Located in the high desert of Lake County, Fossil Lake is a unique, fascinating place that you won’t find in the guide books. This ancient desert lakebed dates back millions of years, and the delicate fossil-strewn landscape is positively extraordinary.
Located near Christmas Valley, The Fossil Lake Area of Critical Environmental Concern is a remote desert lakebed that was once filled by an large lake over 200 feet deep.
flickr/ Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington
Over the years, an amazing array of fossils have been discovered here, including mammoths, dire wolves, camels, giant beavers, and flamingos, among others.
flickr/ Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington
Some of these fossils date back 2 million years.
flickr/ Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington
Though you’re unlikely to stumble across any mammoth bones on your own (and even if you did, removing fossils from the area is strictly forbidden), the area is uniquely beautiful. There are no roads here, and it can only be visited on foot.
flickr/ Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington
Wandering through the sagebrush and over the rippled, sandy earth is an otherworldly experience.
flickr/ Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington
This amazing historical site is simply one of a kind.
flickr/ Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington
Interested in beautiful landscapes and ancient history? Find out about Oregon’s incredible Painted Hills here.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
