Lakeview to Glass Buttes — High Desert Obsidian Country Road

Glass Buttes rise out of the Oregon high desert plateau between Lakeview and Burns like a volcanic afterthought — two rounded shields of obsidian-studded rhyolite sitting alone in a sea of sage and rabbit brush. The route north from Lakeview on US-395 connects to BLM back roads that swing east toward the buttes across classic Oregon outback: long straight gravel runs with dust clouds you can watch for ten miles, dry lake playas shimmering in heat, and absolutely no services between here and nowhere. The buttes themselves are a rockhound’s obsession — rainbow obsidian, mahogany obsidian, black volcanic glass scattered across the hillsides like nature was showing off. You can legally collect up to 25 pounds per person per day.

This is an easy to moderate route — the gravel roads are well-graded but washboarded and can develop soft shoulders after rain. A stock 2WD truck can handle most of this in dry conditions, but high clearance opens up the spur roads around the buttes themselves. Best season is May through October; winter snow closes access roads without warning. Carry your own water — there’s nothing out here. Burns or Lakeview are your fuel stops, both roughly 50 miles out. Dispersed camping is permitted on BLM land around the buttes. No permit, no fee, no cell service worth mentioning.