Abert Lake: Lake Abert is a remnant of what was once a much larger lake thousands of years ago when the climate provided far more moisture. It lies in a basin, which has no outlet, and as a result, the mineral salts that dissolved into the larger prehistoric lake have been concentrated in Lake Abert. It is home to a great abundance of brine shrimp, which serve as food for many birds during their migrations.
ABERT LAKE
Picture Oregon Scenic Landscape Pictures
Lake Abert is located in the Southern-central area of Oregon, south-central Lake County, about 30 miles north of Lakeview, on the west side of Highway 395.
One of the largest lakes in Oregon, with no outlet, water can only leave by evaporation. As a result, sodium carbonates and other salts become concentrated in the lake's waters. Note image of white rock showing effects of alkalinity. The shore line image above of white is a field of such rocks. Abert Rim strectches 30 miles north to south. Lake Abert normally covers 60 square miles however the lake varies in size from year to year depending upon precipitation. It went almost completely dry 140 years ago. Elevation is 6,250 feet. One of only a handful of inland nest sites for Snowy Plovers in Oregon. Hosts tens of thousands of Eared Grebes, Wilson's Phalaropes, and Red-necked Phalaropes during fall migration.
Abert Rim - with a vertical face more than a quarter mile high, this 30-mile long fault rises 2,000 feet above Lake Abert and is one of the longest exposed fault escarpments in North America. It began forming during geological upheaval several million years ago. (only 30 min. North of Lakeview!)