Central Oregon Backcountry Scenic Byway

The Central Oregon Backcountry Scenic Byway cuts a 130-mile swath through the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument and Fremont-Winema National Forest, connecting Highway 97 near Chemult to Highway 140 west of Lakeview. This route threads through ancient ponderosa pine forests, crosses lava fields that look like Mars, and passes the ghost town of Fort Rock — a volcanic tuff ring that rises 325 feet above the high desert floor. The byway climbs over Winter Ridge at 6,000 feet, offering sweeping views of Summer Lake and the Warner Mountains stretching into Nevada.

Rated moderate due to washboard gravel sections and seasonal snow closures above 5,000 feet, this route requires high-clearance vehicles and preferably 4WD for muddy spring conditions. Best tackled June through October when snow clears Winter Ridge. Fuel up in Chemult or La Pine before starting — there’s nothing for 80+ miles. Dispersed camping is abundant throughout the national forest sections. You’ll earn solitude, geological wonders, and some of the clearest night skies in Oregon without the crowds of the coastal or Cascade routes.