Chimney Rock
​Hike details:
Mileage: 2.6 miles out and back w/ 665 ft. elevation gain
Approximate hike time: 1 hours 8 minutes w/ an average pace of 2.3 mph
Difficulty: Easy
Trail usage: Medium on weekends, low on weekdays
Highest elevation: 3,600 ft. Lowest elevation: 2,986 ft.
General location: 17 miles south of Prineville off of OR-27 - Bureau of Land Management
Accessible: Year-round
(Best time to go is April and May. Avoid summer months June, July, August and early September as it gets very hot in this area. Fall and winter are also great times to go but ).
Permits required: N/A
Pit toilet at trailhead: Yes at the campground/day use area across the road
Trail allows: Dogs, horses, mountain bikes
Approximate hike time: 1 hours 8 minutes w/ an average pace of 2.3 mph
Difficulty: Easy
Trail usage: Medium on weekends, low on weekdays
Highest elevation: 3,600 ft. Lowest elevation: 2,986 ft.
General location: 17 miles south of Prineville off of OR-27 - Bureau of Land Management
Accessible: Year-round
(Best time to go is April and May. Avoid summer months June, July, August and early September as it gets very hot in this area. Fall and winter are also great times to go but ).
Permits required: N/A
Pit toilet at trailhead: Yes at the campground/day use area across the road
Trail allows: Dogs, horses, mountain bikes
(Chimney Rock trailhead parking)
Description:
The Chimney Rock trail is an easy hike near Prineville that takes you up to a beautiful viewpoint through classic Central Oregon juniper trees and sagebrush scenery. The trail starts on the left side of a large gravel parking area (there is room for about 8 cars) and you will immediately encounter 3 switchbacks as you head up a creek bed that is dry for most of the year. This area is very exposed and warms up quickly, so even in April and May, the trail can be very hot on a sunny day. It is recommended that you avoid this hike in June, July, August and even early September due to the heat.
(beginning of trail)
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After 0.28 miles you will cross the dry creek bed and head up through a small canyon. In the springtime the grass is very green and the contrast with the rock walls, the green grass and the typical Central Oregon blue sky is absolutely stunning. In the spring you can expect to see blue penstemon, purple aster and white yarrow and if you're here in June you will also see pink bitter root flowers. After 0.66 miles you will encounter 3 more switchbacks as you make your way up to the canyon's rim. At 0.96 miles there is a bench perfectly placed for an epic view of the Crooked River canyon and the snowy Cascade mountains beyond!
(viewpoint of the Crooked River canyon and the Three Sisters)
(approaching Chimney Rock)
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From the viewpoint bench continue another 0.34 miles up to Chimney Rock. Chimney Rock is 40 feet tall and dotted with bright green and orange lichen which makes it look like it's painted. You can get right up to the base of it, however the path here is very rocky unlike the rest of the trail and there is a steep drop off on both sides of Chimney Rock so don't get too close to the edge. At this point you will have hiked 1.3 miles and the trail does not continue any further, so enjoy the view, a snack and some water at the bench.
From Chimney Rock you will see the lush green riverbank of the Crooked River below. This area has a lot of established day use and camping spots where you can enjoy fishing, picnics, swimming and overnight camping with the family. |
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(looking to the left of Chimney Rock)
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(looking to the right of Chimney Rock)
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Overall, this is a very easy hike but it has a lot to offer. This hike is rated easy because the trail is in great condition, it is mostly compacted dirt with a few rocks here and there. There is no dangerous exposure until you get to the edge of the canyon at Chimney Rock, but if you choose to stay below Chimney Rock where the bench is, there is no danger at all. This trail doesn't have a lot of elevation gain, so it is a great trail for all ages and ability levels. Please keep in mind that this trail does not offer any tree cover so bring a hat and sunscreen and plenty of water!
(looking down at the river from the trail)
Directions:
From Bend
- Drive east on Alfalfa Market Rd. for 9.4 miles, then the road turns into Willard Rd. Continue on for 3.7 miles. At a Y junction turn right onto Reservoir Rd. for 10 miles. Turn left onto OR-27 and head north for a total of 6.3 miles. Find the trailhead on your right. (Total of 35.6 miles)
- Take OR-126 east toward Springfield. At a traffic light use the two left lanes to turn left, following signs to continue on OR-126 for 72.6 miles. Shortly after Clear Lake Resort, take a slight right onto US-20 east for 29 miles to the town of Sisters. In Sisters turn left onto OR-126 E and continue for 18.8 miles to Redmond. Use the middle lane to turn left onto US-97 N and within 0.3 miles turn right onto OR-126 E. Continue for 17.7 miles to Prineville. Drive through the town of Prineville and turn right onto N Main St. This road turns into OR-27, stay on this road for a total of 16.5 miles and find the trailhead on your left. (Total of 161 miles)
- Drive US-26 east for 102 miles. In the town of Madras, continue south on US-97 for 1.3 miles, then turn left onto US-26 east for 26.3 miles. Drive through the town of Prineville and turn right onto N Main St. This road turns into OR-27, stay on this road for a total of 16.5 miles and find the trailhead on your left. (Total of 165 miles)
- Drive OR-22 east toward Detroit Lake/Bend for 80.3 miles then take a slight left onto US-20 east to the town of Sisters for 25.5 miles. In Sisters turn left onto OR-126 E and continue for 18.8 miles to Redmond. Use the middle lane to turn left onto US-97 N and within 0.3 miles turn right onto OR-126 E. Continue for 17.7 miles to Prineville. Drive through the town of Prineville and turn right onto N Main St. This road turns into OR-27, stay on this road for a total of 16.5 miles and find the trailhead on your left. (Total of 164 miles)
- Total of 208 miles via Bend.
*All pictures are taken by Franziska Weinheimer
*Disclaimer: The trail descriptions, mileage, GPS tracks and difficulty ratings depicted on this website are never 100% accurate. Always hike at your own risk, using your own knowledge, equipment and common sense. Franziska Weinheimer/Hike Oregon are not responsible if you or anyone in your party gets injured or lost while attempting one of these or any other hikes.