Ochoco National Forest

The largest number of visitors to the Ochoco National Forest occurs in late summer and fall when mule deer and elk attract large numbers of hunters. Other wildlife includes antelope, a herd of wild horses, an occasional wildcat and rarely a cougar. Golden and bald eagles are commonly sighted in the winter and spring. The Crooked River National Grassland supports a small herd of antelope, numerous mule deer, quail, and chukkars.

A well developed Forest and Grassland road system provides access to much of the area. Small developed campgrounds, usually close to a small stream, are common. Many areas do not provide drinking water, so it is advisable to bring a supply with you. Delintment Lake, Antelope Reservoir, Walton Lake, and Haystack Reservoir offer fishing, camp facilities, and water recreation opportunities.

Rockhounding is popular because of the geology of the area. Forest roads lead to several sites containing semi-precious quartz-family stones, such as thunder eggs, agates, jasper, limb casts, and petrified wood.

Three wildernesses (Black Canyon, Mill Creek, and Bridge Creek), and three special management units (Silver Creek, Squaw Creek, and Lookout Mountain) provide many opportunities for backcountry camping, hiking, horseback riding and cross country skiing. There are over 120 miles of summer hiking, horseback riding, and mountain bike trails.

Mountain bike use in the Ochoco is increasing as people search for places to explore that are away from crowds and conflicts. The Ochoco currently has over 5,000 miles of roads. Of this system, 3,700 miles are low-standard, tow-tract roads open to motorized traffic but used very little except during hunting season. There are over 600 miles blocked-off, closed roads that may offer routes away from four-wheel-drive vehicle traffic. There are also many miles of overgrown routes that offer future opportunities. The most popular Mountain Bike routes are Lookout Mountain and Round Mountain. Other suggested routes include Summit Trail, Green Mountain, Barnhouse, and Hardscrabble.

Three national wild and scenic rivers offering beautiful scenery are located on the Forest. These are the middle Deschutes River and lower Crooked River on the Grassland, and the North Fork Crooked River on Big Summit Ranger District.

Fish found in the Forest's streams, rivers and lakes include Redband Rainbow Trout, Mottled and Piute Sculpin, Speckled and Longnose dace, Brook trout, steelhead trout and Redside Shiner. Fish found on the Grasslands rivers, lakes and reservoirs include rainbow, bull and brown trout, Mountain whitefish, Kokanee Salmon, Bluegill, Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, and Black Crappie. See Fishing in the Ochoco for more information.