Lost Forest Research Natural Area

Lost Forest Research Natural Area is a protected forest in Lake County, Oregon, where ponderosa pines grow in an isolated desert environment at about 4,400 feet elevation. The forest spans roughly 8,960 acres and is managed as a research area to study how these trees adapt to extremely dry conditions.

The area was originally used by military units in World War II for training exercises, with major maneuvers occurring in 1943. Recognition as a research area came later to document the ecological properties of this unusual forest formation.

The Bureau of Land Management designated this 8,960-acre area in 1972 to protect ancient ponderosa pines and study their adaptation mechanisms.

The forest sits about 65 miles southeast of Bend and is reachable by desert roads that can vary in condition. Primitive camping spots are available on the grounds, though conditions are harsh and water is limited.

These pines survive on only half the normal required rainfall and have developed specialized root systems to store water in this extreme drought zone. The adaptation of these trees makes this forest a natural laboratory for understanding drought resistance.