Picture Rock Pass Petroglyphs Site | Southern Oregon

Picture Rock Pass Petroglyphs Site is located in Lake County of Oregon between two small incorporated communities of Summer Lake and Silver Lake along Oregon Route 31. The location of the boulder with ancient drawings is not clearly marked, but it is about 0.2-mile hike on the rocky Medicine Man Trail, near the summit of the Picture Rock Pass.

Native Americans carved into basalt rock very fine images. The meaning of these petroglyphs is uncertain, but there are a few ideas about it. Designs could have been used for ceremonial hunting, spiritual beliefs, indicating tribe migration routes, or marking their territory. Also, pictures could have been used to describe Indian history, tell local stories or myths. Drawings are estimated to be 7,500 and 12,000 years old.

A unique example of Native American culture, the site was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.

Warning. Preserving historical heritage is very important and it is the responsibility of every visitor. The petroglyph design is fragile and must be protected. In addition to straight vandalism, rarities can be damaged by careless visitors. Please, don't touch or rub artifacts and don't climb on the rock. Any alteration of the petroglyphs is illegal and considered to be a violation of federal law.