The Stunning Scenic Overlook Off-The-Beaten-Path In Central Oregon That Features Jaw Dropping Views
By Sarah McCosham|Published April 14, 2021
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
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.
As part of a historically volcanic region, Central Oregon's geography is defined by unique rock formations, including lava beds, crater lakes, and caverns.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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