• Fort Rock State Natural Area is a unique geological wonder
• The rocky wall served as the gathering place for Native Americans
National Natural Landmark, Fort Rock State Natural Area is a unique geological wonder located in the high desert of Central Oregon, 39 miles southeast of La Pine and 1 mile north of Fort Rock Ghost Town.
Fort Rock consists of 40 tuff rings standing straight on an ancient Ice Age lakebed in the Brothers Fault Zone. Because of its geometry resembling the defensive walls of the fort, these rugged rock walls were named Fort Rock.
Fort Rock rises about 320 feet above the basin and is 4,460 feet in diameter. The walls were created as a result of an explosion of basalt magma when it rose to the top and ran into the bottom of the lake. The explosion launched volcanic ash, mud, and molten lava into the air which landed around the volcanic vent given the Fort Rock its shape. The lake later dried up and gave us the scenic natural area we see today.
The age of the site was previously estimated to be as old as 1.8 million years. However, later finds gave it a more accurate estimate between 50,000 and 100,000 years, making it much closer to our modern times than initially assumed.
In 1938, an archaeologist of the University of Oregon, Luther Cressman discovered several human artifacts dated 9,000 to 13,000 years ago including weapons, tools, baskets, and sage-bark sandals. In ancient times, the semicircular rocky wall served as the gathering place for local tribes.
Fort Rock has a water-formed cave nearby called Fort Rock Cave.
There is a picnic area at the foot of Fort Rock with flush restrooms for visitor’s convenience. Fort Rock State Natural Area is open for day use from 8 am to 8 pm.
Remote-controlled drones and similar flying devices are not allowed during raptor nesting seasons.
Fort Rock State Natural Area | General Description
Open: Year-round from down to dusk
Managed: Oregon State Park
Location: Fort Rock State Park
Services: Picnic areas, flush restrooms, interpretive information
Accommodations: No camping
Distance from the parking: Short
Road access: Any passenger vehicle
Day-use fees: Free
Activities: Hiking, nature viewing, picnicking
Dogs: Must be on a leash
Popularity: High
Elevation: 4,400 ft (1,341 m)
Fort Rock is located:
- 39 miles southeast of La Pine
- 69 miles southeast of Bend
- 207 miles southeast of Salem.
Adventures Nearby
Directions
From La Pine,
- Drive 2 miles south on US-97 to OR-31
- Turn left onto OR-31 and follow 29.2 miles to County Road 5-10
- Turn left onto County Road 5-10 and continue 6.4 miles to Cabin Lake Road
- Turn left onto Cabin Lake Road and follow 1 mile to County Rd 5-11A
- Turn left and after 0.6 miles turn right and go 0.2 miles to the destination.
GPS: N 43°22.376' W 121°04.060' | 43.372933, -121.067667