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Ochoco National Forest

Air Quality Alert issued August 29 at 12:13PM PDT by NWS Pendleton OR

August 29th, 12:13 PM — 12:00 PM

Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air Quality Advisory until noon PDT Monday. For the Smoke Air Quality Advisory, wildfires burning in the region combined with forecasted conditions will cause air quality to reach unhealthy levels. Pollutants in smoke can cause burning eyes, runny nose, aggravate heart and lung diseases, and aggravate other serious health problems. Limit outdoor activities and keep children indoors if it is smoky. Please follow medical advice if you have a heart or lung condition. For additional information...please visit the Web site at http://www.oregon.gov/DEQ

Alcohol Prohibitions

This Order describes acts that are prohibited upon lands, roads and trails within the National Forest System administered by the Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region in regards to alcoholic beverages.

Aquatic Invasive Species

This Order prohibits 1) possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic invasive animal species AND 2) prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic or riparian invasive plant species - on National Forest System lands in the Pacific Northwest Region as specified in the Order.

Restrictions on Use of Forage and Mulch Products

This Order prohibits unloading, storing, or using any straw, hay, grain, seed, or other forage or mulch products that are not state-certified weed free on the National Forest System lands, roads or trails in any Closure Area as specific in the Order. Some examples of these include hay bales, hay…

Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited

Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…

Rowe Creek Complex Emergency Closure Order

An emergency closure order is in effect for the Rowe Creek Complex. The Rowe Creek Complex closure order has been amended to the attached August 28 Order. A closure area does remain necessary to protect the public and provide a safe environment for firefighters as they continue suppression…

Shingle Fire Emergency Closure Order

The Ochoco National Forest has implemented an area and road closure for a portion of the forest due to the Shingle Fire. The closure is necessary to protect the public and provide a safe environment for firefighters as they continue suppression efforts. This updated closure order issued August 18,…

Coyote Fire Closure Order for Maury Mountains

The Ochoco National Forest has implemented an area and road closure for a portion of the Maury Mountains on the Lookout Mountain Ranger District due to hazards and hazardous conditions created as a result of the Coyote Fire. The closure is necessary to protect the public and provide a safe…

Stage 2 Fire Restrictions take effect Sat. July 25

Stage 2 Public Use Restriction Take Effect Sat. July 25Due to continued hot weather, extremely dry vegetation, and significant wildfire activity, the Deschutes National Forest, Ochoco National Forest and Crooked River National Grassland, and Prineville District Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will…

Blue-Green Algae Information

The Ochoco National Forest and Crooked River Grassland encourages people recreating on the national forest to be aware of potential blue-green algae blooms on lakes and reservoirs as the weather warms. Not all algae in lakes and reservoirs is blue-green algae. Learn to tell the difference between…

14 Day Stay Order

Camping or otherwise occupying a single location (including leaving camping equipment and/or related supplies) for a period longer than 14 consecutive calendar days is PROHIBITED on the Ochoco National Forest & Crooked River National Grassland.

Prescribed Fire information

Each year, prescribed burning is done in the spring and fall to improve forest health and protect communities. Visit our Prescribed Fire in Central Oregon page to learn more.

Overview

Ochoco National Forest encompasses 850,000 acres of Central Oregon terrain, located north and east of Prineville. The forest is currently open with Stage 1 fire restrictions in effect as of June 16, 2025. Winter range closures are active December 1 through May 1 to protect deer and elk, prohibiting motorized vehicles in designated areas. Recent activity includes the Marks Creek Fire (September 2025) which triggered area closures on the Lookout Mountain Ranger District, though this closure was set to expire October 1, 2025. The forest is actively conducting prescribed burns and fuels treatments in spring and fall for forest health and wildfire prevention. Popular activities include camping, hiking (notably Steins Pillar Trail), rockhounding, fishing, and exploring unique geological formations in the rimrock and canyon country. The forest shares administrative management with Crooked River National Grassland, together totaling about 1 million acres of public land.

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Campgrounds

Allen Creek Horse Camp Antelope Reservoir Campground Barnhouse Campground Big Spring Campground Biggs Springs Campground Bingham Springs Campground Cold Springs Cabin Cottonwood Campground Cottonwood Pit Campground Deep Creek Campground Double Cabin Campground Dry Creek Horse Camp Elkhorn Campground Frazier Campground Mud Springs Horse Camp Ochoco Divide Group Site Ochoco Forest Camp Ochoco Ranger Rental Salters Cabin Horse Camp Scotts Camp Campground Sugar Creek Campground And Day Use Area Walton Lake Whistler Campground White Rock Campground Wildcat Campground Wildwood Campground Wiley Flat Campground Wolf Creek Campground

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