Located in the heart of the Ochoco Mountains, approximately 30 minutes from Prineville (accommodation and services). Privately owned, the Prairie is surrounded by U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management land and is easily accessible from Prineville (thirty miles to the west) and U.S. 26 (ten miles to the northwest). According to historian Steve Lent, Big Summit Prairie received its name because of its size, which is larger than Little Summit Prairie, a smaller area twelve miles to the east. Both areas are at the summit of the Ochoco Mountains.

Big Summit Prairie is a five-by-seven-mile basin at an elevation of 4,500 feet, and is described by Stuart G. Garrett as an “unexpected meadow island in the dramatic old growth ponderosa pine forests.” Geologically, the basin was formed when soft tuff, or volcanic ash (underlain by the John Day Formation), was eroded away from the surrounding basalt.

A perfect spot for any cowboy or western productions, with vast open fields surrounded by ponderosa’s and pine.  Cattle on land, and wild horses.

Particularly stunning during Fall when the Tamarack’s change color.

Permits via private owner and BLM, Prineville.

 

 

Point Campground is a small campground on Elk Lake with stunning views of Mt. Bachelor.  Boat launch area and parking for production vehicles.  Campground is surrounded by tall ponderosa’s and pine trees.  Close to Cascade Lakes Highway for easy access.  Also close to Elk Lake Resort (restaurant, boat and kayak rentals and limited supplies including gas).

Images taken early August, late afternoon.   Permit Fees to be paid to Deschutes National Forest with 21 – 30 days advance application.

Cascade Lakes Highway is generally closed from late November to mid-May depending on snow pack. Accessible by snow-cat (through Elk Lake Resort).

 

 

 

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Wide section of the Deschutes River in Sunriver. Perfect for kayaking, SUP, canoe and water recreation shoots.  This section of the river runs along the Sunriver Resort property down to the Hola restaurant. 

Plenty of parking at the Resort, and around the restaurant area. 

Drone footage allowed with a permit from the City of Sunriver.  Use of Resort by private agreement.

 

 

Sunriver Stables are located on the Sunriver Resort.   Horses are available for rent, for riding on the Sunriver Resort, and possibly outside of the area.  Located on the Deschutes River, the stable has stunning views of the neighboring ponderosa forest and river.

Fee to be paid.  Images taken late July.

 

Crane Prairie Reservoir is located off the Cascade Lakes Highway and can be reached from either the Sunriver or Bend side.  The Crane Prairie Reservoir is a huge lake perfect for fly fishing, standup paddleboarding, and any water sports shoots.  The water is very clear allowing for beautiful shots of the area.

The reservoir is located in the Deschutes National Forest just off the scenic Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway. Crane Prairie Reservoir offers a variety of recreation opportunities, including fishing, boating and swimming with glimpses of South Sister and Mt. Bachelor on the horizon.  With cabins and tent sites, this is a great location for a recreational shoot.  There are also fish cleaning stations and Deschutes National Forest restrooms.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

images taken mid-August late afternoon.