Peter Skene Ogden State Scenic Viewpoint Oregon
Dramatic high desert viewpoint with stunning views of the Crooked River gorge and iconic bridges, perched on 300-foot cliffs.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best visibility for views
Peter Skene Ogden State Scenic Viewpoint Oregon
Best Time
Best visibility for views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dramatic high desert viewpoint with stunning views of the Crooked River gorge and iconic bridges, perched on 300-foot cliffs.
"Oregon States mini grand canyon. It's a canyon and it sure is GRAND!"
⚠️ Respect the Cliffs
Stay far back from the edge; children and pets need constant supervision. Dogs have fallen off! :dog:
🚗 Drive with Caution
Be aware of pedestrians potentially stumbling into the roadway on this highway stretch. :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Crooked River Bridges
Overlooking the Crooked River Gorge
Marvel at the historic and modern bridges spanning the dramatic gorge, a testament to human engineering.
300-Foot Cliffs
Main viewpoint area
Experience the breathtaking scale of the high desert canyon, with sheer drops offering dramatic vistas.
Steelhead Falls
Short drive from viewpoint
Discover a hidden gem with crystal-clear water, cliffs, and an easy hike for a refreshing natural escape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Mind the Heights & Wildlife
A Scenic Stop, Not a Day Trip
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⚠️ Respect the Cliffs
Stay far back from the edge; children and pets need constant supervision. Dogs have fallen off! :dog:
🚗 Drive with Caution
Be aware of pedestrians potentially stumbling into the roadway on this highway stretch. :car:
📸 Capture the Bridges
See the train bridge, historic footbridge, and current highway bridge for a unique perspective. :camerawithflash:
💧 Visit Steelhead Falls
A short drive away, this underrated spot offers beautiful water and an easy hike. :water_wave:
Tips
from all over the internet
⚠️ Respect the Cliffs
Stay far back from the edge; children and pets need constant supervision. Dogs have fallen off! :dog:
🚗 Drive with Caution
Be aware of pedestrians potentially stumbling into the roadway on this highway stretch. :car:
📸 Capture the Bridges
See the train bridge, historic footbridge, and current highway bridge for a unique perspective. :camerawithflash:
💧 Visit Steelhead Falls
A short drive away, this underrated spot offers beautiful water and an easy hike. :water_wave:
🚻 Well-Maintained Restrooms
Enjoy some of the best restrooms you'll find at a scenic stop. :toilet:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Peter Skene Ogden State Scenic Viewpoint for its breathtaking views of the Crooked River gorge and its impressive bridges, calling it a 'mini Grand Canyon' of Oregon. The well-maintained facilities, especially the restrooms, are a highlight. However, many caution that it's best as a brief stop en route rather than a primary destination due to its remote location and the significant safety concerns regarding the high cliffs.
"Great rest spot, amazing view point you can see bridges and a beautiful 300ft. rock cliff, interesting rock formation. The area are well maintained with best restrooms I've seen so far. We spent a night here, bright light and feels safe. Thank you."
Sarut Chalermpong
"Beautiful stop IF YOU'RE PASSING BY it on your route. Worth the few hops and skips from the parking lot to the bridge! The views are amazing! Oregon States mini grand canyon. It's a canyon and it sure is GRAND!
However.. I would not make this a major destination location if you're not in Eastern Oregon already. Hours to get to from anywhere and an extremely large amount of homelessness directly across the street.
Some advice I'd like to share:
USE EXTREME CAUTION WHILE DRIVING THIS STRETCH OF HIGHWAY & WATCH FOR PEDESTRIANS STUMBLING INTO ROADWAY!
AND DEFINITELY DO NOT ALLOW YOUR CHILDREN TO WANDER AROUND THIS AREA."
Kelley Klamp
"Pretty cool place to have a view of a canyon! You can get pretty close to the edge and there’s a sign warning to keep your dogs in the cars because apparently many dogs have fallen off the edge… so please be careful with your fur babies! I also saw a beaver that was pretty chill and let me get pretty close to film it, thought that was awesome!"
Rebecca Aires
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The viewpoint is located off US-97 near Terrebonne, Oregon. It's about a 2-hour drive from Bend and a significant drive from Portland, making it ideal for road trips through Central Oregon. 
Yes, it's often included in Central Oregon road trip itineraries, sometimes paired with Smith Rock State Park or Lava Butte.
The closest town is Terrebonne, Oregon. Redmond is also a nearby landmark.
Yes, it's a well-marked rest area directly off US-97, making it a convenient stop.
Yes, there is a parking area available for visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Peter Skene Ogden State Scenic Viewpoint is a public rest area and scenic viewpoint, so there is no admission fee.
As a public viewpoint and rest area, it is generally accessible at all times. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for the best views.
No, there is no entrance fee to visit Peter Skene Ogden State Scenic Viewpoint.
While it's a great rest stop, overnight camping is not typically advertised or permitted at the viewpoint itself.
Visitors are advised to be cautious of the cliffs and keep pets secured.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can see the Crooked River gorge, multiple bridges (train, historic, and highway), interesting rock formations, and potentially a small waterfall on the west side of the train bridge.
The cliffs are approximately 300 feet high, offering a dramatic perspective of the gorge.
Visitors are strongly warned to stay well back from the edge due to the significant drop.
Yes, the viewpoint has well-maintained restrooms, noted by visitors as being among the best they've seen at a rest stop.
You can bring your dog, but they must be kept on a leash and closely supervised due to the dangerous cliffs. Some reviews specifically mention keeping dogs in cars for safety.
One visitor reported seeing a beaver that was quite approachable.
📸 📸 Photography
The dramatic gorge, the three distinct bridges, and the sheer cliff faces offer stunning photographic subjects. The late afternoon light can create beautiful golden hour shots.
Absolutely. The vastness of the gorge and the unique bridge structures make it a prime location for landscape photographers.
Daytime offers clear views, but late afternoon can provide dramatic lighting on the cliffs and bridges.
Photos capturing the scale of the gorge with the bridges spanning it are very popular.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local regulations before flying a drone in the area.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider combining this stop with a visit to Steelhead Falls, which offers a more accessible and engaging natural experience for younger visitors with its easy hike and clear water.
🚗 Road Trippers
+1 The well-maintained facilities, including restrooms, make it a comfortable place to stretch your legs and take in the views. Plan to spend about 30-60 minutes here to fully appreciate the gorge and bridges. It's often paired with other Central Oregon attractions like Smith Rock State Park or Lava Butte, making it a great addition to a broader Oregon road trip itinerary.
Just be mindful of the highway traffic and the cliff edges when you stop.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Crooked River Gorge Bridges
These bridges are not just functional; they are iconic landmarks that highlight the human effort to traverse this rugged landscape. The viewpoint provides excellent vantage points to photograph and appreciate the scale and design of each bridge. Whether you're interested in engineering, history, or simply stunning visuals, the bridges are a must-see element of the Peter Skene Ogden experience.
Pro Tip: Look for the small waterfall on the west side of the train bridge, a subtle natural feature often missed amidst the grandeur of the bridges and cliffs.
Geological Marvels and Natural Wonders
Beyond the immediate gorge, on clear days, visitors can often spot distant volcanic peaks to the west, including The Three Sisters and Mt. Jefferson, reminding everyone of Oregon's volcanic past and present.
For those seeking a more intimate natural experience, a short drive from the viewpoint leads to Steelhead Falls. This less-known spot is praised for its crystal-clear water, surrounding cliffs, and an easy hiking trail, making it a worthwhile addition to a visit.
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