The delicate beauty of the high desert sweeps from horizon to horizon on this 171-mile/275-kilometer drive across the Great Basin, a landscape as vast as an inland sea. The byway goes between La Pine and just past Lakeview at the California border. It runs southeast on Oregon Route 31 for most of its length, then continues at the intersection with U.S. Route 395 to the Oregon-California border.

Length	171 miles
States	1 – Oregon
Astronomy Sites	5

Lake Abert

The lake is approximately 15 miles long and 7 miles wide at its widest point. It is located 3 mi (4.8 km) northeast of the small community of Valley Falls, Oregon. The lake was named in honor of Colonel John James Abert by explorer John C. Fremont during his 1843 expedition into Central Oregon. No fish live in the alkaline waters of the lake; however, its dense population of brine shrimp supports a variety of shorebirds. The lake is an important stop on the bird migration route known as the Pacific flyway.

Silver Lake

Located in western Lake County, Oregon, along Oregon Route 31 and the Outback Scenic Byway, this lake provides a great place to view the Milky Way and night sky!

Summer Lake

Summer Lake is a large, shallow, alkali lake in Lake County that can be found 5 miles south of Summer Lake, Oregon. The lake supports a wide variety of birds and other wildlife in its marshes as it supports more than 250 species of birds. Therefore, this makes the lake an amazing place to view the skies as it is far away from light sources and is secluded.

Fort Rock

This National Natural Landmark rises huge out of the barren, immense flatness of Oregon’s high desert. An enormous near-circle of towering jagged rock walls make it seem like a fort. Hike around and you’ll soon realize it’s even bigger than it looks! It’s an old tuff ring set in what was a shallow sea in prehistoric times. Due to its remoteness, Fort Rock provides an amazing opportunity to view the sky!

Close By – Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge

Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge was established in 1936 to provide a range for remnant antelope herds. Refuge management practices have since been broadened to include conservation of all wildlife and native plant species characteristic of this high-desert habitat. Public enjoyment, education and appreciation for the species and habitat found here is encouraged. It provides some of the darkest skies in the area and the entire state of Oregon! Therefore, for those looking to view the nights sky, this is a must visit place if in the area. Although this isnt directly on the byway, it is close enough that it definitely warrants a visit.

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