---
id: "68914"
name: Christmas Valley Back Country Byway
distance: "93"
duration: 3 hours to visit the byway
description: Christmas Valley provides the best of nature. The 93-mile loop runs through breathtaking high desert landscapes, by Fossil Lake, and up to Lost Forest where you can learn about the prehistoric creatures that once lived there.
path:
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organization:
  - url: https://www.blm.gov/visit/christmas-valley-back-country-byway
    name: Christmas Valley Back Country Byway
designations:
  - BLM Back Country Byway
states:
  - OR
ll:
  - -120.89427899999993
  - 43.35641900000007
bounds:
  - - -121.1752699999999
    - 43.11526900000007
  - - -120.4248429999999
    - 43.441021000000035

---

Christmas Valley loops through high desert landscapes, an isolated pine forest called Lost Forest, and a sparkling lake. On the way, take a brief stop at Green Mountain Fire Lookout to survey the whole area. If you want, you can even use one of the campgrounds at this picturesque site. If you are interested in natural history, Fossil Lake offers great opportunities to view the remains of creatures that lived in the area over 10,000 years ago. The Fossil Lake Sand Dunes rise over 60 feet.