• Flook Lake is an ancient dry inland sea
Flook Lake is an ancient dry inland sea with dusty alkali soil that gives it an otherworldly appearance. Situated on the eastern boundary of Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge. Covered with sagebrushes and wild flowers, the alkaline playa is popular among rock collectors.
Agate, jasper, and occasionally fire opal can be found on the lakebed. While the minerals are not very large, they are of good quality and are naturally polished by the weather. During our trip, we discovered brown- and blue-toned agates, and jasper, which tends to be brown, red, and green.
Rock collectors are limited to surface hunting and may collect up to seven pounds per person per day. Digging with tools is prohibited. Artifacts more than 25 years old are protected by federal and state law, so removing arrowheads, flakes, rock art, or ancient and historical artifacts is illegal.
A road runs 1.5 miles through the lake flat, but it can become muddy and inaccessible during wet weather. Always check up-to-date regulations and current weather conditions before your visit.
To protect the fragile soil structure and native vegetation, please stay on the road and avoid driving off-road.
In addition to rockhounding, Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge offers a variety of activities and sights to enjoy.
Originally established as a wildlife refuge, the area is a haven for animal observation. Visitors can often spot pronghorn antelope, California bighorn sheep, sage-grouse, and other native wildlife.
A 0.6-mile trail-less route from Flook Lake leads west to Petroglyph Canyon. Satellite images from Google Earth reveal a formation resembling a gigantic petroglyph, approximately 0.7 miles wide by 1 mile long. Additionally, you can find rock art at Antelope Springs.
Another significant site with 65 petroglyph panels is located near Petroglyph Lake. To reach it, hike 1.6 miles from the trailhead, which begins off Hart Mountain Road.
Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge is also known for its hot springs oasis, located at an elevation of 6,000 feet. Hart Mountain Hot Springs are a collection of hot mineral springs that offer excellent soaking opportunities year-round.
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Flook Lake | Facts
Open: Year-round
Managed by: US Fish & Wildlife Service
Rocks & Minerals: Agate, jasper, fire opal
Tools: Not allowed - surface collecting only
Activities: Camping, hiking, soaking, rockhounding, fishing, and wildlife observing
Accommodations: Campground sites
Distance from the parking: Short
Road access: Some roads are maintained; Seasonal road closure; Four-wheel drive vehicles with high clearance are recommended.
Day-use fees: None
Elevation: 5,000 ft (1,500 m)
Flook Lake is located:
- 71 miles northeast of Lakeview
- 116 miles southwest of Burns
- 390 miles northeast of Portland.
Adventures Nearby
Directions to Flook Lake
From the north end of Plush,
- Turn east on Lake County Road 3-12 or Hart Mountain Road toward Hart Lake and Mountains
- Continue 23 miles to Refuge Headquarters (the road is mostly gravel)
- Turn slight left onto Frenchglen Road and continue 6.7 miles to Flook Lake Road
- Turn right onto a dirt Flook Lake Road and drive 1.3 miles to the edge of the Lake.
If the road is dry, you can drive 1.6 miles across the lakebed. During wet weather, the road is getting muddy and may become inaccessible.
Phone: 541-947-3315
I read on the sign at the hart mt. Headquarters that there is a rock hound site at the 7000 foot elevation. Can anyone tell me how to find it?