Ochoco National Forest and Crooked River National Grassland
Cross Country Ski Trails
The Bandit Springs Cross Country Ski Trail is probably the premier ski trail in Ochoco National Forest. The trail was cooperatively developed by the Prineville Nordic Ski Club and the Ochoco National Forest. The trail begins at the Bandit Springs State Rest Area 29 miles east of Prineville, Oregon. Parking at the trailhead is limited so car pooling is advisable. The trail begins at the north end of the rest area and proceeds through an old growth ponderosa forest. Follow the blue diamond trail markers and directional arrows attached to trees.
Other roads open to cross-country skiing connect to the Bandit Springs Area. Here are some other worthy trails, some that connect, some that don't. Maps at the rest area will help you figure out what's where. Enjoy!
Loop A
Length: 1.4 miles (2.2 km)
Degree of Difficulty: Beginner (least difficult)
Loop B
Length: 4.2 miles (6.8 km)
Degree of difficulty: Intermediate to advanced (more difficult)
#801 Ponderosa Loop
An incredible forest of graceful old ponderosa pine growing on rolling hills, excellent skiing on ungroomed trails in powder quality snow in winter and flower filled meadows in spring and summer await the adventurous. This particular trail in the Bandit Springs area primarily follows an old logging road.
Length: 1.4 mi ( 2.2 kin. )
Use: Winter - nordic skiing
Difficulty: Easiest
Accessibility Level: More difficult
Recommended Season: Winter
Location: From Prineville, 22 miles east on US Highway 26. State Sno-park permit required November 15 through March 30 at Bandit Springs Rest Area.
#802 McGinnis Creek Loop
Although rated more difficult, an intermediate skier should have no trouble here. The trail travels along abandoned roads, through beautiful forests of large old ponderosa pine. Winter snows provide excellent skiing on ungroomed trails from about mid December to late February. Summer and fall are usually dry, providing beautiful hiking and biking opportunities of a moderate challenge. Great for families.
Length: 4.2 mi. (6.8 km.)
Use: Winter - nordic skiing
Difficulty: Most difficult
Accessibility Level: Not
Recommended Season: Winter
Location: From Prineville, 22 miles east on US Highway 26. State Sno-park permit required November 15 through March 30 at Bandit Springs Rest Area
#802A Ridge Trail
This trail follows McGinnis Creek Trail for 1.4 miles then heads west. Look for blue diamonds on a hairpin curve. Ridge Trail accesses the snow shelter and connects to Ochoco Way Trail. There are two short sections of moderately steep climbing and slopes for telemark skiing.
Length: .5 mi. ( .8 km. )
Use: Winter - nordic skiing
Difficulty: Most difficult
Accessibility Level: Not
Recommended Season: Winter
Location: From Prineville, 22 miles east on US Highway 26. State Sno-park permit required November 15 through March 30 at Bandit Springs Rest Area
#806 Ochoco Way Loop
This trail forks off the #801 Ponderosa Loop trail, crosses Forest Road #27, and heads northeast over a foot bridge. The first one-fourth mile is a steep climb. There is a second crossing on Forest Road #27, and an easy one-fourth mile ski to the show shelter. This route is not recommended for beginning skiers.
Length: 3.5 mi. ( 5.6 fan. )
Use: Winter- nordic skiing
Difficulty: Most difficult
Accessibility Level: Not
Recommended Season: Winter
Location: From Prineville, 22 miles east on US Highway 26. State Sno-park permit required November 15 through March 30 at Bandit Springs Rest Area.
#808 Independent Mine
This 8 mile loop trail travels through mysterious old growth fir and pine thickets. As it gains elevation, it meanders through beautiful mountain meadows and reaches to the top of Lookout Mountain. A shelter is located near the top. The trail follows an old road about .3 miles, turns left, and descends for 4 miles back to the starting point.
Length: 8 miles (12.8 km.)
Use: Winter - Nordic skiing
Difficulty: More difficult
Accessibility Level: Most difficult
Recommended Season: Winter
Trailhead Access: From Prineville, 15 miles east on US Highway 26. Right turn on county Road 123. Travel 8 miles, then just past Ochoco ranger Station, turn right on Forest Road #42. Travel 6.5 miles to trailhead.
#810 Woodpecker & #810A Tie Trail
This trail takes off from the #801 Ponderosa Trail after one mile. It follows a ridge, traveling through old ponderosa pine and mixed conifer forest. There are many opportunities for practicing telemark turns, as well as enjoying some excellent views of Mill Creek wilderness. This trail connects with McGinnis Creek trail after 1.2 miles for easy return to sno-park. Tie Trail connects to Easy Trail for a steep .4 mile run.
Length: 1.2 ml.; 0.4 miles
Use: Winter - nordic skiing
Difficulty: More difficult
Accessibility Level: Most difficult
Recommended Season: Winter
Location: From Prineville, 22 miles east on US Highway 26. State Sno-park permit required November 15 through March 30 at Bandit Springs Rest Area.
#811 Easy
This trail forks off McGinnis Creek Trail after 2.1 miles, follows level road and connects back into McGinnis Creek Trail for easy return to sno-park.
Length: 1.3 mi.
Use: Winter - nordic skiing
Difficulty: Easy
Accessibility Level: More difficult
Recommended Season: Winter
Location: From Prineville, 22 miles east on US Highway 26. State Sno-park permit required November 15 through March 30 at Bandit Springs Rest Area.
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