Diamond Loop Back Country Byway

Byway Details

Designation

BLM Back Country Byway

Length

66 mi in Oregon

Managed by

Bureau of Land Management

About Diamond Loop Back Country Byway

The Diamond Loop Back Country Byway is a 65.7-mile scenic drive in southeastern Oregon, managed by the Bureau of Land Management as one of its designated byways. The route passes through the small communities of Frenchglen, Diamond and New Princeton, which make natural reference points for planning stops along the way. The drive is a loop, so you can start from any of the towns on the route and come back around to it. At about 66 miles, it fills a good part of a day if you stop to stretch your legs at the short trails close to the road. Late spring through early fall is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from the Malheur Refuge Hq weather station, about 13 miles away, show July highs around 85°F with lows near 50°F, while September highs drop to about 75°F with lows around 40°F. Several short hikes sit within a mile or so of the route. Crane Pond Overlook Trail and Barnes Springs Footpath are both less than a mile from the road. Bridge Creek Trail and River Trail are also close by, so they are easy to add as stops.