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Peter Skene Ogden State Scenic Viewpoint facts for kids

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Peter Skene Ogden State Scenic Viewpoint
Ogden1.jpg
Peter Skene Ogden historical marker
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Type Public, state
Location Deschutes and Jefferson counties
Nearest city Redmond
Operated by Oregon Parks and Recreation Department

The Peter Skene Ogden State Scenic Viewpoint is a beautiful state park in Oregon, United States. It sits right on the edge of the amazing Crooked River canyon. This park is special because it's located where Deschutes and Jefferson counties meet. It's a great place to stop and enjoy nature's views.

Why the Park is Named Peter Skene Ogden

This park is named after a brave explorer named Peter Skene Ogden. He was a leader for the Hudson's Bay Company, a very old trading company. In 1825, Peter Skene Ogden was leading a group of fur trappers when they first explored the Crooked River Valley. The park honors his journey and discovery of this area.

What You Can See and Do at the Viewpoint

The Peter Skene Ogden State Scenic Viewpoint is about 9 miles (14 km) north of Redmond. It's located right along U.S. Route 97, making it an easy stop for travelers. It's a rest area where you can find restrooms and picnic tables.

The main reason people visit is for the incredible views! You can look down into the deep Crooked River canyon. From here, you'll see three amazing bridges that cross the canyon:

  • The Crooked River Railroad Bridge
  • The Crooked River High Bridge
  • The Rex T. Barber Veterans Memorial Bridge

Many photographers love to visit this spot because the views are so dramatic and beautiful. The main part of the park is on the west side of U.S. Route 97. It's easy to get to whether you are driving north or south. There's a special loop for cars and even larger vehicles like trucks with trailers.

This viewpoint is also home to a special memorial. It honors Rex T. Barber, a famous pilot from World War II. He was known as a "flying ace" because of his bravery in the air.

Crooked River Railroad Bridge spanning the canyon at Peter Skene Ogden State Scenic Viewpoint, to the left
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