Overview

Prineville, Oregon is a small town on the Ochoco River, located several miles northeast of Bend. Founded in 1877, Prineville was Central Oregon’s first city. Nestled in a valley, the nearby countryside includes rocky cliffs, farmland, and the Ochoco National Forest. Historic buildings, small town hospitality, and a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities make Prineville a great place to visit.

Location

Prineville, OR is about 35 miles northeast of Bend in Central Oregon.  

Lodging and Services

Visitors to Prineville can choose from several hotels and RV parks, as well as a small number of cabins, private vacations rentals, and B&Bs for lodging. Dining options include a handful of restaurants offering a variety of cuisine and several fast food places for a quick bite to eat.

Activities

Visitors to Prineville can enjoy a variety of activities. Fishing for crappie, trout, and bass is very popular in the Prineville Reservoir, located southeast of the town. The unique geology of this part of Oregon attracts many rockhounds. Other outdoor activities include hiking, camping, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling.

Attractions

As Central Oregon’s oldest city, Prineville is rich in history. While you’re there, be sure to stop by the A. R. Bowman Memorial Museum. Housed in an old bank, the museum gives visitor’s a glimpse into Crook County’s distant past. An original teller’s cage from the bank is one of many interesting exhibits at the museum.

Getting Here

There are two routes you can take from Prineville to Bend.  One route is to take Hwy 126 west to Hwy 97. Continue south on Hwy 97 to Bend.  The other route is via the Powell Butte Highway south, just past Powell Butte on Hwy 126. Both routes are about the same distance. Along the way you’ll see farmland and gently rolling countryside dotted with juniper.