Hidden Gems

TAKING THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED HAS ITS PERKS

Oregon has seen an uptick in public land use, with popular destinations like Crater Lake seeing recordbreaking numbers of visitors in the last year. For those looking to skip the commotion, there are many off-the-beaten-path options right here in Central Oregon, including these hidden gems that showcase the rich volcanic history of the high desert. Take the road less traveled and you just might find a new favorite destination.

Fort Rock

Sitting on the north end of Lake County, about thirty-seven miles southeast of La Pine, Fort Rock is a rugged, crescent shaped rock structure, formed ages ago when hot magma bubbling beneath the surface met cool groundwater and exploded to create a raised-crater. Online reviews remark how remote Fort Rock feels, likely due to several different hiking trails making their way to the upper rim, allowing visitors to naturally socially distance themselves as they choose different paths. Driving to Fort Rock from Bend would take a little over an hour.

Steins Pillar

A lesser known remnant of Oregon’s volcanic past, Steins Pillar stands over 350 feet tall and is visible above the treeline from the road that approaches its trailhead. The structure was formed when the Ochoco Mountains were spewing lava, about 50 million years ago. Pumice and ash filled the small valley where the pillar sits. Years of erosion removed the pumice and ash to reveal the light stone pillar. The Steins Pillar Trailhead is about twenty minutes outside Prineville, past the Ochoco Reservoir.

East Lake

Possibly one of the most unique examples of volcanic history, East Lake has a tale to tell. Nestled in the caldera of the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, East Lake was likely once combined with its twin, Paulina Lake, before more recent volcanic activity split them in two, separated by pumice, ash and lava flow. Now, East Lake is known for its incredible fishing, with waters full of kokanee, rainbow trout, Atlantic salmon, chub and particularly large brown trout. Motorized and non-motorized boats are allowed on the water, and wooded camping spots dot the shores. East Lake is deep in the Deschutes National Forest, located about an hour drive east of La Pine.