If you’re yearning for a peaceful escape amid stunning volcanic landscapes, look no further than Oregon’s Newberry Volcanic Region. Nestled within this geological wonder are some of the state’s most secluded towns, each offering a unique blend of tranquility and natural beauty while still keeping you connected to modern conveniences. From hidden hot springs to ancient lava formations, these communities provide the perfect backdrop for anyone seeking solace away from bustling city life. Join us as we count down ten of these secluded gems, each inviting you to unwind and explore the serene side of Oregon. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or simply in search of quietude, these towns offer a haven where nature’s grandeur takes center stage.
10. Summer Lake: Solace by the Volcanic Shores
With a tiny population of around 50 residents, Summer Lake is a peaceful enclave nestled along the shores of its namesake lake in south-central Oregon. This tranquil town offers an escape into nature, boasting nearby attractions like the Summer Lake Hot Springs and the Summer Lake Wildlife Area, perfect for birdwatching and soaking in therapeutic waters. The mainstay industries here revolve around agriculture and tourism, with locals embracing a simple, rural lifestyle. Summer Lake’s seclusion stems from its remote high desert location, surrounded by vast open spaces and the striking backdrop of ancient volcanic formations. This isolation provides a serene environment where the hustle of modern life feels worlds away.
Where is Summer Lake?
Summer Lake is located along Highway 31, also known as the Oregon Outback Scenic Byway, approximately 100 miles southeast of Bend. Its remote setting in the high desert, bordered by the Fremont-Winema National Forest, enhances its sense of solitude. The town’s distance from larger cities and lack of nearby major developments contribute to its peaceful atmosphere. Visitors can reach Summer Lake by driving south from Bend, passing through forests and expansive desert landscapes, which underscores the town’s tucked-away charm.
9. Paisley: Seclusion by the Chewaucan River
Paisley is a small community of about 250 people, nestled alongside the Chewaucan River in Lake County. Known for its annual Mosquito Festival, this quaint town offers outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, and exploring nearby natural wonders such as the Paisley Caves, which hold significant archaeological importance. Timber and agriculture are central to Paisley’s economy, reflecting its deep-rooted connection to the land. The town’s seclusion arises from its remote location amidst vast rangelands and forests, providing a quiet retreat where one can truly disconnect from the fast-paced world.
Where is Paisley?
Situated on Oregon Route 31, Paisley lies about 130 miles southeast of Bend, in the heart of Oregon’s high desert. Its isolation is accentuated by the surrounding Fremont National Forest and the expansive open spaces that dominate the region. The town is off the beaten path, with the nearest sizable town being Lakeview, over 40 miles away. Access to Paisley involves traversing scenic byways, which offers a journey through unspoiled landscapes, reinforcing the town’s serene and secluded ambiance.
8. Brothers: Isolation on the Oregon Outback Scenic Byway
Brothers is a tiny unincorporated community with a population of around 10 people, making it one of the most secluded spots in central Oregon. This roadside stop offers a glimpse into the high desert’s vastness, with the landscape stretching endlessly in all directions. While there aren’t many traditional attractions, the solitude itself is a draw, along with star-filled night skies free from light pollution. The primary activity revolves around the small diner and gas station that serve as a hub for travelers on the Oregon Outback Scenic Byway. Brothers’ seclusion is a result of its remote location and sparse population, providing an authentic experience of Oregon’s rugged terrain.
Where is Brothers?
Located approximately 40 miles east of Bend on U.S. Route 20, Brothers sits along a long stretch of highway with few signs of civilization. Its position in the high desert plateau emphasizes its isolation, surrounded by sagebrush and open skies. The town’s remoteness is reinforced by the minimal services and vast distances between neighboring communities. Reaching Brothers involves a straightforward drive from Bend, but the journey through uninhabited landscapes adds to the sense of venturing into a secluded part of the state.
7. Chemult: A Remote Hub for Wilderness Explorations
Chemult is a small community with around 300 residents, situated at an elevation of 4,764 feet amid dense forests. It’s a gateway for outdoor enthusiasts, offering access to activities like snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and hiking in the nearby Winema National Forest. The town also serves as a stop on the Amtrak Coast Starlight route, making it a unique blend of seclusion and connectivity. The primary industries include tourism and services catering to travelers and loggers. Chemult’s secluded nature comes from its location within vast tracts of forestland, providing a peaceful retreat surrounded by wilderness.
Where is Chemult?
Chemult is located along U.S. Route 97, about 70 miles south of Bend and 25 miles north of the turnoff to Crater Lake National Park. Nestled in Klamath County, the town is enveloped by the Deschutes and Winema National Forests, enhancing its remote feel. Its small size and the encompassing woodlands contribute to a sense of isolation. Visitors can reach Chemult by driving along Route 97, a scenic highway that winds through forests and past volcanic buttes, highlighting the area’s natural beauty and seclusion.
6. Silver Lake: A Tranquil Oasis Near Newberry Crater
Silver Lake is a small community with a population of approximately 150 residents, offering a quiet lifestyle amidst Oregon’s high desert. Visitors can enjoy nearby attractions like the Silver Lake Marsh, a haven for birdwatchers, and the proximity to Fort Rock State Natural Area. The economy here revolves around ranching and small-scale agriculture, reflecting the town’s rural character. Silver Lake’s seclusion is derived from its remote setting, where the absence of urban noise allows for a peaceful atmosphere and clear night skies perfect for stargazing.
