FORT ROCK STATE PARK
Like a desert mirage, this monolith rises huge out of the barren, immense flatness of Oregon's high desert. An enormous near-circle of towering jagged rock walls make it seem like a fort. Hike around and you'll soon realize it's even bigger than it looks It's an old shield volcano set in what was a shallow sea in prehistoric times. As you walk around inside, imagine the early American Indians who canoed to and from what was then an island. Sandals found in a nearby cave are the oldest ever discovered in Oregon, dating back around 9,000 years.
Fort Rock State Park offers picnic tables and grills, perfect for a family outing. No covered shelters are available.
Birdwatchers can enjoy spotting a variety of species, including hawks, eagles and owls. Migratory birds are also common during certain seasons. The park's diverse habitats attract different bird types throughout the year.