La Pine, OR to Fort Rock on a Triumph Bonneville T120

The previous video in this series is here    • Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway: Bend,...  

In this video, we're embarking on an awesome journey through Central Oregon's high desert, starting in the charming town of La Pine and heading east to the incredible Fort Rock State Natural Area. La Pine, originally known as "La Pine Crossing" for its location on the Deschutes River, truly blossomed due to its strategic location. In the early 20th century, the arrival of the Great Northern and Oregon Trunk railroads spurred growth, making it a vital hub for timber and ranching. The town's economy thrived on the vast Ponderosa pine forests that surrounded it, and many of the early residents were loggers and mill workers. As we hit the road, you'll see these expansive Ponderosa pine forests gradually giving way to the high desert's characteristic sagebrush and juniper as we gain elevation, a testament to the changing landscape and its influence on settlement patterns.

Our destination, Fort Rock, is a truly magnificent geological wonder. This towering tuff ring, rising dramatically from the desert floor, was formed over 100,000 years ago during a massive volcanic eruption under an ancient lake. The interaction of the molten lava with the lake water created this incredible structure, which early settlers aptly named for its fortress-like appearance. The area holds significant historical importance, with evidence of some of the earliest human settlements in North America found in nearby caves, predating many other archaeological discoveries. It's truly a ride through history and natural splendor!

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Chapters
00:00 - Start
36:54 - Fort Rock, OR County Road 5-10
52:15 - Fort Rock Hike