Abert Rim
Cliff Extensive volcanic escarpment and dramatic cliff rim
Abert Rim in southeastern Oregon is one of North America’s largest fault scarps, with vertical basalt cliffs and sagebrush plateaus. Hikers and glider pilots come for long views, geological interest and seasonal birdwatching.
Abert Rim is a prominent basalt escarpment in south-central Oregon, notable as one of North America’s highest exposed fault scarps. The rim forms a long linear cliff that towers above the surrounding valley.
The site offers dramatic cliff faces and broad vistas along the rim; visitors commonly use roadside overlooks and hiking routes to view the escarpment and adjacent valley floor. It is a geological landmark rather than a developed recreational resort.
The escarpment formed through Basin and Range extensional faulting and volcanic activity that produced the basalt flows now exposed as a steep rim. The feature records tectonic uplift and erosion over geological time.
Abert Rim lies in Lake County in south-central Oregon, adjacent to Lake Abert and the surrounding high desert landscape.
- Scale: One of the highest exposed fault scarps in North America, with the rim rising roughly 2,500 feet above the valley floor in places.
- Viewing points: Best observed from rim viewpoints where the steep basalt escarpment and the adjoining valley are both visible.
How to Get to Abert Rim #
Abert Rim is east of the community of Lakeview, Oregon. Reach it via US-395 and local county roads; high-clearance vehicles recommended for some approaches. The Bureau of Land Management manages access in parts-check current road conditions and permit requirements.
Tips for Visiting Abert Rim #
- Abert Rim is exposed-bring layers and sun protection; afternoons can be windy.
- Permits may be required for overnight backcountry use-check Bureau of Land Management (BLM) regulations for the area.
Best Time to Visit Abert Rim #
Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable conditions for exploring Abert Rim; summer can be hot and winter cold and snowy at higher elevations.
Weather & Climate near Abert Rim #
Abert Rim's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -5°C to 26°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 4°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -5°C. Light rainfall.
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March
March is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of -2°C. Light rainfall.
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May
May is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm).
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July
July is cool with highs of 26°C and lows of 8°C. The driest month with just 13 mm.
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August
August is cool with highs of 26°C and lows of 8°C. Light rainfall.
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September
September is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 5°C. Light rainfall.
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October
October is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 1°C. Light rainfall.
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November
November is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm).
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December
December is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -5°C. The wettest month with 41 mm of rain.
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