Ochoco National Forests

Ochoco National Forests encompasses a total area of about 851,000 acres of land that is situated in four different counties in Oregon State (Crook County, Harney County, Wheeler County, Grant County). The closest metropolis area to the forest is Mitchell City in Wheeler County, Oregon. The forest was established on July 1911 and is currently managed by the U.S. Forest Service. 

Ochoco National Forest also encompasses the Crooked River National Grassland and Paulina, and Lookout Mountain Ranger Districts. The ecology of the forest is quite diverse as it is comprised of canyons, geologic oddities including rimrock, high desert terrain, and dense pine forests. The forest is also the site of the headwaters of the North Fork Crooked River. 

Furthermore, Ochoco National Forest is home to three wilderness areas that encompass a total area of about 36,000 acres of land. The three wilderness areas include Bridge Creek Wilderness, Mill Creek Wilderness, and Black Canyon Wilderness. Ochoco National Forests is popular for several recreational activities including fishing, hiking, birding, horseback riding, stargazing, camping, hunting, and rock hounding. 

If you have a dog, you are welcome to bring them to the park, but you will have to follow strict forest rules that may inhibit your experience in the forest. For example, you are expected to maintain immediate control of your pooch at all times. This includes ensuring that your dog is always on a leash or in a secure enclosure at all times. 

Additionally, there are areas of the forest that you are allowed to visit and other areas where you are not allowed to visit with your dog. For more details on which areas you can and cannot visit, please make your inquiries at the main office before venturing off into the woods with your dog. When at the park, you are also generally expected to clean up after your dog and make sure that your dog is always well-behaved.