Where is Silver Lake?
Situated along Highway 31, about 85 miles southeast of Bend, Silver Lake lies on the northern edge of Lake County. The town is surrounded by vast stretches of sagebrush and volcanic features, emphasizing its isolation. The limited traffic and distance from major cities contribute to Silver Lake’s tranquil environment. Travelers can reach this hidden oasis by following the scenic Oregon Outback Scenic Byway, which offers panoramic views of the high desert and underscores the town’s remote location.
5. Christmas Valley: Quiet Living in Oregon’s High Desert
Home to around 1,000 residents, Christmas Valley is a remote community known for its unique name and nearby attractions like the Christmas Valley Sand Dunes and Crack in the Ground, a volcanic fissure offering hiking opportunities. The local economy is based on agriculture, particularly alfalfa farming, and some tourism drawn by the area’s natural wonders. The town’s seclusion comes from its location in the heart of Oregon’s high desert, far from urban centers, providing residents and visitors with a serene and unhurried pace of life.
Where is Christmas Valley?
Christmas Valley is located in northern Lake County, approximately 100 miles southeast of Bend. The town is accessible via county roads branching off Highway 31, adding to its sense of remoteness. Surrounded by miles of desert landscape, lava beds, and volcanic formations, it embodies the solitude of the high desert. Getting there involves a drive through expansive terrain, reinforcing the feeling of stepping away from the hustle and bustle into a peaceful retreat.
4. Fort Rock: Isolated Beauty Amidst Ancient Formations
With a population of just around 25 people, Fort Rock is a tiny community named after the impressive volcanic landmark nearby—Fort Rock itself, a towering rock formation that resembles a fort arising from the desert floor. Visitors can explore the Fort Rock State Natural Area and the Fort Rock Homestead Village Museum, which provides insight into the life of early settlers. The main industry is tourism, albeit small-scale, centered on the geological wonders of the area. Fort Rock’s seclusion is accentuated by its sparse population and the surrounding vast, open landscapes.
Where is Fort Rock?
Fort Rock is situated approximately 65 miles southeast of Bend, accessible via Highway 97 and county roads. The town sits in a remote basin that was once an ancient lakebed, now part of the Oregon Outback. Its isolated location, away from major highways and urban areas, emphasizes the solitude of this high desert community. Reaching Fort Rock involves traversing quiet roads through open country, enhancing the feeling of discovery upon arrival at this unique geological site.
3. Crescent: Serenity at the Foot of the Cascades
Crescent is a small town with a population of about 500 people, offering a tranquil setting amid towering pine forests. Outdoor activities abound, including fishing in nearby Crescent Lake, hiking, and winter sports at the Willamette Pass Resort. The local economy is supported by logging and tourism, reflecting its natural surroundings. Crescent’s seclusion is due to its location on the eastern slopes of the Cascade Mountains, providing a peaceful environment away from urban bustle.
Where is Crescent?
Located along U.S. Route 97, about 75 miles south of Bend, Crescent sits at the junction of forested mountains and the high desert. The town is enveloped by the Deschutes National Forest, enhancing its secluded feel. Its positioning away from larger cities and nestled within dense woods contributes to its tranquil atmosphere. Travelers can reach Crescent by a scenic drive through forests and past volcanic landscapes, underscoring the town’s connection to nature and its remote charm.
2. Gilchrist: A Timber Town Frozen in Time
Gilchrist is a quaint community with approximately 700 residents, originally established as a company town for the timber industry. The town retains much of its historic charm, with vintage homes and a picturesque main street. Recreational opportunities include exploring the nearby Deschutes National Forest, fishing, and snow sports in the winter months. The primary industry remains tied to forestry, sustaining its heritage. Gilchrist’s seclusion comes from its small size and the surrounding forests that offer a sense of being tucked away from the wider world.
Where is Gilchrist?
Situated along U.S. Route 97, about 45 miles south of Bend, Gilchrist is embedded within a landscape of pine forests. The town’s remote location along a less-traveled section of the highway, coupled with its limited commercial development, enhances its sequestered ambiance. To get there, travelers journey through stretches of forest, which buffer Gilchrist from the noise and pace of larger towns, reinforcing its status as a peaceful enclave frozen in time.
1. La Pine: The Hidden Gateway to Volcanic Wonders
La Pine, with a population of around 2,000, is the largest town in our countdown yet still retains a secluded charm. Nestled among towering ponderosa pines, it serves as a gateway to the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, offering easy access to lava caves, crater lakes, and panoramic mountain vistas. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy fishing, hiking, and camping, making it a hub for nature-based activities. The town’s economy is built on tourism, forestry, and small businesses supporting the local community. La Pine’s seclusion is due to its location amid expansive forests and its distance from urban centers, providing a serene environment despite its growth.
Where is La Pine?
Located about 30 miles south of Bend along U.S. Route 97, La Pine sits at the heart of central Oregon’s outdoor paradise. The town is surrounded by the Deschutes National Forest, with the nearby Cascade Lakes Highway offering access to numerous lakes and trails. Although more accessible than other towns on this list, La Pine’s enveloping forests and proximity to volcanic landscapes maintain its secluded feel. Reaching La Pine is a straightforward drive, but the towering trees and natural scenery along the way signal a transition from urban to tranquil settings.
