Flook Lake is an ancient dry inland sea on the eastern edge of Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge. The ground with dusty alkali soil creates a feeling that you left the earth and arrived to collect unique rocks on a distant planet!
The Flook Lake and Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge offer a captivating blend of stunning scenery and outdoor adventures, including rockhounding, wildlife watching, hiking, camping, and soaking in natural hot springs.
Flook Lake Rockhounding
The alkaline playa covered with sagebrushes and wildflowers is an excellent rockhounding spot.
You can find agate, jasper, and even fire opal on the lakebed. These minerals are not very large but are of high quality and naturally polished by the elements.
On our trip, we found brown- and blue-toned agates and brown, red, and green jaspers.
Rock collecting is limited to surface-only (no digging) and up to 7 lbs per person, per day. Federal and state laws protect artifacts older than 25 years. So, removing or collecting arrowheads, flakes, rock art, or other ancient and historical artifacts is illegal.
Warning: The lake road stretches for 1.5 miles but can become muddy and impassable during wet weather. To protect the delicate soil and native vegetation, avoid driving off-road. Additionally, remember that conditions in the high desert can be extreme, so prepare accordingly.
Beyond the Rocks: Exploring the Area
Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge
The 270,600-acre refuge was established in 1936 to conserve herds of pronghorn antelope. The pronghorn, the fastest land animal in North America, can reach speeds of over 60 miles per hour (96 km/h). Interestingly, the world’s fastest mammal, the African cheetah, only slightly outpaces the pronghorn, reaching speeds of up to 61 miles per hour (98 km/h).
Wildlife Viewing
In addition to pronghorn antelope, the refuge is home to 246 species of birds and 69 species of mammals. Visitors may encounter California bighorn sheep, coyotes, mule deer, sage grouse, and other unique animals and birds.
Hiking
The refuge offers several popular hiking trails, many of which begin at the south end of the Hot Springs Campground. Notable trails include paths to DeGarmo Canyon, Barnhardi Cabin, and Warner Peak.
One of the most unique hikes is a 1.6-mile trek to Petroglyph Lake, one of Oregon’s most significant petroglyph sites. The lake features approximately 65 petroglyph panels along its western rim, depicting animals, people, and abstract figures like circles, lines, and waves. The Petroglyph Lake Trailhead is located 1 mile northeast of the Refuge Visitor Center on Hart Mountain Road.
Antelope Hot Springs
Hart Mountain Hot Springs, also known as Antelope Hot Springs, is a series of natural hot springs located at the Hot Springs Campground. Interestingly, these soaking spots were created by a rancher who used dynamite to expose rock with bubbling water emerging from it.
The main soaking pool, bordered by rock walls, protects bathers from the cold winds. Hot water bubbles up from fissures in the concrete bottom, maintaining a temperature of about 100°F. The smaller pool, located about 100 yards away, is undeveloped but offers unobstructed view of the mountain ranges.
Flook Lake | Facts
Material: Agate, jasper, and opals
Tools: None
Land type: Dry inland sea
Best time to visit: Year-round
Land manager: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Fees: None
Location: Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge • 71 miles northeast of Lakeview • Oregon • USA
Road access: Any vehicle (4-wheel drive recommended)
Elevation: 5,000 ft (1,500 m)
Places to Stay Near Flook Lake
Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge has multiple camping spots. Some locations are open year-round with up to 14 days of continuous stay.
Camp Hart Mountain: This wheelchair-accessible spot has 8 campsites suitable for trailers. It also has vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, and generators.
Hot Springs Campground: The 25 campsites can accommodate trailers up to 24 feet. The wheelchair-accessible campground has vault toilets, fire rings, and generators.
Post Meadows: Includes 4 trailer campsites with vault toilets. This is a good location for fishing and horseback riding.
Guano Creek: This accessible campground has 10 campsites, vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. It is a great spot for fishing and is open from August 1 to December 1.
Backcountry Camping: A permit is required through the Refuge Headquarters or online.
Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge Map
For a more comfortable stay, consider reserving accommodations in Plush, located 31 miles from Flook Lake, or in Lakeview, which is 70 miles away.
Affordable vacation rentals for short and long term stay in Plush
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Flook Lake Directions & Contacts
From the north end of Plush,
- Turn east on Lake County Road 3-12 or Hart Mountain Road toward Hart Lake and Mountains
- Continue 23 miles to Refuge Headquarters (the road is mostly gravel)
- Turn slight left onto Frenchglen Road and continue 6.7 miles to Flook Lake Road
- Turn right onto a dirt Flook Lake Road and drive 1.3 miles to the edge of the Lake.
If the road is dry, you can drive 1.6 miles across the lakebed. During wet weather, the road is getting muddy and may become inaccessible.
Phone: 541-947-3315