CuteCamper
Diamond Loop Back Country Byway
The Diamond Loop Back Country Byway moves past high desert habitats and offers a variety of wildlife, historical landmarks and fascinating natural formations. Travel along marshes to see bird species from waterfowl to shorebirds and the darting figures of quick-footed deer and antelope.
Stop in the town of Diamond, originally established as a major supply center for ranchers. Residents of the area can tell you about the history of the recently renovated Hotel Diamond, a legacy of its rancher past. Another site to see is the Pete French Round Barn, built in late 1870. Nearby is another legacy -- the Kiger Mustangs, believed to closely resemble the horses brought over by the Spaniards in the late 16th Century. Walk around the Diamond Craters Outstanding Natural Area, home to some of the most diverse volcanic formations in America.
End your trip in Frenchglen and snap a picture of the famous Frenchglen Hotel, now on the National Register of Historic Places.
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RecAreaDirections
Getting to the Byway:
Burns to Frenchglen:
- In Burns head south on N Egan Ave toward W Adams St.
- After 0.2 miles turn left at W Monroe St/US-20/ US 395 and continue for 0.7 miles.
- After 0.7 miles continue on E crane Blvd/OR-78.
- In 1.2 miles turn right at OR-205 and continue for 58.4 miles until you reach Frenchglen.
Burns to New Princeton:
- In Burns head south on N Egan Ave toward W Adams St.
- In 0.2 miles turn left at W Monroe St/US-20/US-395.
- In 0.7 miles continue on E Crane Blvd/OR-78. Continue on OR-78 for 37.1 miles until you reach New Princeton.
Navigating the Byway:
From New Princeton:
- The byway starts in New Princeton. In New Princeton head south on OR-78 toward Lava Bed Rd.
- After 0.2 miles make a slight right at Lava Bed Rd.
- Stay on Lava Bed Rd for 1.4 miles then make a slight right at Narrows-Princeton Rd.
- In 1.6 miles make a slight left at Lava Beds Rd.
- Stay on Lava Beds Rd for 20.4 miles. At this point, drivers can choose to turn right at continue on to Frenchglen or left to drive the Diamond Loop.
To Frenchglen:
- Turn right at Diamond Grain Camp Rd/Diamond Ln.
- After 6.8 miles make a sharp left at OR-205 and continue south for 17.7 miles until you reach Frenchglen. Here the byway ends.
The Loop:
- Turn left at Diamond Grain Camp Rd/Diamond Ln.
- Stay on Diamond Grain Camp Rd/Diamond Ln for 5 miles then turn left at Happy Valley Rd.
- Stay on Happy Valley Rd for 13 miles. Here the byway converges with Lava Beds Rd and you can continue again towards Frenchglen, where the byway ends.
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