The Isolated Beauty of Lawen

Lawen is a tiny unincorporated settlement with a population of fewer than 20 residents.

Surrounded by expansive sagebrush plains, this small community offers a glimpse into isolated rural life.

The primary industries in Lawen are agriculture and ranching, reflecting the towns deep connection to the land.

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By Gary Halvorson, Oregon State Archives – This file was contributed to Wikimedia Commons by Oregon State Archives as part of a cooperation project. The donation was facilitated by the Digital Public Library of America, via its partner Northwest Digital Heritage.Record in source catalogDPLA identifier: ee9f1f1e93475ef65b26138e1f741ea5Oregon State Archives identifier: 20170927-1448, CC BY 4.0

Where is Lawen?

Located in Harney County, Lawen sits along Oregon Route 78, approximately 22 miles east of Burns.

The towns isolation is amplified by the surrounding high desert landscape and limited population density.

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To reach Lawen, travelers drive east from Burns through rolling sagebrush and under endless skies.

Visitors might spot the remnants of an old motel and cafe, relics of a bygone era.

Where is Wagontire?

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The towns seclusion is intensified by the sparse population and minimal services along this remote highway.

Travelers heading south from Burns will traverse vast, empty landscapes before arriving at this near-ghost town.

The Quietude of Princeton

Princeton is a tiny community with an estimated population of around 35 residents.

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Nearby attractions include the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, a paradise for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

The main industries here are ranching and agriculture, integral to the towns way of life.

Where is Princeton?

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Its isolation is accentuated by the surrounding open rangeland and minimal traffic.

The towns remote setting makes it a hidden gem for those willing to venture off the beaten path.

Steeped in rich pioneer heritage, it features historic buildings that tell stories of early settlement in the region.

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The main industries are ranching and forestry, deeply rooted in the towns tradition.

Where is Drewsey?

The remote setting allows visitors to immerse themselves in the quiet beauty of the Harney Basin.

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The Solitude of Riley

Riley is a quiet crossroads with an estimated population of around 20 residents.

Ranching is the primary industry, and the surrounding landscape reflects a lifestyle attuned to the rhythms of nature.

Rileys seclusion is underscored by its remote location and the sparse population of the region.

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Where is Riley?

The towns isolation is evident in the lengthy stretches of road that connect it to neighboring communities.

The simplicity of getting there belies the profound sense of peace that awaits.

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The main industries are ranching and tourism, catering to adventurers exploring the Alvord Desert and the surrounding wilderness.

Where is Fields?

Positioned near the Oregon-Nevada border along Fields-Denio Road, Fields is approximately 112 miles south of Burns.

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Its isolation is amplified by the expansive stretches of uninhabited land that surround it.

The journey highlights the remoteness of Fields, rewarding visitors with a sense of discovery upon arrival.

Visitors can unwind at the Crystal Crane Hot Springs, a hidden gem offering relaxation under star-filled skies.

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The town serves as a hub for local ranchers, with agriculture being the mainstay of the economy.

Where is Crane?

Its isolation is accentuated by the stretches of open landscape that precede it and minimal traffic on the roads.

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The towns remoteness is part of its charm, offering a retreat into quietude.

Exploring Andrews allows visitors to step back in time amidst the silence of the desert.

Its seclusion is profound, surrounded by the vastness of the Harney Basin where human footprints are few.

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Where is Andrews?

Reaching Andrews requires careful navigation and a spirit of adventure, often necessitating a four-wheel-drive vehicle.

The journey through rugged terrain and expansive deserts underscores the seclusion that defines this forgotten place.

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Nearby attractions include the Diamond Craters Outstanding Natural Area and the Pete French Round Barn.

Ranching remains the main industry, and the community embodies the enduring spirit of the Oregon frontier.

Diamonds seclusion is enhanced by its remote location and the tranquility that pervades the landscape.

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Where is Diamond?

The towns isolation is a result of its position amid vast ranchlands and the absence of nearby urban centers.

The remote setting provides an ideal backdrop for those seeking respite from the fast pace of modern life.

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The main industries are tourism and ranching, leveraging the natural beauty and outdoor opportunities of the area.

Where is Frenchglen?

The towns isolation is accentuated by the rugged terrain and the distance from major highways.

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Travelers reach Frenchglen by journeying through miles of high desert, where the landscape transitions to dramatic mountain vistas.

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