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North Fork Crooked Wild and Scenic River

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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North Fork Crooked Wild and Scenic River

The North Fork Crooked Wild and Scenic River provides a much-needed retreat to nature, located just south of the Ochoco National Forest. The Bureau of Land Management, or BLM, manages a segment of the North Fork Crooked River, which flows through the North Fork Wilderness Study Area. Through their management, BLM protects the area, making it useful for many individuals for various purposes. People come to the river to enjoy fishing, hiking, hunting, and wildlife viewing. The river area isn’t directly accessible to vehicular traffic. However, you can get close by following NF-550. From there, it’s about a one-third-mile hike to the river itself.

The river area is about 475 miles south of the North Cascades National Park in northern Washington and about 700 miles west of Yellowstone National Park. You’ll likely travel to the river from the small town of Prineville, about 52 miles to the west. Give yourself plenty of time, as it’s about a two-hour drive along the National Forest Road, with plenty of other small towns in the area. The closest larger city is Eugene, OR, located about 200 miles east of the river and WSA.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

North Fork Crooked River Hike

This is the hike to access the North Fork of the Crooked River Canyon. You’ll hike down about 440 feet, and it's best to wait until the spring runoff has subsided and the ground has dried out.

Length: 5.8 miles roundtrip

Intensity: Moderate

Lookout Mountain Trail

This out-and-back trail is west of the North Fork river area in the Ochoco National Forest. Plan for a full day to either hike or bike this beautiful terrain. You’re welcome to bring your dog with you as you explore this rocky area and take in the beautiful panoramic views.

Length: 16.3 miles

Intensity: Difficult

Fishing and Boating

The Crooked River Canyon is completely controlled by a dam upriver. This means that having enough water on the river to boat is unlikely. However, there is enough water for some trout fishing.

The closest large body of water for fishing and boating is the Prineville Reservoir State Park, about 70 miles east of the North Fork Canyon area. There’s a smaller reservoir about 30 miles north in the heart of Ochoco National Forest, the Allen Creek Reservoir.

Wildlife Viewing

The North Fork Canyon area of the Crooked River is home to much of the same wildlife as you’ll find in the Ochoco National Forest. Large game includes deer, elk, and antelope. You’ll also find a variety of endangered avian species, including Swainson’s hawk, bald eagle, and peregrine falcon.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

BLM RV camping can be a blast, but it's also a rugged experience. If you prefer something a little more modern, you’ll have plenty of options in the area. The closest campground is Crook County RV Park in Prineville, Oregon, about 53 miles west of the North Fork Crooked River area, with 81 RV sites. They also have new laundry facilities, Wi-Fi, a dump station, and restrooms with showers. Head a little south and you’ll find Sun Rocks RV Park, with 42 RV sites ranging from full hookup with 50 amp power to electric-only 30 amp sites, along with showers and a recreational room.

Free Camping

If you prefer the remoteness and reduced cost associated with Bureau of Land Management free camping, you’ll find plenty in the area. There are no designated Bureau of Land Management campgrounds at the North Fork Crooked River or Wilderness Area. However, BLM does offer dispersed camping on their lands, so there’s no need to worry if you start asking "Where is BLM camping near me?" Rather, just make sure you stay on the public land, and then find a pull-off on the road coming in. If you come in from the north through Ochoco National Forest on NF-550, you’ll find several areas that have been used previously for pull-off camping sites. You’ll just need to make sure your rig can handle the rough, single-lane dirt road.

RV Rentals Near North Fork Crooked Wild and Scenic River Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your North Fork Crooked Wild and Scenic River BLM trip

Make your rustic BLM RV camping trip a great experience by doing a little advance planning. First, spend a little time studying satellite maps of the North Fork Crooked River area. This will allow you to visualize how you’ll get there, the general condition of the roads, and some ideas for a primitive campsite before you’re making your way into the area.

Being it’s almost a two-hour drive back to the closest town, dump your waste tank before heading out and fill your potable water supply. You'll want to make sure you have the basics covered to ensure you have a pleasant camping experience.

Along with that, keep an eye on the weather, and alter plans if there’s a forecast for inclement weather while you’re there. Bring a NOAA emergency radio with you so that you get alerts about changes in weather, along with emergency supplies like a robust first aid kit and fire extinguisher. Given that the desert temperatures can vary greatly between daytime highs and nighttime lows, pack clothing that allows you to layer. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Any time you head out for primitive or dispersed BLM RV camping, make sure you go with the mindset of Leaving No Trace behind. If you start a fire, make sure you keep it in a fire pit, and bring firewood with you or only use what you can pick up from the ground around your site. Be sure to pack up all of your trash, and don’t dump anything outside of your trailer. This could attract wildlife and pose a danger to yourself and future campers. Finally, when you set up camp, only use sites that have evidence of others using them previously. It should be a site with a solid dirt area and without vegetation that you’ll disturb.

North Fork Crooked Wild and Scenic River Location

You’ll want to approach from Prineville along OR 380, or SE Paulina Highway for about 35 miles, then turn left on the signed Teaters Road. In about 4.5 miles, take the fork to the left and drive another 2 miles. Take the fork to the right fork and drive another half mile, and then cross the cattle guard. To get to the hike-in spot, drive 1.2 miles and turn right. Travel another 5.4 miles, and then park. From here, you’ll hike in on a four-wheel-drive track marked with a brown post.

Address: Prineville District Office, 3050 NE 3rd Street, Prineville, OR 97754

Ready to visit North Fork Crooked Wild and Scenic River? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.

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