The Ochoco National Forest is located in the Ochoco Mountains in Central Oregon in the United States, north and east of the city of Prineville, location of the national forest headquarters. It encompasses of rimrock, canyons, geologic oddities, dense pine forests, and high desert terrain, as well as the headwaters of the North Fork Crooked River. A 1993 Forest Service study estimated that the extent of old growth in the forest was .
In descending order of forestland area, it occupies lands within Crook, Harney, Wheeler, and Grant counties. The national forest also administers the Crooked River National Grassland, which is in Jefferson County.
Wilderness
The forest contains three wilderness areas comprising :
- Mill Creek Wilderness at
- Bridge Creek Wilderness at
- Black Canyon Wilderness at
Administration
The land is divided into three ranger districts:
- Lookout Mountain Ranger District
- Paulina Ranger District
- Crooked River Grasslands District
The Lookout Mountain and Paulina districts are located in Prineville while the Crooked River Grasslands are administered from office in Madras.
Ecology
The Ochoco mountains are home to numerous species of interest to the Oregon Conservation Strategy under the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife including the Pacific Marten, Ferruginous Hawk, Greater Sage Grouse, Wolverine, and Piliated Woodpecker.
Due to sections of the forest representing winter range for mule deer and elk, sections of the forest prohibit the use of motorized vehicles from December through May.
Recreation
Popular recreational activities in the Ochoco National Forest include hiking, fishing, camping, hunting, horseback riding, stargazing, birding, rock hounding, kayaking, and rock climbing.
See also
- List of national forests of the United States
References
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External links
- Ochoco National Forest, Crooked River National Grassland