Attractions and Places To See in Lake County - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see in Lake County, Oregon, encompass a diverse landscape of high desert, volcanic features, and significant natural areas. This region is characterized by its vast, rugged terrain, including parts of the Oregon Desert Trail and large ranches. It offers opportunities to explore unique geological formations, wildlife refuges, and remote settlements.
Best attractions and places to see in Lake County
- The most popular attractions is Tall Town Bike & Camp, a facilities that serves as the only outfitter in Lakeview. It offers bike gear, snowboard rentals, basic hiking and camping supplies, and hunting and fishing licenses.
- Another must-see spot is Paisley (Oregon Desert Trail Town), a settlement located directly on the Oregon Desert Trail. It provides amenities such as a restaurant, grocery store, motel, and park facilities for travelers.
- Visitors also love Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge, a natural monument established to provide range for antelope herds. It is a significant wildlife area with a visitors center.
- Lake County is known for its natural monuments, settlements, and unique facilities. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from hot springs and volcanic landscapes to trail towns and large ranches.
- The attractions in Lake County are appreciated by the komoot community, with 2 highlights upvoted and 24 photos shared.
Last updated: April 26, 2026
Paisley (Oregon Desert Trail Town)
Highlight β’ Settlement
The Paisley Park across the Mercantile has bathrooms, water, picnic tables and shade. Laundry and showers are available at the Chewaucan Garage. The local Post Office accepts mail drops, but will only hold it for 10 days. Please label your package as follows: "Please hold for hiker, & ETA date".
Opening hours and phone:
Pioneer Saloon & Restaurant: Wednesday to Sunday 11 am to close, 541-943-3289
The Paisley Mercantile: Monday through Saturday 7.30 am to 6 pm, Sunday 8 am to 4 pm, 541-943-3110
Paisley Sage Rooms Motel: 541-943-2145
Post Office: Monday through Friday 9 am to 1 pm and 1.30 pm to 3.30 pm, 541-943-3233
NOTE: There is also Shawna who is supporting ODT hikers with places to stay, showers and laundry. See the ODT Town & Services Guide.
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Christmas Valley (Oregon Desert Trail Town)
Highlight β’ Settlement
The Post Office accepts resupply packages via General Delivery, Christmas Valley, OR, 97641. Please label your package as follows: "Please hold for hiker, & ETA date". Opening hours: Monday through Friday 9.30 am to 2 pm and 3.30 pm to 5.30 pm. They DO NOT accept credit cards or debit cards.
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Hart Mountain Hot Springs & Campground
Highlight β’ Natural Monument
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ZX Ranch
Highlight β’ Structure
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Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge
Highlight β’ Natural Monument
The Visitors Center is open seasonally when staff are present. For more info call: 541-947-2731 or visit fws.gov/refuge/hart-mountain-national-antelope. A local trail angel will deliver resupply packages to Hart Mountain HQ.
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National Wildlife Refuge Boundary
Highlight β’ Natural
The Oregon Desert Trail runs through the refuge, passing Hart Mountain Hot Springs and the headquarter.
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Fort Rock Natural Area
Highlight β’ Natural Monument
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Glass Buttes
Highlight β’ Volcano
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Squaw Ridge Wilderness Study Area
Highlight β’ Natural
It might be hard to find a suitable spot to camp since the area is covered with sharp lava rock, sagebrush and cow paddies.
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Tall Town Bike & Camp
Highlight β’ Rest Area
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Popular around Lake County
Tips from the Community
Paisley is a cool town located directly on the Oregon Desert Trail. There is one inviting restaurant: the Pioneer Saloon & Restaurant, a grocery store: The Paisley Mercantile (partial resupply, beer, hot deli, camping supplies) and one place to spend the night: the Paisley Sage Rooms Motel which has rooms with WiFi, microwave and fridge. The Paisley Park across the Mercantile has bathrooms, water, picnic tables and shade. Laundry and showers are available at the Chewaucan Garage. Opening hours and phone: Pioneer Saloon & Restaurant: Wednesday to Sunday 11 am to close, 541-943-3289 The Paisley Mercantile: Monday through Saturday 7.30 am to 6 pm, Sunday 8 am to 4 pm, 541-943-3110 Paisley Sage Rooms Motel: 541-943-2145 Post Office: Monday through Friday 9 am to 1 pm and 1.30 pm to 3.30 pm, 541-943-3233
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Paisley is a cool town located directly on the Oregon Desert Trail. There is one inviting restaurant: the Pioneer Saloon & Restaurant, a grocery store: The Paisley Mercantile (partial resupply, beer, hot deli, camping supplies) and one place to spend the night: the Paisley Sage Rooms Motel which has rooms with WiFi, microwave and fridge. The Paisley Park across the Mercantile has bathrooms, water, picnic tables and shade. Laundry and showers are available at the Chewaucan Garage. Opening hours and phone: Pioneer Saloon & Restaurant: Wednesday to Sunday 11 am to close, 541-943-3289 The Paisley Mercantile: Monday through Saturday 7.30 am to 6 pm, Sunday 8 am to 4 pm, 541-943-3110 Paisley Sage Rooms Motel: 541-943-2145 Post Office: Monday through Friday 9 am to 1 pm and 1.30 pm to 3.30 pm, 541-943-3233
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Tall Town Bike & Camp is the only outfitter in Lakeview. Although specialized in bike gear, the small shop offers snowboard rentals, basic hiking and camping gear including some freeze-dried meals and small gas cans, Oregon hunting and fishing licenses. The owner is very friendly!
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Tall Town Bike & Camp is the only outfitter in Lakeview. Although specialized in bike gear, the small shop offers snowboard rentals, basic hiking and camping gear including some freeze-dried meals and small gas cans, Oregon hunting and fishing licenses. The owner is very friendly!
