Christmas Lake Valley and Fossil Lake

Trail Overview

Crossing Christmas Lake Valley Off-Road offers a classic slice of Oregon desert exploration, linking the A6 Intruder crash site memorial to Lost Forest Lane with open horizons and varied terrain. The route begins on hard-packed desert two-track with scattered lava rock and sandy stretches, transitioning into softer sections as you approach the edge of the Christmas Valley Sand Dunes. The driving is generally moderate, but low tire pressure and a capable 4x4 make the ride far more comfortable, especially once you hit the deeper dune sand. Along the way, you'll have sweeping views of the high desert basin, with opportunities to explore the dunes themselves--an impressive and surreal landscape of shifting sand bowls and broad ridgelines. Farther south, Fossil Lake is a fantastic stop for anyone interested in natural history. This dry lakebed has produced mammoth tracks and prehistoric fossils, and while surface collecting is not permitted, keeping an eye out for geological features and learning about the area's Ice Age past adds depth to the trip. The route wraps up near the edges of the Lost Forest, a rare stand of ponderosa pines thriving miles from typical habitat. Overall, this is a rewarding off-road journey combining history, geology, and wide-open overland travel. Let the dust fly and take your time--this is a landscape built for wandering.

Photos of Christmas Lake Valley and Fossil Lake

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Difficulty

Easy track but use caution in wet conditions as the moon dust will turn to inescapable mud. Keep your speed reasonable for big whoops that can come from nowhere.

Technical Rating

Christmas Lake Valley and Fossil Lake can be accessed by the following ride types:

• High-Clearance 4x4
• SUV
• SxS (60")
• ATV (50")
• Dirt Bike