Ranch at the Canyons is a private 1,700 acre residential community along the Crooked River at the base of Smith Rock State Park.
Located in the heart of Central Oregon, the Ranch offers breathtaking views of the towering Cascade Range, the desert canyons of Smith Rock State Park, two miles of the Crooked River and more than a dozen lakes spread throughout the property. In addition to natural beauty, there is also access to the Old Winery Clubhouse and Guest Villa, the Tuscan Stables, and Monkey Face Vineyard.
Excellent alternative to Smith Rock which is rarely available for filming due to wildlife restrictions and overuse.

There is plenty of space for parking on site, and a stable for tech and catering (to be brought on site).

Accommodation is available nearby in Redmond, and also at Eagle Crest Resort.

Location fee payable to the Property.  They would prefer as much advance notice as possible.

Images taken June around 2pm.  Best times to shoot are sunrise and sunset.

 

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Crooked River 

Old Homestead opposite the property

Iconic Monkey Face of Smith Rock

 

View of Smith Rock across the Crooked River

Dining table.

Entrance to the development

 

Ranch at the Canyons accommodation (primarily used for weddings)

 

 

Crack-in-the-Ground is an ancient volcanic fissure over 2 miles long and up to 70 feet deep. Normally, fissures like this one are filled with soil and rock by the processes of erosion and sedimentation. However, because it is located in such an arid region, very little filling has occurred and Crack-in-the-Ground exists today nearly as it did shortly after its formation thousands of years ago. An established 2 mile trail along the fissure’s bottom offers a unique hike, where the temperature can be as much as twenty degrees cooler than at the surface.

Crack in the Ground is open year round, but must be traveled to by a gravel road for approximately 20 minutes.  The trail to Crack in the Ground is moderately difficult with a 70’ elevation gain and sand and rock surface.

There is a Universal Access Restroom available, in the parking area..Motor Vehicles, Mountain Bikes, and Equestrians are PROHIBITED

Access is via rugged dirt roads that may be impassable at times. Four-wheel drive vehicles are highly recommended. The nearest services are in Christmas Valley, Oregon.  Accommodation is available in La Pine.

 

The Steens Mountain Ranges are located in Eastern Oregon, along the Alvord Desert.  This gives the mountains a supernatural, yet majestic feel.  This area would be wonderfully suited to a car commercial, or sci-fi production.

Images were taken early November.  A few weeks later there was a greater snow accumulation for an even more striking backdrop.

The Deschutes River Trail  is connected by a footbridge 1.5 miles upstream from Farewell Bend Park bridge. The West side is known as the Mt. Bachelor Village Trail. It is open to pedestrians, but cyclists are not allowed. An alternative cycling route connects from the Bill Healy Bridge to the Haul Road Trail along Century Drive.

Images taken incorporate the west side down towards the Bill Healy Bridge, and along the trail.  There is parking on the opposite side of the bridge (Old Mill side), and two restrooms.

Large productions/ trucks may be a challenge, however there is parking up the road from the bridge.

Images taken April 20, 2017. 

Permits required by Bend Park and Recreation, and must be applied for at least 21 days in advance of the shoot.

 

Big Eddy Kayaking (video footage)

Big Eddy  is located close to Bend off the Cascade Lakes Highway, on NF 41, on the Deschutes River.  This area is known for its whitewater rafting adventures and stunning scenery. These Class III rapids wind around the beautiful Deschutes River. 

The nearby parking lot has Deschutes National Forest maintained toilet facilities and a picnic table. 

There is a Recreation Fee Site: Parking at this site requires a recreation pass May 1 – September 30. Passes are NOT available at this site, but can be purchased from Forest Service offices or vendors. Please check here for more information about recreation passes and where they can be purchased.

Film Permits must be obtained from the Deschutes National Forest, well in advance of the shoot (please give at least 21-30 days notice for film permits).  COFO can help you with that.

Directions from Bend: Travel approximately 7 miles west on Cascade Lakes Highway (Highway 46), then south on Forest Road 41 for 1 1/2 miles. Follow the directional signs.  The turn off for the Forest Road is opposite the Cascade Lakes Highway visitor center.

Images taken July.