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Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge is a 278,000-acre wildlife sanctuary that was established in 1936 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt mainly to protect pronghorns. The refuge spans diverse landscapes from high desert to shallow playa lakes, and is home to over 300 species of wildlife, including pronghorn, bighorn sheep, mule deer, sage grouse, and Great Basin redband trout. The Oregon Desert Trail runs through the refuge, passing Hart Mountain Hot Springs and the headquarter.
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This fascinating geologic formation offers plenty to discover on its short set of trails. This semicircular rock formation that rises from the high desert was once an island in a giant ice age lake, and the rock walls show ancient layers of mud and rock carved by the water's movements long ago. Falcons nest high in the rocks, and you might catch a glimpse of a rabbit or two. In the summer months, this spot can be quite warm and you have to watch for rattlesnakes, but in the winter, you just might have it to yourself along with the frozen sagebrush. Human artifacts dating back 9,000 - 13,000 years were found in a nearby cave. A really cool spot to explore no matter the season.
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The Oregon Desert Trail passes along a feedlot of the ZX Ranch. The ZX Ranch is one of the largest cattle ranches in the United States, encompassing approximately 1 million acres. It operates primarily in Lake and Harney counties, known for their vast, rugged landscapes. The ranch is renowned for its large-scale, sustainable beef production and commitment to environmental stewardship.
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The Squaw Ridge Wilderness Study Area in Oregon encompasses a rugged and remote landscape characterized by high desert terrain, basalt canyons, and sagebrush plains. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, this area is valued for its ecological diversity and opportunities for solitude and primitive recreation. As a wilderness study area, it remains protected from development. It might be hard to find a suitable spot to camp since the area is covered with sharp lava rock, sagebrush and cow paddies.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of natural features can I explore in Lake County, Oregon?
Lake County, Oregon, is characterized by its vast high desert and volcanic landscapes. You can visit the Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge, established to protect antelope herds, or experience the unique geology of Glass Buttes, a volcanic area. The region also features the Fort Rock Natural Area and the Squaw Ridge Wilderness Study Area, offering diverse natural scenery.
Are there any hot springs in Lake County, Oregon?
Yes, you can enjoy the Hart Mountain Hot Springs & Campground. This primitive campground offers free camping year-round with pit toilets and fire rings. You can soak in the established pool or natural pools nearby. Potable water is available at the headquarters, 4.3 miles north.
What amenities are available in Paisley, Oregon, for travelers?
Paisley (Oregon Desert Trail Town) offers several amenities for visitors, especially those on the Oregon Desert Trail. You'll find the Pioneer Saloon & Restaurant, The Paisley Mercantile for partial resupply, and the Paisley Sage Rooms Motel for overnight stays. The Paisley Park provides bathrooms, water, picnic tables, and shade. Laundry and showers are available at the Chewaucan Garage.
Where can I find outdoor gear and supplies in Lake County, Oregon?
In Lakeview, Tall Town Bike & Camp is the only outfitter in the area. While specializing in bike gear, the shop also offers snowboard rentals, basic hiking and camping supplies, including freeze-dried meals and small gas cans, as well as Oregon hunting and fishing licenses.
What is the Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge, and do I need a permit to visit?
The Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge was established in 1936 to provide range for antelope herds. It's a significant wildlife area. You only need a permit if you plan on pitching your tent in the backcountry outside of established campgrounds within the refuge. The Visitors Center is open seasonally, and you can call 541-947-2731 or visit www.fws.gov/refuge/hart-mountain-national-antelope for more information.
Are there any large ranches to see in Lake County, Oregon?
Yes, the ZX Ranch is one of the largest cattle ranches in the United States, encompassing approximately 1 million acres across Lake and Harney counties. The Oregon Desert Trail passes along a feedlot of the ranch, which is known for its large-scale, sustainable beef production.
What is Christmas Valley like for visitors?
Christmas Valley (Oregon Desert Trail Town) is another settlement located on the Oregon Desert Trail. It provides facilities for travelers exploring the high desert region, serving as a convenient stop for resupply and rest.
Are there any wheelchair-accessible attractions in Lake County, Oregon?
Yes, Tall Town Bike & Camp in Lakeview is noted as being wheelchair accessible, providing access to outdoor gear and supplies for all visitors.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do in Lake County, Oregon?
Lake County, Oregon, offers a range of outdoor activities, particularly for those interested in high desert exploration. You can hike or cycle along sections of the Oregon Desert Trail, visit natural monuments like Fort Rock Natural Area, or enjoy wildlife viewing at the Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge. The region is ideal for those seeking remote and rugged outdoor experiences. For more detailed routes and activities, refer to the main guide page for attractions in Lake County.
What do visitors enjoy most about Lake County, Oregon?
Visitors appreciate Lake County, Oregon, for its unique blend of high desert landscapes, volcanic features, and significant natural areas. The opportunity to explore remote settlements like Paisley, soak in natural hot springs at Hart Mountain, and witness abundant wildlife, especially antelope, at the Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge, are frequently highlighted as memorable experiences.
Can I spot wildlife in Lake County, Oregon?
Absolutely. The Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge is a prime location for wildlife spotting, particularly for its namesake antelope herds. The diverse high desert environment also supports various bird species and other desert wildlife, making it an excellent destination for nature observation.
Are there any specific trails or routes recommended for exploring the natural areas?
The Oregon Desert Trail passes through Lake County, offering extensive routes for hiking and exploration. While specific individual trails are not detailed here, the region's natural monuments and wilderness study areas, such as Fort Rock Natural Area and Squaw Ridge Wilderness Study Area, provide opportunities for immersive outdoor experiences. For detailed route information, please consult the main guide page.
Most popular attractions in Lake County
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