The Crooked River National Grassland is a unique landscape that serves as a host for a variety of different activities from hunting, fishing and boating to hiking, rock climbing and OHV riding. Come explore a place like no other!
This trail descends into the canyon from the parking area at Alder Springs Trailhead. As it descends along the layered bluffs, visitors can see intriguing views of the canyon and the trail ahead.
At the base of the canyon visitors intending to continue on the trail must cross Whychus Creek. This crossing can vary in intensity from "quite exciting" to "rather tame" depending on the season.
Water levels tend to be higher and the flow faster in late spring and early summer; however, both elements tend to mellow out more toward late summer and early fall. As a wild un-dammed creek with headwaters high in the snowy Cascades, water levels can rise without warning, especially during rainy periods.
After crossing the creek, the trail continues downstream to the north following Whychus Creek, weaving up along the hillside and down into some brushy overgrown places, periodically offering some unexpectedly stunning views.
The developed trail ends where the Deschutes River and Whychus Creek meet.
This well-known trail provides excellent views of the Crooked River National Grassland and the Cascades, and also ties into trails that reach BLM land and Smith Rock State Park. This trail is primarily accessed at Gray Butte Trailhead, though it can also be accessed from the Cole Loop Trail (#854).
The trail begins in juniper forest and slowly climbs up the side of Gray Butte, dotted with sagebrush, and wildflowers in the spring. The trail is popular with hikers, horseback riders and mountain bikers. The ascent can be steep in places with some portions of loose rock. The trail is best avoided after a heavy rain because the soils are comprised of clay and sand that form an especially gooey "gumbo" when wet.
This trail can be accessed by Rimrock Springs Trailhead. It is an ADA accessible, barrier free, paved trail that crosses through a high desert juniper and sagebrush environment, to a wildlife viewing platform where visitors can sometimes view pronghorn antelope, nesting waterfowl, song birds, game birds, raptors, aquatic mammals, and bats. There is an unpaved extention of the trail for those folks who prefer slightly longer walks.
This trail is accessed at Cove Palisades State Park.
The Tam-a-láu Trail derives its name from a Native American phrase meaning “place of big rocks on the ground.” This also was the name of an ancient trail that passed through the area as part of a trade route to the Columbia River.
The trail starts out with a short, moderately steep climb to get to the top of a lava plateau called The Peninsula. Once you reach the top, it continues around most of the rim for about 4.3 miles, offering fantastic views of Lake Billy Chinook, the Deschutes and Crooked Rivers.
At the far end of The Peninsula, hikers can see across the water to an area called The Island. The Island was designated a natural national landmark and has been off limits to hikers since 1997 in order to protect its fragile native ecosystem.
Vegetation on The Peninsula consists mainly of open sage brush country with scattered western juniper. This hike can be very hot in summer and offers little shade. Rattle snakes also frequent the area.
The Maury Mountains offer solitude and relaxation to those in search of it. There are four campgrounds in the area including one situated on the shore of Antelope Flat Reservoir (a little known fishing hole), and the agate beds near Elkhorn Campground have also been known to attract rock hounds. This beautiful, secluded area is a great place to find your own adventure!
Far removed from the nearest town this entire area offers a pristine natural environment comparable to many wilderness areas. Most recreation happens here during the big game hunting seasons, leaving the area vastly unoccupied the remainder of the summer season. You can experience just about everything here from wildlife viewing to fording a river into the Black Canyon Wilderness on a backpacking excursion. If you want adventure without a crowd, then this is the place for you!
The western portion of the Ochoco National Forest offers a great variety of recreational opportunities without being too far removed from the nearest town.
In the winter, there are opportunities for snow play including a Mark's Creek Sled Hill and numerous trails for snowmobiles and cross country skiers.
In the summer there is everything from fishing to backpacking in Mill Creek Wilderness and the surrounding forest!
If those activities don't suit your style, there are also OHV trails, developed campgrounds, group pavilions, and overnight rental options for two historic cabins.
Nearly everything you are looking for is available here!
Bandit Springs Sno-Park is located off of Highway 26 and provides access to the most diverse network of cross-country ski/ snowshoe trails on the Ochoco National Forest.
The trail ratings range from Easy to Most Difficult and therefore offer great opportunities for visitors of any skill level. This sno-park is ideal for cross-country skiing enthusiasts who prefer easy access, decently maintained roads and few encounters with other visitors.
In the warmer seasons this trailhead can also be used for short day hikes or mountain bike rides which are perfect for stretching out the legs as a break from a long drive.
