Criterion Ranch

Area	Central Oregon
Best time to visit	April through early May
Blooming Now	YES
Elevation	1500-3175 feet
	WILDFLOWER SEARCH
	Hike information - Oregon Hikers Field Guide
Dogs	Allowed

NOTE: The blue marker indicates the trailhead.

Description

The Criterion Tract is managed by the BLM. It is along Highway 197 at the highest point between the Columbia River and Redmond, offering expansive views in all directions. There are no hiking trails... you can either hike cross-country or follow old ranch roads. There are many wildflowers during April. A trail map can be found at the USFS web site. Also visit the Oregon Hikers Field Guide for more information.

Directions

From Portland: Drive east on I-84 to Exit 87 for Highway 197. Turn right at the top of the ramp and proceed 0.2 miles to a T-junction. Turn left onto Highway 197 and proceed 51.7 miles. Just after milepost 57, turn right into an easy-to-miss gravel parking area bordered by a pole-and-rail fence.

From Central Oregon: Take Highway 97 north from Madras for app. 25 miles. At the junction of Highways 97 and 197, keep left which will be Highway 197. Proceed 10.1 miles and watch for the gravel parking area on your left.

Trip Reports

Date	Submitted by
Reports from previous years
04/18/2023	Greg Lief

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'In joy or sadness, flowers are our constant friends.' -- Okakura Kakuzo