According to howsmb.com, Crook County is located in the high desert region of Central Oregon. It is the second largest county in the state, with an area of 4,751 square miles. The population of Crook County is estimated to be 24,000 people as of 2020.
Crook County was created in 1882 and named after an early settler, General George Crook. The first permanent settlement was established by cattle ranchers in 1875 and later became known as Prineville. The county was later divided into three smaller counties: Deschutes, Jefferson and Crook.
The economy of Crook County is largely based on agriculture and tourism. Cattle ranching is still a major industry in the area, with several large ranches located throughout the county. There are also numerous recreational opportunities available including fishing, camping, hiking, biking and rock-climbing.
Prineville is the largest city in Crook County with a population of over 10,000 people. It’s home to several unique attractions such as Prineville Reservoir State Park and Ochoco National Forest which offer plenty of outdoor recreation activities for visitors to enjoy year round. Other popular attractions include Prineville Railroad Museum and Bowman Museum which feature local history exhibits along with railroad artifacts from around the world.
Famous people from Crook County include actor Tom Selleck who grew up on a ranch outside of Prineville; musician Dave Matthews who attended high school in Prineville; professional golfer Peter Jacobsen who was born in Prineville; and former NFL quarterback Carson Palmer who grew up in Redmond just outside of Prineville.
Crook County offers something for everyone. From outdoor recreation activities to local history exhibits there’s no shortage of things to do here. Whether you’re looking for some time away from it all or want to explore some unique attractions this area has it all.
Climate and weather in Crook County, Oregon
According to iamaccepted.com, Crook County, Oregon has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters. Average temperatures range from the high 30s in the winter to the low 90s in the summer. The area receives an average of 10-14 inches of precipitation annually, most of which falls during the winter months. Snowfall is common in higher elevations but not so much in lower areas like Prineville.
The summer months are usually dry and sunny with temperatures reaching well into the 90s during the day and cooling down to the 50s at night. July is typically the hottest month, while January is usually the coldest. During this time, temperatures can dip below freezing on occasion.
Spring brings warmer temperatures and more rainfall than other seasons with occasional thunderstorms and hail possible throughout April and May. The climate begins to cool off again in late September as autumn arrives bringing cooler temperatures with highs typically ranging from 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit and lows dipping into the 30s at night.
Crook County has a mild climate with hot summers and cold winters that offer plenty of outdoor activities year round. From fishing, camping, hiking, biking or rock-climbing there’s something for everyone to enjoy here.
Transportation in Crook County, Oregon
Crook County, Oregon is served by a variety of transportation options. The county is home to several airports, including Prineville Airport and Redmond Municipal Airport. Both airports offer regular commercial flights to major cities throughout the United States as well as charter services.
The county also has an extensive network of public roads and highways. Interstate 97 runs through the middle of the county connecting it to major cities like Bend, Redmond, and Prineville. US Highway 20 also runs through the county and connects it to other cities such as La Pine and Sisters.
Local public transportation is available in Crook County with a bus system operated by Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council (COIC). The bus system offers routes throughout Crook County with stops in Prineville, Redmond, Powell Butte, Terrebonne, and more. Additionally, there are several private transportation companies that provide service in the area such as taxi services and shuttle buses.
For those who prefer to travel by bicycle or foot there are plenty of trails available throughout the county for both activities. The Deschutes River Trail runs along the Deschutes River from Bend all the way to Prineville offering scenic views along its route. Additionally, there are several hiking trails located within Crook County offering breathtaking views of the Cascade Mountains.
Crook County provides a variety of transportation options for residents and visitors alike. Whether you’re looking for air travel or need a ride around town there’s something here for everyone.
Cities and towns in Crook County, Oregon
According to Countryaah, Crook County, Oregon is home to a variety of cities and towns that offer something for everyone. Prineville is the county seat and largest city in Crook County. It is the hub of commerce and government within the county. Prineville offers a variety of activities, from shopping and dining to outdoor recreation, golfing, museums, and other attractions. The city also has a beautiful downtown area with historic buildings and lots of unique shops and restaurants.
The town of Powell Butte is located in the northern part of Crook County. It’s a small but growing community with plenty to offer visitors, including its famous Powell Butte Nature Park which features miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding or just enjoying the views. The town also hosts several events throughout the year such as its annual Harvest Festival in September or its Fourth of July parade.
The city of Paulina is located in southeastern Crook County on the banks of Paulina Lake. This small but vibrant community is home to several businesses as well as two lakeside parks that provide an array of fishing opportunities for anglers looking for trout or bass. There are also plenty of recreational activities available such as camping, boating, swimming or canoeing on Paulina Lake. The city also has an annual Paulina Days celebration which draws visitors from all over Oregon each year to enjoy live music, food vendors and more.