Crooked Wild and Scenic River!

Описание: Designated as a wild and scenic river in 1988, the Crooked River is noted for its ruggedly beautiful scenery, outstanding whitewater boating and a renowned sport fishery for steelhead, brown trout and native rainbow trout. Located in central Oregon, it offers excellent hiking opportunities with spectacular geologic formations and waterfalls. A portion of the designated segment provides expert class 4 to 5 kayaking/rafting during spring runoff.

Fifty million years of geologic history are dramatically displayed on the canyon walls of the Crooked Wild and Scenic River. Volcanic eruptions which occurred over thousands of years created a large basin dramatized by colorful layers of basalt, ash and sedimentary formations. The most significant contributor to the outstandingly remarkable geologic resources are the unique intra-canyon basalt formations created by recurring volcanic and hydrologic activities.

Water from springs flow through the steep basalt canyon section of the Crooked Wild and Scenic River and has created a stream habitat that is extremely stable and diverse and unique in a dry semi-arid climate environment.

The Crooked Wild and Scenic River offers a diversity of year-round recreation opportunities, such as fishing, hiking, backpacking, camping, wildlife and nature observation, whitewater boating, picnicking, swimming, hunting and photography. The Chimney Rock segment is popular for camping, fishing, hiking, bicycling and for viewing eagles, ospreys and other wildlife. The 2.6-mile (round trip) hike to Chimney Rock rewards visitors with expansive views of the Crooked River Canyon and Cascades. The lower section offers a semi-primitive experience due to its remoteness, and a portion of the river is noted for high quality class 4 to 5 whitewater paddling.

The exceptionally scenic qualities along the Crooked River are due to the rugged natural character of the canyons, outstanding scenic vistas, limited visual intrusions and scenic diversity resulting from a variety of geologic formations, vegetation communities and dynamic river characteristics. State Scenic Highway 27, a designated National Back Country Byway, offers views of western juniper decorating the steep hillsides, spectacular geologic formations and eroded lava flows throughout the narrow, winding canyon corridor.

The river supports critical mule deer winter range habitat and nesting/hunting habitat for bald eagles, golden eagles, ospreys and other raptors. Bald eagles are known to winter within the Crooked River segment and along the Deschutes River downriver from the Lower Bridge.

For more information about this remote Oregon wonderland stop on by the BLM Office in Prineville, Oregon, or head on over to: www.blm.gov/visit

Hope to see you out on the river making your splash!

Video: Michael Campbell and Greg Shine, BLM