 Pre-History
Archaeologists tell us that Central Oregon’s Summer Lake valley has been home to human beings for at least 14,000 years. The caves that Ancient Americans inhabited as they hunted the shoreline of the Pleistocene Lake Chewaucan are still visible today at the south end of the 20 mile long valley. For recent national news about the valley’s first inhabitants click here
 Summer Lake Settlement
In 1843 the explorer John Fremont gave the valley its current name when his mapping expedition escaped the snows of 7,000 foot Winter Rim and gratefully found shelter here as had so many before him. White settlers arrived in the valley in the 1870’s, homesteading ranches along the lakeshore many of which are still worked by descendants of the original families. The cowboy ethic of hard work and self reliance is alive and well here in the Oregon Outback.
For more information on the area’s history, click here.
 Summer Lake Wildlife Area
The Summer Lake Wildlife Area is the principle attraction for birders and hunters alike. The system of dikes and marshes supports the annual migration of tens of thousands of geese, ducks and swans as well as providing habitat for many other non game species. Rafts of thousands of birds are a common sight as they feed in the lake’s shallow waters, safe from four legged predators.
For more on the Summer Lake Wildlife Area click here.
 Oregon Outback
Part of the Oregon Outback Scenic Byway, Summer Lake invites visitors to the valley and surrounding public lands to experience the sunlight and silence of the uncluttered High Desert. One of the last “dark” places in the nation, star gazers delight in night skies free of light pollution.
For more on the Oregon Scenic Byways click here.
|
