Christmas Valley Back Country Byway

A 102-mile Type I and II route through central Oregon, past recent lava flows and cinder cones, sand dunes, a “lost forest,” and historic sites. Set among the bold volcanic features of central Oregon, the Christmas Valley Back Country Byway traverses 102 miles of paved and unpaved roads. It crosses a harsh, austere land of sagebrush, lava flows, cinder cones, and sand dunes, but it also passes green alfalfa fields, paddocks of fat cattle, and a golf course. Special Attractions: Fort Rock State Park, Fossil Lake, Devils Garden Wilderness Study Area, Squaw Ridge Wilderness Study Area, Four Craters Wilderness Study Area, Crack in the Ground, Sand Dunes Wilderness Study Area, Lost Forest Research Natural Area, Derrick Cave, hiking, rock-hounding, camping. This eTrail is a complete description of a scenic drive with a route map and information on the best travel seasons, interesting sites, recreation opportunities, camping locations, and much more.
(Excerpt from article by Stewart M. Green on Trails.com.)

The Christmas Valley Tour will deliver so many varied terrain, you’ll think that you’ve visited Australia, Hawaii, Death Valley and a central states prairie all at once.

I’ve been to eastern and central Oregon, growing up near the southern Oregon coast like I did, and the snow in the central Oregon region reaches record proportions annually. So, a check of local weather before driving the Christmas Valley route would be advisable.

Also near this area, to the south is Crater Lake National Park, and to the north is Mt. Rainier N.P. and Mt. St. Helens. Beyond those jewels, you’re only several hours drive away from North Cascades, Olympic and the Yellowstone/Grand Tetons area. But, if it were me taking a driving/hiking/photographic tour of the Great Northwest, a trip like that wouldn’t be complete without a day spent on the Oregon Coast.

All of the pictures you’ve seen published of Cannon Beach can not be compared to actually standing there looking out to The Rock.

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