- Four-Day Overland Adventure: Klamath Falls to Bend - 08/03/2024
- Five Tips for Cleaner Adventure Camping - 02/19/2024
- Uncommon Journey - 01/02/2024
Discover the Untamed Beauty of Oregon’s Great American Outback Trail
The allure of packing the car and heading up north for an overland adventure beckons every summer. Oregon’s longer daylight hours, stunning natural landscapes, and abundance of outdoor activities make it the perfect area for adventure camping.
For those interested in overlanding, the Klamath Falls to Bend segment of The Great American Outback Trail (GAOT) offers a great four-day adventure.This journey takes travelers through remarkable terrain — unveiling the natural wonders of this untamed region — and is perfect for the whole family and furry friends alike.
The route is about 175 miles, but plan for 200 miles. There are no gas stations on the route. Always carry extra fuel and depart with a full tank of gas. I strongly recommend downloading the GPX file for the Oregon segment of the GAOT on your phone and using a mapping app, like Gaia GPS to navigate. It will make your trip not only safer, but more enjoyable.
The author taking a moment to take in the views at Klamath Lake, which is renowned for its diverse bird populations and is a key habitat for many species.
Klamath Falls and Klamath National Wildlife Refuge
This adventure kicks off in the charming city of Klamath Falls. This is the spot to load up on food, water and all the things you will need over the next three nights. Klamath Falls has a great Farmers Market every Saturday from 9-1 on Main Street. We stocked up on local bread, meat and cheeses that were delicious. From here, you will leave the urban hustle and head out into Oregon’s less traveled roads and trails.
Passing the magnificent Upper Klamath Lake, take a moment to soak up the incredible view before you head into the vast region of the Klamath National Wildlife Refuge. On your drive be prepared to see lots of wildlife, as the area is teeming with a plethora of bird species that wade in the shallow waters. Stop in at the Visitor Center and they will guide you to the many trails available. Pack your long shirt and repellent, the mosquitos could be plentiful depending on the time of year.
As the sun sets, look for an established dispersed camping spot along the trail and remember to practice your “Leave No Trace” etiquette. We chose a nice spot past the marsh (fewer mosquitos) and enjoyed a very remote and quiet camp, complete with a bat show at sunset.
Hole-in-the-Ground and Fort Rock
After a peaceful night’s rest, you will continue your journey towards the iconic Fort Rock, a geological marvel rising from the desert floor. Before reaching Fort Rock, stop and stretch your legs by exploring Hole-in-the-Ground, which is a huge maar depression about a mile across and 500 feet below ground level. A volcanic explosion created this crater between 13,000 and 100,000 years ago.
As you make your way to Fort Rock, you will be mesmerized by the sheer size of the hole and perfectly round formation that rises above the stark desert. There is a great trail, bathroom, and information at the visitor parking lot at the base of the formation. Be sure to stop in at the Fort Rock Homestead Village Museum in the small town and wet your whistle at the rustic bar. Stock up on water here if needed, as there are no other services available.
There is plenty of camping right outside of Fort Rock. We chose to camp at China Hat campground, which has no fee and provides picnic tables and fire rings. We had a nice fire and starlit sky and were the only ones there when we visited in early June.
Newberry National Volcanic Monument and the Tree Molds Trail
Your next destination is the awe-inspiring Newberry National Volcanic Monument, a surreal landscape dotted with lava flows and towering Ponderosa pines.
Navigate to the Tree Molds Trail, which boasts ample parking and restroom facilities. As you walk along the level one-mile trail, you will discover the remnants of ancient trees preserved in volcanic ash, a testament to the cataclysmic events that shaped this region millennia ago.
As dusk descends, select a dispersed camping spot along one of the many dirt roads. We chose an established site with a pre-existing fire ring at the base of a small cinder cone mountain. We enjoyed an evening hike to the top of the cone and had a sunset display of Peregrine falcons throughout the darkening sky.
Big Obsidian Flow and the Journey to Bend
On your final day, bid farewell to the wilderness as you make your way to the vibrant city of Bend, Oregon. Along the route, pause at Big Obsidian Flow, a geological wonderland where obsidian glistens amidst the mountains.
Traverse the slopes of the flow on a picturesque trail adorned with black glass. Obsidian, a prized resource utilized for weapons, tools, and trade, lends a rich history to this site. At the summit, savor panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, and take in the beauty and history.
As you roll into Bend, you can choose any number of accommodations from 5-star hotels to dispersed camping in the Deschutes National Forest lands. You should feel a great sense of accomplishment having completed one of the segments of the greatest overland trail in North America. Giving testament to the enduring allure of adventure and exploring the road less traveled. Hope to see you out there!
Read other stories by Krista Houghton here.
