Frissel Crossing Campground (McKenzie River Trail)

This developed facility has vault toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, garbage collection, and hand-pumped drinking water and lends itself to recreational shoots, particularly fly-fishing or easy water sports.

Located in the Willamette National Forest, Frissell Crossing campground resides at 2,600 feet in elevation with creek access. Douglas fir, rhododendrons, and vine maple surround this serene retreat.
This beautiful and quiet campground lies on the South Fork of the McKenzie River and was originally constructed in 1934 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. It is located well away from the main road and some of the sites spread around an open meadow.

It’s useful for filming due to the natural beauty of the location, the easy access to the river, bridge and available parking for production vehicles.  as shown in these images, it’s particularly stunning during the Fall season when the leaves are changing color.  The highway leading to it is also stunning at that time.

Images taken late September.

Permit required from the Willamette National Forest. Please allow at least 30 days for processing.

Frissell Crossing Boat Ramp / Campground

 

 

Continue Reading

Ranch at the Canyons (Terrebonne)

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.

Ranch at the Canyons

 

 

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)

 

 

Continue Reading

Crack in the Ground

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.

 

Crack in the Ground

Continue Reading

Mt. Bachelor Village Trail (South)

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.

Deschutes River Trail (OMD)

 

Continue Reading

Benham Falls (Spring)

Taken April 25, 2017. Looking towards picnic table, restroom and parking area. 10am.

Benham Falls is located about 13 miles from downtown Bend.  Driving: 30 minutes.

Located off NFD Road 41.

Limited parking available.

Public Restroom (maintained by Deschutes National Forest)

Production permit required from Deschutes National Forest (please apply at least 21 days in advance of production).

 

Benham Falls

 

Upper hiking trail from parking area and restroom.

Benham Falls downriver, forest view in Spring.

Deschutes River Trail to Benham Falls in Deschutes National Forest

Benham Falls

Continue Reading