Imagine the different tribes that used ancient trade routes throughout this area for hunting, gathering, and fishing that spoke in many languages. Ichishkiin, Numu and Kiksht are still spoken in this region at the nearby Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Indian Reservation. Cross paths with early explorers and trappers such as Kit Carson, John C. Fremont and Nathaniel J. Wyeth as you travel on the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway. Wind your way along the byway as it climbs into the Deschutes National Forest and discover the many alpine lakes and towering Cascade Mountains that create a special beauty for this place.

Lava Trail - Crisscrossing the byway are remnants of volcanic activity, such as the Lava Cast Forest, where lava once flowed through this ponderosa pine forest and left molds of the trees. Walk along the trails and see how the pines are finally reclaiming what the lava took before, or explore the Newberry Crater, a still active volcano. Or if you want to explore a living forest, the Deschutes National Forest is a recreational haven, with wilderness areas, miles of trails and hundreds of lakes and rivers.

Cultrus Lake (pictured) is located west of Crane Prairie Reservoir