Prineville Reservoir gives Crook County a sense of scale: it is 15 miles long, covers 3,000 acres and has 43 miles of shoreline. The reservoir is home to rainbow trout, smallmouth and largemouth bass, catfish, crappie and crayfish; fishing is possible there year-round.
Reservoir, Canyon and Trails
Prineville Reservoir State Park is designated as a certified International Dark Sky Park—a distinctive feature for travelers interested in the night sky. The park has 22 full-hookup sites open year-round, 22 sites with electrical hookups and water, 23 tent sites with water nearby, and five deluxe cabins. Individual facilities may change, so check current site and cabin information before making plans.
Nature and a variety of activities come together on the Crooked River. All three sections of the river were designated a Wild and Scenic River on October 28, 1988. Its canyon walls reveal about 50 million years of geological history. Year-round activities include fishing, hiking, backpacking, camping, wildlife and nature viewing, whitewater boating, picnicking, swimming, hunting and photography. You can discover the river through its landscape as well as the many opportunities for waterside and outdoor activities.
A designated driving route and a cycling route offer two different ways to explore the area. A 43-mile section of State Highway 27 runs south from Prineville to State Highway 20 and includes the section near Chimney Rock; it is designated a BLM Back Country Byway. The Crooked River Canyon Scenic Bikeway, by contrast, is a 37-mile out-and-back route. It starts in downtown Prineville and leads into Crooked River Canyon. The 43 miles refer to the highway section, while the 37 miles refer to the entire out-and-back route.
Ochoco Reservoir also reveals a seasonal aspect of nature: when water levels are high in spring, shallow mudflats form at the eastern end near Mill Creek, attracting wading birds. Ochoco Lake Park provides a place to launch boats onto the reservoir. Since water levels can affect boat launching, it is a good idea to check conditions before planning a boating trip. Fishing and backpacking opportunities are available in the western part of Ochoco National Forest, as well as in Mill Creek Wilderness and the surrounding forest.
Rock and History
Crook County is considered a major rockhounding destination in Oregon. Volcanic activity enabled the formation of thunder eggs and jasper; petrified wood recalls a former forested landscape in and around Prineville. These examples connect different chapters of the region’s geology—from volcanic activity to traces of an earlier landscape.
At the Bowman Museum, you can encounter history in a distinctive building: the museum is housed in the two-story former Crook County bank building, constructed in 1910. The museum also offers historical excursions. These excursions complement a visit to the historic building, offering another way to explore the region’s past.
A recurring event on the calendar is the Crooked River Roundup. It takes place every year in June and July at the Crook County Fairgrounds in Prineville and features a PRCA-sanctioned rodeo and pari-mutuel horse racing. Since specific event dates may change, check them before planning your trip.
Discover more destinations: Powell Butte, Prineville, Harney County, Marion, Coos County, Benton, Tillamook County, Lincoln.
For the broader travel overview: Oregon.
