Big Summit Prairie
NOTE: The blue marker indicates the trailhead.Description
Big Summit Prairie is located 30 miles east of Prineville, Oregon in the Ochoco Mountains at an elevation of
4500 ft. It is a 5x7 mile basin that drains into the Crooked River system. The Prairie is an unexpected
meadow island in the dramatic old growth ponderosa pine forests that surround it. During the spring it has
unsurpassed displays of wildflowers. The Prairie has supported herds of antelope, deer, and elk that remind
some of the African savannah. Although the main Prairie is privately owned, the surrounding lands are public
and open for all to appreciate.
For more information visit Paul Slichter's page.Directions
From Prineville, drive east along US Highway 26 for 17 miles. Turn right at a fork signed for the Ochoco Ranger Station. This is County Road 23. Proceed for 8.2 paved miles to the old ranger station. At 0.2 miles beyond the ranger station, turn right onto Forest Road 42. Drive upwards through open ponderosa pine forests for about 7 miles, watching for penstemon. Then proceed downhill on FR 42 past the Amity Mine to reach the western edge of Big Summit Prairie. When you reach the intersection with gravel FR 4210 An intersection with FS Rd 4210 (gravel), you can turn left to explore the northern edge of the prairie, or continue on paved FR 42 is soon reached. Turn left on this road if you wish to explore the northern fringes of the prairie, or continue on paved FS Rd #42 to explore the southern edge of the prairie.Trip Reports
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