Peter Skene Ogden State Scenic Viewpoint
Rate this placeNearby: Smith Rock State Park Quince Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Peter Skene Ogden State Scenic Viewpoint is a popular attraction located in the state of Oregon.
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Summary
The park is named after Peter Skene Ogden, a prominent fur trader and explorer who played a significant role in Oregon's history. The park offers breathtaking views of the Crooked River Gorge and the surrounding landscape, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
There are several good reasons to visit Peter Skene Ogden State Scenic Viewpoint. The park offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can also enjoy fishing in the Crooked River, which is home to a variety of fish species such as trout, bass, and steelhead.
Some of the specific points of interest to see in the park include the Redmond Cave, a lava tube located in the park, and the Crooked River Railroad Bridge, which offers scenic views of the canyon. Visitors can also take a guided tour of the historic Peter Skene Ogden Cabin, which was built in the early 1800s.
Interesting facts about the area include the fact that the park was established in 1959 and covers an area of 95 acres. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife such as mule deer, golden eagles, and coyotes.
The best time of year to visit Peter Skene Ogden State Scenic Viewpoint is during the spring and fall months, when the weather is mild and the park is less crowded. However, the park is open year-round, and visitors can enjoy different activities depending on the season.
Overall, Peter Skene Ogden State Scenic Viewpoint is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Oregon. The park offers stunning views, outdoor activities, and a glimpse into the state's rich history and natural beauty.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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