South Fork Crooked River preserve is located within the South Fork Wilderness Study Area (WSA) in Crook County, approximately 60 miles east of Bend, Oregon. This 80-acre parcel spans the river and contains a stretch of the popular Pickett Canyon hike. The South Fork is shallow and easily crossed by foot most of the year.
Once teeming with salmon, steelhead and beaver, the river is still home to native redband trout and draws Rocky Mountain elk and mule deer to its banks. Scenic basalt canyons were were carved by the river over thousands of years and provide habitat for songbirds and raptors. May is a peak month for wildflowers, including Western Blue Flag irises.
Oregon Natural Desert Association has been restoring stretches of the South Fork to support native fish and bring the ecosystem back into balance. View their restoration event schedule to take part in these valuable activities!
Feature photo by Aaron Tani
Exploring the South Fork
Spanning both sides of the river, the South Fork Crooked River parcel helps ensure public access to fishing, hunting, hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding in the basin. One of the most popular hikes in this region is the Pickett Canyon Hike, featured in Oregon Desert Guide: 70 Hikes. The 13-mile loop crosses through our South Fork Crooked River property, with several camping spots between South Fork and Soda Spring.
Getting There
The South Fork Wilderness Study Area is accessible from Bend via U.S. Highway 20 which runs 20 miles south of the WSA. The well-maintained GI Ranch Road provides access to the southwestern edge of the WSA. The Upper Table Road (BLM Road 6575) runs between the Sand Hollow WSA and South Fork Crooked WSA. The route is rough but is accessible using a high clearance 4WD vehicle to shorten the approach to the Pickett Canyon trailhead.
Learn more about this area and view a map at the Bureau of Land Management.