BLM

Lakeview District

Public Lands USA:

Use • Share • Appreciate

Christmas 

Valley Sand 

Dunes 

Area of Critical 

Environmental Concern

Lost Forest Research Natural Area

An unusual stand of ancient ponderosa pine forest growing out 

of the sand is the outstanding feature of the Lost Forest Research 

Natural Area, which is located in the northeast portion of the 

area. A remnant of a forest that existed in a cooler and wetter age, 

these pines survive on half the typical annual precipitation for this 

tree species due to unique soil and hydrologic properties of the 

area. The nearest forest is 40 miles to the northwest, yet the pines 

continue to reproduce and thrive in this environment. Old growth 

juniper groves also exist in the Lost Forest. Motorized vehicles 

are allowed in the Lost Forest on routes posted “open.” No cross 

country use is allowed. Camping is permissible in designated 

sites only.

Sand Dunes Wilderness Study Area

The Sand Dunes Wilderness Study Area, located in the south and 

central part of the area, is the largest inland shifting sand dune 

system in the Pacific Northwest and a popular destination for offhighway vehicle enthusiasts. The dunes are composed largely 

of ash and pumice that blew into the area 7,000 years ago when 

Mt. Mazama erupted forming Crater Lake. Nearly 8,900 acres of 

dunes remain open to vehicle use. Please keep your vehicle on 

routes posted “open” until you reach the open bare dunes.

Fossil Lake Area of Critical 

Environmental Concern

The Fossil Lake Area is closed to off-highway vehicle use to 

protect the fragile fossils found here. These fossils range in age 

from about 10,000 years old, to as much as 400,000 years old. 

Paleontologists have worked in the Fossil Lake deposits for more 

than 100 years. Hundreds of species of reptiles, birds, fish, and 

mammals have been identified. Some are extinct, such as the 

mammoth, Dire wolf, giant beaver, and a large species of eagle. 

Others, such as the Tui chub, rabbit, ground squirrel, salmon, and 

prairie dog, exist here or in other parts of North America.

New species continue to be unearthed by research groups at 

Fossil Lake. Collecting fossils by the public is strictly prohibited. 

Access to this special area is limited to walk-in traffic only.

Know Before You Go

Camping and Services

• Camping areas are primitive. There are no facilities, water, 

or restrooms in the area. Please pack out toilet paper and 

bury human waste in a four-to six-inch-deep “cat-hole” at 

least 200 feet away from campsite. 

• Camping is permitted in designated sites only.

• No firewood collecting or cutting is permitted anywhere in 

the area.

• The nearest services are located in Christmas Valley, 

Oregon, approximately 16 miles southwest.

Rules and Regulations for Off-highway Vehicle Use 

• Off-highway vehicles are allowed only on designated routes or 

areas. 

• The Bureau of Land Management follows Oregon State laws 

and regulations pertaining to off-highway vehicles. The term 

off-highway vehicle refers to all motorized vehicles.

• You must have a valid driver’s license, state-issued all-terrain 

vehicle operator permit, or be accompanied by someone 18 or 

older with a valid driver’s license or operator permit.

• Flags are required on all vehicles on the dunes (9 feet tall orange 

or red flag).

• A State of Oregon off-highway vehicle sticker is required 

to operate on all lands managed by the Bureau of Land 

Management in Oregon. Stickers may be purchased at All 

Terrain Vehicle dealerships or by calling 1 (800) 551-6949.

• Children between the ages of 7 and 12 must have both a stateissued all-terrain vehicle operator permit and be accompanied 

by someone 18 or older with a valid driver’s license or stateissued all-terrain vehicle operator permit.

• Children under the age of 18 must wear a helmet on all-terrain 

vehicles and motorcycles.

• Use headlights and taillights between dusk and dawn.

• Mufflers must be maintained at 99 decibels.

• Out-of-state visitors are required to have their state off-highway 

vehicle sticker, or must purchase a State of Oregon sticker to 

ride here.

• Operate your off-highway vehicle sober, not under the influence 

of drugs or alcohol. No open liquor containers are allowed.

• Stay on designated travel routes between camping and day-use 

parking areas and the open dunes.

• Respect the rights of other visitors as you enjoy your visit. 

Directions to the Site

From Christmas Valley, Oregon travel east on County Road 5-14 

for 8 miles. Turn left (north) on County Road 5-14D and travel 

another 8 miles. Turn right (east) at the “T” and travel 3 miles on 

County Road 5-14E to the entrance of the Sand Dunes. Another 

4 miles on Bureau of Land Management Road 6155 will bring 

you to the Lost Forest.

District Contact Information

 Lakeview District

 Lakeview Resource Area

 Bureau of Land Management

 1301 South G Street

 Lakeview, OR 97630

 (541) 947-2177

www.or.blm.gov/lakeview

BLM/OR/WA/GI-05/033+1122.32
Welcome to 

Christmas Valley 

Sand Dun 

Area of Critical 

Environmental 

Concern

Welcome to the Lost Fort, Sand Dun, and 

Foil Lake Areas of Critical Environmental 

Concern. The areas also include a Rearch 

Natural Area and a Wildern Study Area within 

their boundari. The area offers a variy of 

rreational activiti, including off-highway 

vehicle use, hiking, sightseeing, hotography, and 

camping. 

The main road to the Lost Fort and Sand Dun 

is minimally maintained and drivers should 

use caution. The other roads in the area are not 

maintained and may be impable at tim. 

High clearance, four-eel drive vehicl are 

rommended.