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Submission
The Ochoco National Forest is located in Central Oregon, north and east of the City of Prineville. It encompasses 850,000 acres of rimrock, canyons, geologic oddities, dense pine forests, and high desert terrain as well as the North Fork of the Crooked River. At 155,000 acres, Crooked River Grasslands is one of the largest tracks of preserved grassland in the U.S. Visitors can find a variety of evidence of a ‘failed’ homestead attempts on the Grasslands: stone shelters, tools, cans, log cabins, barns and water troughs still remain. Please note that these items are protected by the Antiquities Act and must not be removed to preserve the historic integrity of the area.
From Prineville, Oregon, take Highway 26 north for 16 miles. Turn righton Ochoco Ranger Station Road and go 9 miles to the Ranger Station, then turnleft, proceed across the small bridge and take a right into the Forest Campfee station. Continue on to the pavilion group site.
Nice getaway, quiet, beautiful, you have a great chance of seeing owls, deer, or even bear in the area.
This is my first experience exploring the Ochocos on South side of 26 east. Fantastic scenic views, remnants of abandoned mine buildings, and so much more to see and when I return to this remarkable place.
It's absolutely stunning up there! It's quiet, remote and absolutely brimming with wildlife. The air is very refreshing up there and there's a multitude of trails. I went up there to go rockhounding with my boyfriend and found quite a bit of agate. It's a really nice place to go trail hiking.
