10 Summer Adventures in Eastern Oregon

Star Gaze at Pine Mountain Observatory

Eastern Oregon’s dark night skies offer an incredible view into the cosmos, and a trip to the Pine Mountain Observatory is a fantastic summer weekend adventure. On Friday and Saturday evenings until mid-September you can visit the University of Oregon’s observatory, camp next door at Pine Mountain Campground and look through several of the university’s large telescopes. The viewing begins shortly after sunset as the moon and bright planets become visible (clear skies permitting). As the sky darkens, tour guides will help you find more celestial objects including constellations, stars, planets and more. Camping is primitive; make sure to bring your own water and $5 for a donation to the Observatory. Call 541-382-8331 or email Operations Manager Alton Luken for more information.

The Paisley Mosquito Festival, held July 27-29, 2018 is a highlight of the summer along the Oregon Desert Trail! This festival has a parade, live music, community dance, a bbq and beer garden, and more. Revenue generated from the Mosquito Festival funds mosquito control operations in the area, and, if you have spent any time in the area in early summer, you know this is a great cause! Camp at the Summer Lake Hot Spring just six miles up Highway 31, or follow the Chewaucan River west from town to find a shady spot along the river (hint: there are some excellent swimming holes along the Chewaucan).

Get Cool in Crack in the Ground

One secret way to stay cool in the summer is to go underground. A hike in Crack in the Ground just north of Christmas Valley feels like nature’s air conditioner as the deep fissure reaches depths up to 70’ in the 2-mile crack. Bring a picnic lunch to eat below the towering basalt pillars of rock, or explore the cool and mossy path through the shadowy depths and stay fresh even during the hottest part of the day. You can camp at the nearby Green Mountain campground, just be sure to bring plenty of water as there are no natural water sources in the area.

Bike the Tour de Outback

***UPDATE: 2018 EVENT CANCELLED DUE TO POOR AIR QUALITY***

Did you know there is an Oregon Scenic Bikeway in the high desert? The Oregon Outback Scenic Bikeway stretches 90 miles from Lakeview, the highest elevation town* in Oregon, to Plush and Adel at the base of the Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge. The Tour de Outback event on August 4, 2018 offers five picturesque rides ranging from 5 to 90 miles in length including a kid’s bike ride and a 14.8-mile trail run (bonus: registration includes dinner!) Come see why recreation opportunities are putting Lake County on the map.

How does the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge deal with non-native carp in the waterways between Burns and Frenchglen? They hold a free Carp Fishing Derby with the Friends of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge every year for a fun, good-natured fishing competition. The event began in 2010 as a creative way to remove some of the invasive species, and refuge staff will be on hand to explain the management issues these fish pose. The family-friendly event takes place at the Refuge Headquarters on August 18, 2018 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and even includes prizes for the biggest fish.

Jam at the Frenchglen Jamboree

The Frenchglen Jamboree on August 4, 2018 is a family-friendly event at the gateway to Steens Mountain Wilderness. The day includes a youth rodeo, live music and bbq dinner, all hosted by the Frenchglen Community Club. Other fun events include a horseshoe and cribbage tournament, and a dutch oven dessert cookoff! Come hungry and stay long enough for the dancing.

And, don’t forget – safety first!

Be careful on your high desert adventures. Summer months often have extreme fire danger. Please don’t drive over tall grasses. Many 2-track roads have tall grasses between the tracks that can catch on fire from hot vehicle undercarriages during times of extreme fire danger and, if you’re planning to leave the pavement, carry a shovel, fire extinguisher and five gallons of water in the vehicle with you.

Refer to our Desert Travel Tips for more suggestions on staying cool in the summer, and please follow all Leave No Trace principals while on your adventure.

*To be fair, Greenhorn (population: 2) sits at a higher elevation than Lakeview.