The Crooked River is one of the iconic waterways in Central Oregon, and its winding path through the region’s high desert collides with top recreation opportunities all year long.
The 125-mile-long Crooked River begins amid forests of juniper and sagebrush in the remote and rugged reaches of sunny Central Oregon. From there, it flows into Prineville Reservoir, which was created by Bowman Dam. Today, the reservoir is popular with fly fishers, boaters and paddlers, campers, and even stargazers. (In 2021, Prineville Reservoir State Park was designated an International Dark Sky Park due to its clear night skies—where stars shine bright all year long.)
From there, the Crooked River heads north toward Prineville—providing plenty of rocky and rugged scenery for campers at primitive Bureau of Land Management campsites and cyclists riding the Crooked River Canyon Scenic Bikeway. A few hiking trails in the area—most notably the Chimney Rock Trail—ascend the Crooked River Canyon and showcase scenic views of the surrounding basalt cliffs.
After passing through Prineville, the oldest city in Central Oregon, the Crooked River snakes through the iconic rock formations at Smith Rock State Park and some of the region’s most fertile farms before eventually emptying into Lake Billy Chinook near Madras.
Open Season
The Crooked River runs all year long.
Dog Friendly and/or Leash Rules
Leashed dogs are permitted at Prineville Reservoir State Park, and dogs are permitted off-leash in one of the park’s yurts.
Best time to visit
April-Oct.
Don’t Miss
On a clear night, head to Prineville Reservoir State Park to see comets, planets, constellations, stars, and other celestial wonders fill the dark night skies above the Crooked River.
Fees or Pass Needed
Sites at Prineville Reservoir State Park cost $20-53 per night, and log cabins at the park cost $95-130 per night. There is no day-use fee to visit Prineville Reservoir State Park. Numerous Bureau of Land Management campgrounds can be found along Highway 27 leading to Prineville Reservoir, and those sites typically cost $8 per night; BLM campsites along Highway 27 are available year-round on a first-come, first-served basis.
Restrictions
Some sites at Prineville Reservoir State Park close in winter, and some boat ramps may close when water levels are too low; two of the park’s campsites and two cabins are accessible to wheelchair users.
Activities
Hiking
Biking
Camping
Boating
Dark Sky
Parking
One vehicle is included with each reservation at Prineville Reservoir State Park; sites have room for one additional vehicle that costs $7 per night. BLM campgrounds charge $2 per night for one additional vehicle.
Directions
See the Crooked River from along the Crooked River Highway (Highway 27), which runs south from Prineville. Bowman Dam, which separates Prineville Reservoir and the Crooked River, is about 20 miles south of Prineville via Highway 27.