Crooked River Canyon

Winding through steep walls of gorge and lush valleys of juniper trees and sagebush, the Crooked River in Oregon is worthy of its Wild and Scenic distinction as the ultimate playground for any sportsman. Especially popular for trout fishing, anglers have the opportunity to fish out of the same streams their grandparents once did. Hunters enjoy the banks around this incredible river for a variety of game like deer, elk, and bear. Even birders find their space to watch nesting bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, and prairie falcons. So when 101 acres surrounding the Crooked River needed protection, Trust for Public Land worked with the U.S. Forest Service to safeguard this section of the Wild and Scenic Lower Crooked River deemed “outstandingly remarkable” by Congress in 1988.

Despite the fact the river is nationally designated, there is very limited public access. All possible access points were privately owned, making it difficult for the public to enjoy this incredible resource. Now that this landscape has been protected, the public has guaranteed access forever. Together with our partners American Rivers, Crooked River Ranch and Trout Unlimited, TPL worked with the U.S. Forest Service and local volunteers to make it easier to cast your line or drop in your kayak. A trail system with signage provides safe, nonmotorized access from the canyon rim to the beloved river, meaning more people can connect to the important benefits of nature.