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Ochoco National Forest Hiking Trails

Steins Pillar Trail

This trail has wildflowers and is best traveled between May and October. You can take dogs and horses on Steins Pillar Trail. It has an elevation of 770 feet above sea level.

Length: 3.8 miles

Intensity: Moderate
Forked Horn Butte

This trail is a lightly trafficked trail used mostly for bringing out horses, hiking, and trail running. You can take dogs out onto this trail. It has an elevation of 1,148 feet above sea level.

Length: 6.4 miles

Intensity: Moderate
Round Mountain Through Hike

This point-to-point trail has light traffic. There are various activity options, and it’s best when used between May and October. You can take dogs on the trail. It has an elevation of 2,063 feet above sea level.

Length: 9.3 miles

Intensity: Difficult
Green Mountain Trail

This out-and-back trail has beautiful wildflowers and is best when used between May and September. You can bring dogs, but they must stay on leashes. It has an elevation of 3,333 feet above sea level.

Length: 15.2 miles

Intensity: Difficult
Barnhouse Trail

This lightly maintained trail is on the narrow side. It only has a slight elevation gain, and the trailhead is located at a small primitive campground. Be aware that there is a stream crossing, which can be muddy.

Length: 5.6 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Activities in Ochoco National Forest

Identifying Flora and Fauna

The Ochoco Forest is a thriving, healthy forest that has various flora and fauna habitats. The flora includes wildflowers, sagebrush, juniper trees, quaking aspen, and pine. The fauna you’ll see includes elk, deer, wild horses, various birds, including waterfowl, and several species of fish.

Fishing

You can fish at the Ochoco National Forest at lakes and ponds. Some spots where you are allowed to do so include Lake Billy Chinook, Haystack Reservoir, Cottonwood Pit Campground, and Antelope Flat Reservoir.

Geocaching

The difficulty level of geocaching in this area is rated a two. You can access the area all year, but you should be prepared to use snowshoes or skis in the winter.

Bird Watching

There are prime opportunities for nature watching at Ochoco National Forest. Bird watching is especially enjoyable here as many species of birds make their home in the forest, including osprey, bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, and Steller’s jays.

Stargazing

Every August, the Oregon Star Party gathers at Indian Trail Spring, which is 45 miles east of Prineville, to do some stargazing. The sky tends to get very dark, and there is very little light pollution. This, combined with the low humidity in the area, makes the 40 acres of Indian Trail Spring that this group uses excellent for stargazing.

How to get to Ochoco National Forest

Address: 3160 NE Third St., Prineville, OR 97754

Fee: Entry fee $0

Ochoco National Forest offers great opportunities for birdwatching, fishing, hiking, trail running, rock collecting, geocaching, and more. There are seven campsites on which you can go RV camping. Taking an RV for your trip is an amazing way to experience the Ochoco National Forest and the surrounding areas.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ochoco National Forest

What is the closest town to Ochoco National Forest?

Mitchell, Oregon is one of the closest towns to Ochoco National Forest. Prineville and Powell Butte are also nearby, and Bend, Oregon is about two and a half hours away from the center of the forest.

Can you kayak, canoe, or raft in Ochoco National Forest?

Yes, you can kayak and canoe in the Ochoco National Forest. You can also go whitewater rafting in the forest, and there are several companies that lead rafting trips in the area.

Is there a fee to get into Ochoco National Forest?

No, there is no fee to get into Ochoco National Forest. There may be fees and permits required for certain activities in the forest like camping or cutting down a Christmas tree. There may also be fees required for using certain areas like day-use sites.

Is Ochoco National Forest open all year round?

Yes, the Ochoco National Forest is open year-round. There are some OHV trails in the park that are open year-round as well. In summer, the forest is perfect for hiking, paddling, and fishing. In winter, it's great for winter sports like snowmobiling or cross-country skiing.

What type of wildlife lives in Ochoco National Forest?

Wildlife in the Ochoco National Forest includes deer, elk, antelope, bears, wolves, and mountain lions. There is also a variety of reptiles, birds, and fish that live in the forest as well.

Ochoco National Forest Guide

RV Rentals Near Ochoco National Forest

Ochoco National Forest Hiking Trails

Steins Pillar Trail

Forked Horn Butte

Round Mountain Through Hike

Green Mountain Trail

Barnhouse Trail