Browns Crossing Wildlife Viewing Site
An over-water wooden viewing platform is located on the south side of a concrete bridge that spans the Deschutes River. The bridge's south lane has a pedestrian walkway also useful for over-water viewing and safe river crossing. Interpretive signs describe the aquatic menagerie found here. This site is accessible.
Caution: Keep alert for fast-moving vehicles on the two-lane bridge. Fishing restrictions are in effect and posted at the site.
At a Glance
Area Amenities: |
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Usage: | Light |
Water: | No |
Restroom: | No |
General Information
Directions:From Bend, OR: Travel 26.8 miles south on Highway 97 to Wickiup Junction, then 11.0 miles west on County Road 43, then continue 5.9 miles west on Forest Road 42. The main parking lot is on the south side of Forest Road 42.
Total Distance: 38 miles. Estimated Time: 50 minutes
Activities
Viewing Wildlife
This is a convenient place to view lunker kokanee salmon and brown trout that migrate from Wickiup Reservoir to the river in September. The concentration of spawning fish entices bald eagle and osprey to hunt for an easy meal. Watch for American dipper and common merganser that fly up and down the river. Streamside wildflowers attract more than one species of hummingbird (black-chinned, calliope, or rufous).
Other Attractions: Brown's Mountain is habitat for bald eagles and animal dwellers of old growth forest. Crane Prairie Dam is less than a mile upstream.
Featured Wildlife Groups:
- Birds of Prey
- Songbirds
- Waterfowl
- Bats
- Fish
- Butterflies
Habitats:
- Forest - Lodgepole Pine
- Forest - Mixed Conifer
- Wetland - Stream
Alerts & Warnings
- West Bend Area Trail Closures (Dec. 11, 2024)
- Bachelor Complex Fires Emergency Closure (November 15, 2024)
- Firestone & Flat Top Fires Emergency Closure (October 11, 2024)
- Blue-Green Algae Information (Summer 2024)
- Recreating in the Cedar Creek Fire Burned Area (June 2023)
- Willamette NF Fire Closures