Blue Basin is a stunning formation within the Sheep Rock Unit of the John Day National Monument. Nearest towns are Dayville, and John Day (accommodation and services).

Stunning visuals are available, and large parking area for production vehicles.  You cannot walk on the rock formations as they are delicate, but there are hiking paths around the area that lend themselves specifically to print campaigns.  This is one of the less populated areas of the John Day National Monument, and as such an excellent location for film purposes.

Permits must be obtained 21-30 days in advance from the park ranger. 

ABSOLUTELY NO drone use within the National Monument.

 

 

 

 

 

Burnt Ranch Road (also known as Bridge Creek Road)  leads from the Ochoco Highway in Mitchell to the Painted Hills Overlook (part of the John Day National Monument/Painted Hills division). The road itself is partial monument land, part BLM, so care must be taken with permit applications.

The road itself is a stunning drive surrounded by geological fossil formations on one side, and grasses and farm land on the other. It also winds alongside Bridge Creek.

BLM permit applications require 60 days advance notice through BLM Prineville.

John Day National Monument should be done at least 30 days in advance.

Nearest accommodation and services are in Mitchell (limited/10-15 minutes away), and wider availability in Prineville (1 hour via Hwy 26).

 

 

 

 

The Antelope Valley between Shaniko and Prineville is a stunning area of towering rock formations and winding roads, perfect for a car commercial.   There are few services in the area, but Madras is located nearby and offers excellent accommodation, restaurants and services.

From Wikipedia:

Antelope is a small town in Wasco County, Oregon, United States. It has an estimated population of 47 people (as of 2012), and is incorporated as a city. The town was incorporated in 1901, though it was founded earlier. The City of Antelope was originally a stage and freight wagon road stop on the Old Dalles to Canyon City Trail. Howard Maupin came to Antelope in 1863 to operate a horse ranch, becoming the caretaker of the stage station which was established by Henry Wheeler in 1864. Maupin began raising cattle to provide meat for travelers. Nathan Wallace, who is sometimes credited with being Antelope’s first postmaster, acquired the Antelope stage station from Maupin in 1870. Records indicate the community was considered to have been established in 1872.

 

Originally an old shack, the Cowboy Dinner Tree is now a restaurant consisting of several rooms, in addition to a gift show and nearby cabin accommodation.  Located 90 minutes SE of Bend, this is a location that suits itself to cowboy and western themed shoots.  The owners are easy to work with and keen to showcase their property and work with you on your shoot. There are rustic cabins on site,  and basic accommodation nearby in Paisley, Lakeview and LaPine (Best Western Newberry Crater).

There is also a very friendly cat on site (waiting for its closeup).

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.