45. Crooked River Overlook (Rocky Canyon Unit)

Suggested Citation: Kerr, Andy. 2000. Oregon Desert Guide: 70 Hikes. Seattle: The Mountaineers Books. p. 190.

<<<-Previous             Table of Contents            Next->>>

What to Expect: A moderate day hike or easy overnight to a rim overlook

Distance: 6 miles round trip

Elevation Change: 3,600-3,960 feet

Drinking Water: No

Best Times: Spring, summer, fall

USGS 7.5' Map: Bowman Dam

Oregon Map Starting Point: Prineville

South 20.4 miles from Prineville on OR 27 is the end of the pavement. Continue on Oregon's only unpaved state highway 2.6 miles to the Bear Creek County Road. Turn west (toward Alfalfa) and drive 0.8 mile to a cattle guard and a "Road Closed" sign at the hill crest. Continue west 0.3 mile and park at a primitive way on the north.

Walk north, first on the way, then along the rim 3 miles until you find a view you like. A major obscenity in your view will he Bowman Dam and Prineville Reservoir. Downstream, it's a federal wild and scenic river. Think free-flowing thoughts.

Return the way you came or make a western arc on your return, including, if you're ambitious, to the head of Rocky Canyon.