Join hike leader Cindy Murray on this 4-mile scenic hike to Chimney Rock high above the Crooked River, overlooking the rugged volcanic canyon carved by the river flow. We will find wonderful wildflowers all along the trail, identifying them as we discover what’s blooming. We will be hiking through several native plant communities, including the talus slope and the lithosol on the canyon rim. Please bring your FANs Guide to Common Native Plants of the Deschutes Canyon Area field guide. Books will also be available for purchase at the hike ($15/FANs members; $20/non-members, payable with cash or check). A plant checklist will be provided.
This hike starts at the Chimney Rock trailhead located across the road from the Chimney Rock Campground on the Crooked River below Bowman Dam. Please be at the trailhead ready to start the hike at 9 a.m. Wear sturdy hiking boots and bring lunch, water, extra clothing layers and hiking poles if desired. No pets are allowed on this hike.
This is a free hike, limited to six participants. Registration is required. If the hike is full, add your name to the waiting list and we will contact you if space develops. If you are unable to attend after signing up, please contact the hike leader at 541-815-1404 so we can provide a spot for someone else.
Driving directions: From Crooked River Ranch or Terrebonne, take Smith Rock Way to Hwy. 370 E to Hwy. 126 to Prineville. From Sisters or Redmond, follow Hwy. 126 to Prineville. From Hwy. 126, turn onto NW 3rd Street, then right onto N. Main Street/Highway 27. Drive 16.4 miles south on Highway 27 to the Chimney Rock Campground. This is an hour drive from Crooked River Ranch.
From Bend, go east on Neff Road. It will turn into Alfalfa Market Road and eventually into Willard Road, then Reservoir Road. Turn left on Hwy. 27 and follow it north to the campground. This is approximately a 45-minute drive from Bend.
