Rimrock Springs Wildlife Management Area

A small dam traps spring-fed water to create this wetland oasis in an otherwise parched land. From the parking lot, take the 0.5-mile paved level trail to an uncovered observation deck. For a different perspective and route back to the parking lot, hike the not-so-level 0.9-mile dirt trail that loops south past a second viewing platform and then west.

This is an ADA-accessbile site.

Caution: This site can be brutally hot in summer, so take along drinking fluids. For the best view, bring binoculars or a spotting scope. Although you should be alert for rattlesnakes, you're more apt to see the similarly colored but non-venomous gopher snake.

At a Glance

Closest Towns:	Madras, Oregon
Water:	No
Operated By:	US Forest Service
Information Center:	Crooked River National Grassland 274 SW 4th Street Madras, OR 97741 (541) 416-6640

General Information

Directions:

From Madras, Oregon:

Travel southeast on Hwy. 26 for approximately 9 miles from the junction of Hwy 97 and Hwy 26, then turn left into Rimrock Springs Trailhead, which is located within Rimrock Springs Wildlife Management Area.

From Prineville, Oregon:

Travel north on Hwy. 26 for approximately 18 miles, then turn right into Rimrock Springs Trailhead, which is located within Rimrock Springs Wildlife Management Area.

Activities

Viewing Wildlife

During the nesting season, waterfowl such as Canada Goose, Ruddy Duck, Northern Shoveler, Mallard, Cinnamon Teal, and American Coot may be seen here. Listen for Wilson's Snipe or Common Nighthawk swooping overhead, and for Sora or Virginia Rail calling from the grassy cover. It's common to find Tri-Colored Blackbird, Gray Flycatcher, Ash-Throated Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, and three species of blackbird (Brewer's, Red-Winged, and Yellow-Headed). More than one species of bat might be distinguished by size in the fading light of a warm summer evening. An extra treat in late-May to early-June is the lovely pinkish blooms of bitterroot.