Lower Crooked River is in central Oregon about 35 miles east of Bend. The 43-mile byway follows OR 27 between Prineville and Brothers. Oregon Highway 27 is a two-lane paved road for 21 miles from Prineville; the rest is gravel. The road is suitable for all types of vehicles and generally remains open year-round.
This back country byway begins in Prineville and heads south through the steep-walled canyon carved by the Crooked River. The river flows alongside the byway until you reach Prineville Reservoir, formed by the construction of Arthur R. Bowman dam on the river. The segment of river along the byway is a National Wild and Scenic River. The river provides excellent fishing for native rainbow trout. Wildlife seen along this stretch of the byway include deer, coyotes, and numerous birds of prey. Black bear inhabit the area as do bald eagles during winter.
Once you cross Bear Creek the landscape begins to change. As you continue driving south, the canyon walls give way to a vast expanse of sagebrush. This is Oregon’s high desert. Here you can spot mule deer, antelope, sage grouse, and coyotes.
There are several primitive BLM campgrounds along the byway in addition to the Chimney Rock Campground, which offers 16 campsites with picnic tables. Although not located directly along the byway, there are two state parks that offer camping facilities. Ochoco State Park has 22 primitive sites situated on the shore of Ochoco Lake. Prineville Reservoir State Park is more developed and has 22 sites with full hookups and 48 sites for tent campers. Shower facilities and a swimming beach are among the facilities available here.