While the western and eastern parts of the state get a ton of love, Central Oregon is often the forgotten middle sibling — the Jan Brady, if you will. And that’s a shame because this region is absolutely resplendent. Case in point: the Peter Skene Ogden State Scenic Viewpoint. This stunning scenic overlook in Central Oregon features some spectacular, jaw-dropping views, and needs to be your next adventure in The Beaver State.
Central Oregon is a breathtakingly beautiful place and a prime example of the great geographical diversity of the state.
U.S. Forest Service- Pacific Northwest Region/Flickr
As part of a historically volcanic region, Central Oregon’s geography is defined by unique rock formations, including lava beds, crater lakes, and caverns.
U.S. Forest Service- Pacific Northwest Region/Flickr
The views in this area are incredible from the ground, with the Lower Crooked River Back Country Byway winding through this wild wonderland.
Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington/Flickr
From above, the perspective is unparalleled.
Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington/Flickr
Smith Rock State Park is perhaps the best example of Central Oregon’s scenic splendor; a place of truly sublime beauty.
Oregon Department of Transportation/Flickr
As locals know, it’s not the only photo-worthy wonder in the region.
Bruce Fingerhood/Wikimedia Commons
Located nine miles north of Redmond on U.S. Route 97, Peter Skene Ogden State Scenic Viewpoint is one of Oregon’s most breathtaking vistas.
U.S. Forest Service- Pacific Northwest Region/Flickr
The viewpoint is named in honor of Peter Skene Ogden, who first entered the Crooked River Valley while leading a Hudson’s Bay Company trapping party in 1825.
Rvannatta/Wikipedia
Three historic bridges connect both sides of the basalt canyon, carved by the Crooked River over thousands of years. Before the first bridge was constructed, the canyon created huge obstacles for travelers and traders.
Strekoza2/iStock via Getty Images Plus
The Crooked River Railroad Bridge is 320 feet above the river, and when it was completed in 1911, it was the second-highest railroad bridge in the U.S.
Strekoza2/iStock via Getty Images Plus
The Central Oregon Railroad Company, which would later become the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway, needed a bridge, and after a series of negotiations, construction began in May of 1911.
U.S. Forest Service- Pacific Northwest Region/Flickr
The process of building this bridge was a labor of love: steel was lowered by derrick to the bottom of the gorge, where men climbed down rope ladders to attach cables to the steel beams, and the steel was then hoisted up both sides of the canyon.
Virginia Hill/Flickr After just four months of construction, the first train crossed the bridge on September 17.
The Crooked River Railroad Bridge is a magnificent, manmade wonder; a celebration of Oregon’s pioneer spirit; and one of the most scenic places in the state.
Virginia Hill/Flickr
Learn more about Peter Skene Ogden State Park on the Oregon State Parks website. And while you’re in Central Oregon, be sure to visit Smith Rock State Park, one of the most incredible wonders in the state — and a prime place for hiking!
U.S. Forest Service- Pacific Northwest Region/Flickr
Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington/Flickr
Oregon Department of Transportation/Flickr
Bruce Fingerhood/Wikimedia Commons
Rvannatta/Wikipedia
Strekoza2/iStock via Getty Images Plus
Virginia Hill/Flickr
After just four months of construction, the first train crossed the bridge on September 17.
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Address: Peter Skene Ogden State Scenic Viewpoint, US-97, Terrebonne, OR 97760, USA
