Christmas Valley Sand Dunes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Christmas Valley Sand Dunes |
|
|---|---|
Bureau of Land Management, Lakeview District
|
|
 Christmas Valley Sand Dunes
Location in Oregon
|
|
| Floor elevation | 4,318 ft (1,316 m) |
| Area | 18 sq mi (47 km2) |
| Geography | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Oregon |
| County | Lake |
The Christmas Valley Sand Dunes are a huge area of natural sand dunes. They cover about 11,000 acres (45 square kilometers) in Oregon, United States. You can find them east of Christmas Valley, about 100 miles (160 km) southeast of Bend. This area is part of Lake County.
You can reach the dunes by driving on the Christmas Valley National Back Country Byway. Some of these sand dunes are as tall as 60 feet (18 meters)! This makes them the largest moving sand dune system found inland in the Pacific Northwest.
These amazing dunes are mostly made of ash and pumice. This material came from the eruption of Mount Mazama about 7,000 years ago. That huge eruption also created Crater Lake. A large part of the dunes, about 8,900 acres (36 square kilometers), is open for vehicles to explore.
Who Manages the Dunes?
The Christmas Valley Sand Dunes are managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The BLM also looks after other important natural areas nearby. These include the Lost Forest Research Natural Area to the east and the land around Fossil Lake to the west.
In 1983, the BLM decided to group these three areas together. They became one special place called an Area of Critical Environmental Concern. This means they are protected because they are very important. While some parts have rules about vehicles, a big section of the dunes is still open for fun. About 8,900 acres (3,600 hectares) of the dunes are open for vehicles.
Fun Activities at the Dunes
The Christmas Valley Sand Dunes are a popular spot for off-road adventures. You can ride ATVs and other off-road vehicles in special areas. It's important to follow all Oregon state laws for off-highway vehicles.
Here are some rules to remember:
- Drivers need a valid driver's license.
- If you're under 18, you need a state-issued ATV permit or must be with an adult (18 or older) who has a valid driver's license.
- All off-road vehicles must have a red or orange flag on a tall antenna. This helps everyone see each other on the dunes.
- You might need a $10 Oregon ATV operator permit.
- If you are under 18, you must wear an Oregon DOT approved helmet.
The Bureau of Land Management Road 6121 has been improved with gravel. This makes it easier to get to the dunes during the winter and spring months.
Images for kids
-
High shifting dunes
-
An all-terrain vehicle on the dunes.
