Blue Basin (John Day National Monument)

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.

 

 

 

 

 

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Burnt Ranch Road (Painted Hills)

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).

 

 

 

 

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Big Summit Prairie

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.

 

 

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Brothers Ranch (Private Property)

Expansive ranch on Highway 27 between Brothers and Roberts.  Multiple barns and cattle corrals on site.  Hill backdrop for contained shots.  Horses and cattle on site (red and black angus mixed together).  Small canyon and river flowing through the property.

2o minutes outside of Prineville for easy accommodation and services access (or 30 minutes from Bend via Highway 20).

Images taken in November, approximately 11am.

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Jasper Point State Park

The road to Jasper Point State Park is perfect for a car commercial as it winds along the Prineville Reservoir, on one side, and along stunning rock formations at the other.  When arriving at Jasper Point State Park, there are recreational activities that include swimming, boating, hiking, wildlife viewing, and spectacular scenery. For anglers or fly fishing shoots,  Prineville Reservoir offers a variety of species, including rainbow trout, small and large mouth bass, crappie, and catfish. Crayfish are also plentiful in the lake. 
Jasper point has rustic cabins available for staff accommodation or production offices, and 26 RV sites with electric and water which include 2 ADA equipped sites. An ADA accessible restroom/shower facility is available at Jasper Point. Jasper Point has a boat launch in the day use area.  Prineville Reservoir State Park is located 3 miles to the west.
Jasper point has a RV dump station. Additional ADA campsites and an accessible restroom/shower facility are available at Prineville Reservoir State park 3 miles to the west.

Permits are required from Oregon State Parks. 21 day notice is required. 

 

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