Bureau of Land Management
The Christmas Valley Back Country Byway is a 93-mile graded-gravel loop through the high desert of south-central Oregon, accessing the largest inland shifting sand dune system in the Pacific Northwest, an isolated 9,000-acre ponderosa pine forest, the Crack-in-the-Ground volcanic fissure, and the Green Mountain Fire Lookout. The byway begins on State Highway 31 south of La Pine and loops east through Christmas Valley before returning to the highway.
The main loop is graded gravel passable to passenger cars in dry conditions. Spur roads to the Christmas Valley Sand Dunes ACEC and the Lost Forest require high-clearance and 4WD. There are no fees and no services on the byway beyond the small town of Christmas Valley.
Trailhead: 43.24100, -120.66500
- Technical Difficulty
- easy
- Length
- 93 miles
- Direction
- Loop
- Vehicle
- High-clearance vehicle. The main loop is graded gravel passable to passenger cars in dry conditions; spurs to the sand dunes and Crack-in-the-Ground need 4WD.
- Nearest town
- Christmas Valley, Oregon
- Terrain
- Graded gravel through high desert, with spur access to inland sand dunes, an isolated pine forest, and volcanic features
- Cell coverage
- Spotty in Christmas Valley town, none on the byway
- Best months
- May, Jun, Sep, Oct
- Management
- Bureau of Land Management
- Trailhead
- 43.24100, -120.66500
Resources
Directions
From La Pine on US-97, drive south for 2 miles, then turn east onto State Highway 31. Follow Highway 31 for 30 miles to the marked Christmas Valley Back Country Byway turnoff at the intersection of Highway 31 and County Road 5-10. The loop returns to Highway 31 further south.
Approximate Christmas Valley town coordinates: 43.241° N, -120.665° W.
Getting Oriented
The byway sits in Lake County in south-central Oregon, in the high desert basin between the Cascade Mountains to the west and the Steens to the east. La Pine on US-97 is the closest larger service town, 60 miles northwest of the byway's western entrance. Bend is 90 miles northwest. The town of Christmas Valley (population about 1,000) is roughly midway through the loop and offers basic services.
Trail Overview
The loop runs through the Christmas Valley basin, an internally-drained desert depression that holds the Christmas Valley Sand Dunes — the largest inland shifting sand dune system in the Pacific Northwest. The dunes ACEC is a designated Area of Critical Environmental Concern with seasonal closures protecting the federally listed plant species that grow on the dune margins.
North of the dunes sits the Lost Forest, a 9,000-acre ponderosa pine stand isolated from the main forest belt by 40 miles of high desert. Geologists explain its survival as a remnant from a wetter post-glacial era; the trees survive on perched groundwater. The Crack-in-the-Ground is a two-mile-long volcanic fissure 70 feet deep, accessible by a short spur off the byway.
Driving the full loop without stops takes four to five hours. Plan a full day with stops at the dunes, the Lost Forest, the fissure, and Green Mountain Fire Lookout.
Points of Interest
- Christmas Valley Sand Dunes ACEC. The largest inland shifting dune system in the Pacific Northwest. Mostly off-limits to motorized vehicles to protect rare plants; check with BLM for the legal OHV zones.
- Lost Forest. A 9,000-acre ponderosa pine forest 40 miles from the main forest belt. Geologically anomalous.
- Crack-in-the-Ground. A two-mile volcanic fissure 70 feet deep. Short spur road and a quarter-mile walk to access.
- Green Mountain Fire Lookout. A still-active lookout staffed during fire season. Panoramic views of the basin.
- Fort Rock State Park. Off the byway near the western entrance. A volcanic tuff ring rising 200 feet from the basin floor.
- Hole-in-the-Ground. A maar volcano crater near the byway, easily walked to from a roadside pullout.
Where to Camp
Dispersed camping is allowed on most BLM land along the byway with the 14-day stay limit. Christmas Valley has a small RV park. The closest developed BLM campground is Cabin Lake, about 25 miles northwest of the byway off US-97. Fort Rock State Park has campground facilities at the volcanic tuff ring.
Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip
- Visit late spring or fall. Summer temperatures top 95°F; winter closes some sections to snow.
- Stay on designated routes near the sand dunes. The ACEC closures protect the federally listed Eureka Dune Grass.
- Carry water and fuel. Christmas Valley town has limited supply.
- Cell service is absent on most of the byway.
- Watch for sand drifting onto the road in summer.
- Visit the Crack-in-the-Ground in cooler months. The fissure walls trap heat in summer.
- Contact the BLM Lakeview District at 541-947-2177 for current conditions.
Hazards
- Heat. Summer temperatures top 95°F with limited shade.
- Sand drifting. Late summer winds blow sand across the road, reducing traction and visibility near the dunes.
- Sensitive habitat. The Christmas Valley Sand Dunes ACEC has seasonal closures protecting federally listed plants. Check current rules.
- Limited services. Beyond Christmas Valley town, no services for 90+ miles.
- Fire risk. Sagebrush fires move fast in late summer. Check fire restrictions.
- Cell coverage. Spotty at best.