• Peter Skene Ogden Wayside is a dramatic 300-foot-deep canyon into the Crooked River Gorge
• Features a stunning view, walking trails with interpretive panels, picnic areas, and bungee jumping
Peter Skene Ogden Wayside is a tremendous 300-foot-deep canyon in the Crooked River Gorge, located nine miles north of Redmond, right off US Route 97.
The Scenic Viewpoint offers a breathtaking view of the Crooked River Canyon. Three historic bridges span the basalt canyon, carved by the Crooked River over thousands of years. Before the first bridge was built, the canyon posed a major obstacle for travelers.
NOTE: Warning signs posted around the park: "Many dogs have died here! Put your dog back in the vehicle!"
Peter Skene Ogden Wayside History
The spot was named after Peter Skene Ogden, who led a Hudson's Bay Company trapping party. It's believed to be the first discovery of the area, dating back to 1825.
The Oregon Trunk Line Railway Bridge was the very first bridge, built in 1910. It is a steel two-hinge arch span measuring 460 feet in length.
The old highway bridge, Crooked River High Bridge, was constructed a quarter mile upstream of the Railway Bridge in 1926 by a famous bridge engineer, Conde McCullough. At that time, the 464-foot-long bridge was the highest single arch span in the United States.
Today, it is open to foot traffic only, offering breathtaking views of the Crooked River Canyon.
The new highway bridge - Rex T. Barber Veterans Memorial Bridge was built in 2000 to accommodate heavy traffic on US 97.
The state park has a memorial to World War 2 fighter pilot Rex T. Barber. He was best known for intercepting a Japanese aircraft with Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto in April 1943. He completed his military career as a colonel in 1961 and settled in Culver, Oregon, where he lived for the rest 40 years of his life.
Peter Skene Ogden State Scenic Viewpoint Murder
Peter Skene Ogden State Scenic Viewpoint was the scene of one of the most well-known murders committed in Oregon.
Jeannace June Freeman threw her partner's two children, aged 4 and 6, into the Crooked River Gorge. She was sentenced to death in 1961 for her crime and became the very first woman in Oregon to face the death penalty, but her sentence was later replaced with a life sentence. Freeman died in prison in 2003.
Things to Do at Peter Skene Ogden Wayside
Peter Skene Ogden State Park
The 86-acre Peter Skene Ogden State Park is located at the top of a scenic canyon. A series of interpretive panels along the park provides information about the area and its history.
Visitors of the Peter Skene Ogden Wayside have access to grassy fields, a short trail along the cliff, picnic tables, and clean restrooms. Parking is available for cars, trucks, and trailers, but large-vehicle parking is limited.
Bungee Jumping
Crooked River High Bridge has a bungee jumping spot typically open from May through October.
Peter Skene Ogden Wayside Camping, Lodging & Vacation Rentals
Overnight camping is not officially permitted at the viewpoint itself, but overnight parking is allowed for vehicles, including RVs and trailers. So, many travelers use it as a free, convenient overnight stop for RVs, campers, and cars, especially during peak seasons or when nearby campgrounds are full.
Smith Rock State Park, about 12 miles away, offers walk-in sites at the Bivy Campground on a first-come, first-served basis. During the fall and spring months, the campground is generally full from Friday through Sunday. Leave your vehicle in the bivouac parking area and walk to the tent campground. RV camping and sleeping in vehicles are prohibited.
The nearest lodging and vacation rentals are available in Redmond
Affordable vacation rentals for short and long term stay in Redmond
Peter Skene Ogden Wayside | Facts
Open: Year-round from sunrise to sunset
Managed by: Oregon State Parks
Amenities: Picnic areas, restrooms
Activities: Hiking, nature viewing, picnicking
Distance from the parking: Short
Road access: Any passenger vehicle
Day-use fees: Free
Elevation: 2,700 ft (823 m)
Peter Skene Ogden Wayside is located:
- 9 miles north of Redmond
- 26 miles north of Bend
- 138 miles east of Salem.
Adventures Nearby
Directions to Peter Skene Ogden Wayside
From Redmond,
- Travel north 8.8 miles on US-97 to the destination.