- The perfect place for beautiful scenery along with peace and solitude.
- Three wilderness areas lie within the forest.
- Fish for redband, rainbow, and eastern brook trout.
- Located about 45 miles east of Bend via Hwy 26.
Overview
If you are looking for peace and solitude amidst some of Central Oregon’s most beautiful scenery, then the Ochoco National Forest is one of the best places to find it. Located approximately 45 miles east of Bend just past Prineville, the Ochoco National Forest stretches across nearly 850,000 acres. The landscape varies significantly, with deep canyons, thick forest, and high desert. The North Fork of the Crooked River flows through the area.
Location and Information
The most western edge of the Ochoco National Forest is located about 45 miles east of Bend and can easily be accessed via Hwy 26 just past Prineville.
Contact Information
Ochoco National Forest 3160 N.E. 3rd Street Prineville, OR 97754. Phone: 541-416-6500. Visit their website.
Activities
- Camping – There are 24 developed campgrounds throughout this forest, including Walton Lake, Sugar Creek, and the rustic Deep Creek Campground. Several of the campgrounds are located next to lakes, streams, and rivers that offer excellent fishing.
- Fishing – There are plenty of places to fish in the Ochoco Forest. Redband trout, rainbow trout, and eastern brook trout attract many anglers to the area.
Fun Facts
- Some say the name “ochoco” was an Indian word for willow trees, while other say it belonged to a Paiute Indian chief who lived in the area.
- Mill Creek, Bridge Creek, and Black Canyon are the three designated Wilderness areas within the Ochoco Forest, covering 36,200 acres.
- The Ochoco National Forest is about half the size of the Willamette National Forest. Old growth forest comprises around 95,000 acres.
