Crook County, Oregon

The Painted HIlls is the most dramatic of the three units that make up John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. Any trip to Eastern Oregon via Rt 26 requires a stop at the Painted HIlls to take in the unique landscape.John Day Fossil Beds are fee-free and as you enter you will see an area with bat...

To get to the trailhead, use the US highway 26 which is the only way you can go to the Painted Hills Unit. Make a turn when arriving at Burnt Ranch Rd junction. Drive up and follow the sign around 6 miles. The trail junction is where you passed the Carroll Rim Trail and Painted Hill Overlook. Tur...

Head East out of Bend, Oregon towards Prineville Reservoir State Park and Highway 27, which runs along the Crooked River. It is about an hour outside of Bend. Once you reach Highway 27 (Crooked River Highway), there are several campgrounds and pull-outs along the side of the road where you can st...

Heading south from Wasco, the scenery trades off between new farms and old abandoned homesteads. Most areas are fenced off along the road to keep in the roaming cattle, but now and then there is access to adventure off and visit the places that the settlers decided on in the 18-1900's.About 50 mi...

Smith Rock State Park is an iconic PNW canyon that's become one of the rock climbing capitals of the country, and known worldwide for its sport climbing routes. And while climbing draws crowds year-round, adventurers also visit for its trail system boasting sweeping Central Oregon volcano views. ...

Park your vehicle in the bivouac parking area and hike 200 yards west to the tent campsites. Set up your home away from home at one of the undesignated cliff side campsites overlooking the park. Although it is famous for rock climbing, Smith Rock also boasts an extensive trail system. The best h...

Following along the Dechutes river for half a mile you will see where the river progressively gets more aggressive. On both sides of the trail you will see beautiful mountain inclines and jagged cliffs. If your lucky you might just see a bald eagle soaring high above! Along with Steel Head being ...