We recently visited the Pillars of Rome in Malhuer County, Eastern Oregon and WOW. They did not disappoint.  We felt the ghost of ObiWan Kenobi wandering through here with us!

The 100-foot (30 m)-high Rome Cliffs, or “Pillars of Rome” are formations of fossil-bearing clay, measuring about 5 miles (8 km) long and 2 miles (3 km) wide. They’re located along the Owyhee River in a very remote area.

Filming would be challenging here as there is only one place to stay and they are spartan cabins in Rome itself, part of the one store here. It could be done however, with a team of RV’s on the neighboring cattle property for a price.  It would be well worth it though.

Sunset Beach is opposite Elk Lake Resort, on the other side of the lake and is a small beach area surrounded by ponderosa’s and forest.

It’s perfect for a small shoot needing a forest and lake setting.

DNF Permit required (please allow 21-30 days).

Some parking. Paved roads.

Roads to Sunset Beach may be closed by ODOT during the winter due to snow.

Dog not included!  : )

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Whenever someone asks us for locations with trees, I laugh a little inside as we have millions of trees, of varying kinds (ponderosas, junipers, aspens and lodgepole pine).  Ponderosas are gorgeous and create really stunning locations due to the striations in their bark.  These images were taken between 2-4pm in mid-February, in Shevlin Park.  There is a road that can be utilized by film crew towards the southern side of the park with a Forest service restroom, and a large parking area.  Permits are required through Bend Park and Rec, at least 30 days in advance.

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.