Recreation Areas

The expanse of public land in Jefferson County provides nearly unlimited recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike.

Encompassing 155,000 acres, the Crooked River National Grasslands creates one of the largest tracts of preserved grasslands in the nation. Visitors enjoy hiking, camping, horseback riding and rock hounding. The area is loaded with trails and don’t forget binoculars for wildlife viewing. Contact the Grassland headquarters in Madras for information and maps:
Crooked River National Grasslands
www.madras.net
813 S.W. Hwy 97
Madras, OR 97741
541-475-9272

Near Camp Sherman, the Metolius River Recreation Area offers hiking, Nordic skiing, mountain biking and renowned fly fishing. Along the crest of the Cascades, the Pacific Crest Trail runs through Central Oregon on its course from Canada to Mexico.
Metolius River Recreation Area
www.metoliusriver.com
Sisters Ranger District
541-549-7700

A popular summer destination, Lake Billy Chinook also offers year-round activities. The cooler temperatures of spring and fall provide the ideal hiking environment. When summer temperatures rise, water skiers, anglers, swimmers, kayakers and sightseers take to the lake.
Cove State Park
541-546-3412
www.oregonstateparks.org

Other local excursions include the Alder Springs Trail into the Wychus Creek Canyon between Crooked River Ranch and Sisters, as well as the Rimrock Springs Wildlife Management Area and trails on Gray and Juniper Buttes.