The Lakeview District offers a variety of recreation opportunities. The
landscapes across the four million plus acres of public land include forested
mountains and vast reaches of high elevation desert. Dispersed recreation
activities associated with hunting, fishing, off highway vehicle operation, as
well as wildlife viewing and sight seeing represent the preponderance of
visitor activities. Gerber Reservoir and Topsy site in the Klamath Falls Field
Office offer developed camping and boating facilities located most closely to
an urban population. The Klamath River also offers quality white-water rafting
on a stretch of National Scenic River.

The Lakeview District offers a variety of recreation opportunities. The landscapes across the four million plus acres of public land include forested mountains and vast reaches of high elevation desert. Dispersed recreation activities associated with hunting, fishing, off highway vehicle operation, as well as wildlife viewing and sight seeing represent the preponderance of visitor activities. Gerber Reservoir and Topsy site in the Klamath Falls Field Office offer developed camping and boating facilities located most closely to an urban population. The Klamath River also offers quality white-water rafting on a stretch of National Scenic River.

Sunset atop Sand Rock in Lost Forest

Lakeview

The Lakeview to Steens National Back Country Byway traverses the Warner
Mountains, Warner Valley, Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge and a broad
expanse of high desert country typical of southeastern Oregon. The Warner
Valley, including the Warner Wetlands, provide the opportunity to view a
variety of waterfowl and wildlife. This area has been designated as an Area of
Environmental Concern. The primary emphasis is on the protection of waterfowl
habitat, but the area supports multiple-use management—grazing in upland
areas, archaeological values and recreational opportunities for hunting,
fishing, birdwatching and sightseeing. Planned developments will provide
access without impacting valuable resources and facilitate use by disabled
visitors.

The lakes in the wetlands are truly unique. The lunate sand dunes which have
formed along the northern boundaries of these lakes result from dramatic
fluctuations of wet and dry cycles. The only other example of a lake complex
with this combination of geologic and climatic features is in South Africa.
Hart Mountain, a spectacular geologic escarpment and National Antelope Refuge,
provides opportunities to view pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, mule deer,
golden eagles, prairie falcons, and a variety of other wildlife. East of Hart
Mountain, the traveler is afforded spectacular views of the high desert and
the distant Steens Mountain. A wide variety of primitive recreational
opportunities are found on the refuge. Camping and hiking are permitted as
well as hunting and fishing with permits.

A winding dirt road leads from the refuge headquarters heads south about 18
miles. Most roads on the refuge are primitive and caution is advised. Although
the byway consists of all-weather roads, severe storms in the winter months
often result in brief periods of closure or adverse driving conditions.

The Lakeview to Steens National Back Country Byway traverses the Warner Mountains, Warner Valley, Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge and a broad expanse of high desert country typical of southeastern Oregon. The Warner Valley, including the Warner Wetlands, provide the opportunity to view a variety of waterfowl and wildlife. This area has been designated as an Area of Environmental Concern. The primary emphasis is on the protection of waterfowl habitat, but the area supports multiple-use management—grazing in upland areas, archaeological values and recreational opportunities for hunting, fishing, birdwatching and sightseeing. Planned developments will provide access without impacting valuable resources and facilitate use by disabled visitors. The lakes in the wetlands are truly unique. The lunate sand dunes which have formed along the northern boundaries of these lakes result from dramatic fluctuations of wet and dry cycles. The only other example of a lake complex with this combination of geologic and climatic features is in South Africa. Hart Mountain, a spectacular geologic escarpment and National Antelope Refuge, provides opportunities to view pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, mule deer, golden eagles, prairie falcons, and a variety of other wildlife. East of Hart Mountain, the traveler is afforded spectacular views of the high desert and the distant Steens Mountain. A wide variety of primitive recreational opportunities are found on the refuge. Camping and hiking are permitted as well as hunting and fishing with permits. A winding dirt road leads from the refuge headquarters heads south about 18 miles. Most roads on the refuge are primitive and caution is advised. Although the byway consists of all-weather roads, severe storms in the winter months often result in brief periods of closure or adverse driving conditions.

Solitude along a paved portion of the Back Country Byway.

Lakeview

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Nearby Parks

Lakeview to Steens Mountain National Back Country Byway