Overview:

Central Oregon‘s Crooked Wild and Scenic River flows from the forested heights of the Ochoco Mountains to the high desert near Lake Billy Chinook at its confluence with the Deschutes River. The wild and scenic portion of the Crooked river spans 61 miles in three reaches: the North Fork, the Chimney Rock segment and the Lower Crooked River.

Know Before You Go:

• Nine non-reservable campgrounds and two day-use areas provide easy year-round access to the Chimney Rock segment south of Prineville, Oregon.
• Fires are prohibited annually from June 1 through October 15 in the Lower Crooked River segment.
• Accessible fishing platforms are available at Palisades and Chimney Rock campgrounds.
• A seasonally-open gate at Telephone Springs limits motorized access to the North Fork of the Crooked River annually from April 30 through December 1.

Point of Interest:

A world-class fishery is located below Bowman Dam along the Chimney Rock segment. Fly fishers enjoy plenty of easy access along the adjacent Crooked River Back Country Byway.

For a different view, visitors can ride the 18-mile Crooked River Canyon Scenic Bikeway from Prineville to Big Bend Campground. Designated in 2018, this moderate route takes riders from picturesque farms to towering cliffs.

Explore Nearby

• Warm Springs State Recreation Site — State Park in Oregon
• Peter Skene Ogden State Scenic Viewpoint — State Park in Oregon
• McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in Oregon
• Willamette National Forest — National Forest in Oregon
• Deschutes National Forest — National Forest in Oregon