The night before Tour de Outback, we’re kicking things off with a Pre-Ride Pizza Party you won’t want to miss. Join us for great pizza, live music, and a lively beer garden as riders come together to celebrate. Festivities start around 5:30pm at the Lake County Fairgrounds, and the good vibes roll from there.

The town of Lakeview is the hub of Lake County. The 2200+ residents consist of families that have been there for generations alongside families that have recently moved in. Regardless, once you visit Lakeview, you become a fan of the small town atmosphere and friendly faces. It is home to the oldest continuously operated place-based college scholarship fund in the United States, the Daly Fund. Lakeview dearly cares about its community and loves to show it off. As with all small towns, Lakeview competes against large mail order companies and even big box stores located 3 hours from town, but this town continues to rally to support each other. Please take time to visit places like Tall Town Bike & Camp in the historic Fetsch’s Building, or take time to visit our museums, drop into our shops, or grab a bite to eat at one of our restaurants. Visit Lakeview — enjoy the hospitality. Kick your boots off and stay awhile!

The Oregon Outback has been designated as the largest dark skies sanctuary in the world. There are no crowds, no noise and not much in the way of bright lights in Lake County. That makes it a spectacular place for one of humankind's most ancient pastimes: stargazing. Lake County has been nominated for an International Dark Sky Place. It would be one of 12 International Dark Sky Sanctuaries or 16 Dark Sky Reserves in the world.

📷 www.traveloregon.com

This cross-country loop allows you first to take in spectacular views over the Warner Lakes and along the rim of Poker Jim Ridge. Then you can descend to the lake and admire the 65 or so panels of petroglyphs along its low rim.

📷 www.oregonhikers.org

The 1872 VonSchmidt Monument marks the corner of Oregon, California and Nevada. With just a short hike, it’s worth the photo of you standing in three states at one time.

📷 www.waymarking.com

If you’re wanting more Outback Adventure, head south to Virgin Valley Nevada where the Virgin Valley Hot Springs await and the Royal Peacock Opal Mines are located. Camping available.

📷 www.royalpeacock.com

Are you interested in finding the State of Oregon’s gem for yourself? It’s just down the road in Plush. The scientific name is Cuprian Labradorite Sunstone. The state’s name is the Oregon Sunstone. The local’s simply call it the Plush Diamond. This is the only place in Oregon you can find the Plush Diamond.

📷 www.oregondiscovery.com

Feeling like riding an internationally renowned bikepacking trail for a day? On the gravel ride, you will be passing through the famous Oregon Timber Trail that spans from the border of California on Crane Mountain (yes, here in Lake County) to the border of Washington near Hood River. This trail has easy access and parking so that you can go play for the day. Again.