Ochoco National Forest Travel Guide

Trek Zone

National park

Facts and practical information

Located in the heart of central Oregon, Ochoco National Forest is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking natural beauty and adventure. With its diverse landscape of pine forests, meadows, and rugged terrain, the forest offers a wide range of recreational activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you're an avid hiker, mountain biker, or wildlife enthusiast, Ochoco National Forest has something for everyone.

One of the most popular attractions in Ochoco National Forest is the Ochoco Mountains, offering breathtaking panoramic views and an extensive network of hiking trails. The Ochoco Mountains are also home to an abundance of wildlife, including elk, deer, and various bird species, making it a prime destination for nature lovers and birdwatchers.

For those looking for an adrenaline rush, the forest provides opportunities for off-road vehicle riding, with designated trails for ATV and dirt bike enthusiasts. Additionally, the forest boasts a number of campgrounds, picnic areas, and fishing spots, providing the perfect setting for a relaxing weekend getaway with family and friends.

In addition to its natural beauty, Ochoco National Forest is steeped in history, with remnants of old mining operations and historic sites scattered throughout the area. Visitors can explore the historic Walton Lake and its surrounding area, which was once a bustling hub for gold miners in the late 1800s.

For those interested in exploring the local flora and fauna, Ochoco National Forest is home to a diverse range of plant life, including wildflowers, juniper trees, and sagebrush. The forest also offers opportunities for horseback riding, making it an ideal destination for equestrian enthusiasts.

Alternative names: Visitors per year: 575 thous.Elevation: 4472 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 44°19'60"N, 120°9'40"W

Location

OregonUnited States

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Ochoco National Forest Top Attractions

Ochoco National Forest Attractions - What to See and Explore

Ochoco National Forest offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Ochoco Mountains, Antelope Flat Reservoir, Maury Mountain Forest Reserve, Maury Mountains. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Nature • Natural attraction • Natural feature
Ochoco Mountains
The Ochoco Mountains are a mountain range in central Oregon in the United States, located at the western end of the Blue Mountains.
Lake • Dam
Antelope Flat Reservoir
Antelope Flat Reservoir is an impoundment located in the southern part of the Maury Mountains in Crook County, Oregon. It is formed by a 33-foot high earth-fill dam built across Bear Creek for irrigation purposes.
Nature • Natural attraction • Forest
Maury Mountain Forest Reserve
The Maury Mountain Forest Reserve was established by the U.S. Forest Service in Oregon on June 2, 1905 with 54,220 acres. On March 2, 1907 the forest was combined with Blue Mountains National Forest and the name was discontinued.

Day trips

Ochoco National Forest – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Ochoco National Forest, it's worth seeing attractions such as: James Cant Ranch Historic District (John Day Fossil Beds National Monument), A. R. Bowman Memorial Museum (Prineville), Kimberly.

30 milesNE
Museum, History museum
James Cant Ranch Historic District, John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
The James Cant Ranch is a pioneer ranch complex in Grant County in eastern Oregon, United States. The ranch is located on both sides of the John Day River in the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. The ranch was originally homesteaded by Floyd Officer in 1890. Officer sold the property to James Cant in 1910.
34 milesW
Specialty museum, History museum, Museum
A. R. Bowman Memorial Museum, Prineville
The A. R. Bowman Memorial Museum is a local history museum in Prineville, Oregon, United States. Opened in 1971, the museum is housed in the old Crook County Bank Building which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
39 milesNE
Locality
Kimberly
Kimberly is an unincorporated community in Grant County, Oregon, United States. It is located at the intersection of Oregon Route 19 and Oregon Route 402 and the confluence of the John Day and the North Fork John Day rivers.
49 milesW
River canyon with rock climbing and trails
Smith Rock State Park
As you step foot into Smith Rock State Park, you will be greeted by towering cliffs and rugged landscapes that will take your breath away. The park is renowned for its iconic rock formations, most notably the towering Smith Rock, which stands majestically against the...
34 milesW
Romanesque architecture
Crook County Bank Building, Prineville
The Crook County Bank is a historic bank building in Prineville, Oregon, United States. It was built in 1910 using stone blocks from a local quarry.