Ochoco Mountains
| Ochoco Mountains | |
|---|---|
Steins Pillar in ponderosa pine forest | |
| Highest point | |
| Peak | Lookout Mountain |
| Elevation | 6,926 ft (2,111 m) |
| Coordinates | 44°19′37″N 120°22′24″W / 44.32694°N 120.37333°W |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 114 mi (183 km) north–south |
| Width | 86 mi (138 km) |
| Geography | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Oregon |
| Counties | Crook, Wheeler and Grant |
| Range coordinates | 44°26′35″N 120°23′37″W / 44.44306°N 120.39361°W |
| Parent range | Blue 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.