilderness Study Area. The volcanic fissure is two miles long and up to 70 feet deep. You can take a hike into this gorge. Keep an eye on the weather, though, and avoid it during rain since it might get flooded in a rain storm. It is just a short detour if you take the Christmas Valley alternate of the Oregon Desert Trail.

This campground offers free camping year-round! It is a primitive campground that has pit toilets and fire rings, but no potable water. You can get potable water at headquarters which is 4.3 miles north. If it fits your plan, you should stay and soak in the hot springs. There is one established pool with a bench, rock wall and ladder and at least two natural pools just a few yards further in the meadows. Rock Creek is flowing next to the hot spring and can be used to cool down and to fill your water bottles. Always treat the water before consumption.

This is one of the prettiest hot springs in Oregon. The tub is located on private land, but open year-round. The area around the hot springs is BLM land. The water that emerges from the hillside is 154 degrees F. Let it cool down in the tub before you start soaking in it.