Ochoco Mountains

Ochoco Mountains
Steins Pillar in ponderosa pine forest
Highest point
PeakLookout Mountain[1]
Elevation6,926 ft (2,111 m)
Coordinates44°19′37″N 120°22′24″W / 44.32694°N 120.37333°W / 44.32694; -120.37333[2]
Dimensions
Length114 mi (183 km) north–south
Width86 mi (138 km)
Geography
Map of Oregon showing the location of the Ochoco Mountains
Map of Oregon showing the location of the Ochoco Mountains
Ochoco Mountains
Location of the Ochoco Mountains in Oregon
CountryUnited States
StateOregon
Counties[3]Crook, Wheeler and Grant
Range coordinates44°26′35″N 120°23′37″W / 44.44306°N 120.39361°W / 44.44306; -120.39361[3]
Parent rangeBlue Mountains province
Geology
Rock age(s)Permian, Triassic, Jurassic and Eocene
Rock type(s)Accreted and erupted igneous rock

The Ochoco Mountains are a mountain range in central Oregon in the United States, located at the western end of the Blue Mountains. They were formed when Permian, Triassic, and Jurassic rocks were slowly uplifted by volcanic eruptions to form the Clarno Formation. Today, the highest point in the range is Lookout Mountain. The dominant vegetation on the west side of the range is old-growth ponderosa pine; on the east side, western juniper is common. The western area of the mountains is administered by the Ochoco National Forest, while the southeastern section is part of the Malheur National Forest. The Ochoco Mountains draw visitors for hiking, camping, bird watching, rockhounding, and hunting, as well as cross-country skiing in the winter.

  1. ^ "Ochoco Mountains", Peakbagger.com Database, Geographic Research Systems, Peakbagger.com, Seattle, Washington, 23 January 2015.
  2. ^ "Lookout Mountain". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. 28 November 1980. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
  3. ^ a b "Ochoco Mountains". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. 28 November 1980. Retrieved 9 May 2014.