Crooked River Wetlands Birding

4035 Rimrock Acres Loop,Prineville OR 97754

13 October, 2021

Description

This is a great opportunity to learn about Central Oregon birds at the Crooked River Wetlands in Prineville. This hike is designed for beginning birders. It is open to families with children and/or folks with limited mobility. The trail is flat and mostly paved. A mobility-assistance vehicle will be available for those who prefer to ride along as we hike. The Crooked River Wetland Project by the City of Prineville includes riparian improve-ments to over two miles of the Crooked River. The floodplain was significantly lowered allowing the Crooked River to once again “wander” during high flow events. A side channel was also created which provides an area of refuge for young fish, specifically the reintroduced Steelhead, during times of high river flow. This side channel also captures the 2,000,000 gallons of cool, clean water the wetlands discharge to the river each and every day. During summer months, when temperatures in the mainstream of the Crooked become too high, fish can escape to the cooler side channel to survive. Standard equipment includes sturdy boots, lunch, water, extra layer, and perhaps hiking poles. If you have a pair of binoculars, bring them along. We will have several backup binoculars for sharing. Bring a mask. Standard COVID precautions will be in effect. This is a free hike, limited to 8 participants and registration is required and available at www.fansofdeschutes.org one month prior to the hike date. If the hike is full, add your name to the waiting list by contacting [email protected]. If you need to cancel your reservation, call the guide. We will contact those on the waiting list if space de-velops. Pets will not be allowed. Directions: Meet at 7:45 am in the parking lot at 4035 NW Rimrock Acres Loop, Prineville, OR 97754. Turn east on NE Smith Rock Road in Terrebonne. Continue past Smith Rock State Park and turn right on NW Lone Pine Road. At the “T” turn left on NW O’Neill Highway. Before reaching Prineville, watch for the sign to the Crooked River Wetlands Complex (just past mile post 15) and turn left onto NW Rimrock Acres Loop. Park in the parking lot near the interpretive signs. Friends and Neighbors of the Deschutes Canyon Area (FANs) is a group founded in 2011 by landowners living near the Deschutes Canyon - Steelhead Falls Wilderness Study Area in Central Oregon who came together over their shared love of nearby public lands. Our Mission:  We work to preserve and restore the wild landscapes of the Middle Deschutes and Lower Crooked Rivers and Lower Whychus Creek through stewardship, outreach and education.