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Access Site OR

Wickiup Butte

Deschutes River - Wickiup Reservoir Deschutes River

Source: oregon_gov Updated 1 year ago

City: OR
County: Deschutes County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 43.67758000, -121.68907000
Air Temp: --
Location
Nearby Gauge Conditions
About This Access Site
Wickiup Butte provides boat ramp access to the 11,200-acre Wickiup Reservoir, a productive irrigation impoundment located in the Cascade Mountains about 60 miles southwest of Bend. The site features paved boat ramps, trailer parking, picnic tables, and a restroom—making it a solid day-use facility for kayakers, canoeists, and motorized boaters. Note that motors are prohibited on the Deschutes River itself, though they are allowed on the reservoir.

**Important seasonal consideration:** Water levels at Wickiup Reservoir drop dramatically by October, and ramp accessibility is dependent on adequate water levels, typically being most reliable earlier in the season. The relatively shallow reservoir was built to store irrigation water managed by the North Unit Irrigation District. This is an excellent wildlife viewing area with diverse nesting and migrating bird populations. Nearby camping options include Fall River, Gull Point, and Rock Creek Campgrounds, all within 10 miles and available for reservation.
Federal Facility Information
Free Access

This is one of central Oregon's best wildlife viewing sites because it attracts such a variety of nesting and/or migrating birds. The relatively shallow reservoir was dammed to store irrigation water that is managed by the North Unit Irrigation District. The water level often lowers dramatically by October. The easiest access for shoreline viewing is at recreation sites or along the 2.6-mile...

This is one of central Oregon's best wildlife viewing sites because it attracts such a variety of nesting and/or migrating birds. The relatively shallow reservoir was dammed to store irrigation water that is managed by the North Unit Irrigation District. The water level often lowers dramatically by October. The easiest access for shoreline viewing is at recreation sites or along the 2.6-mile earthen dam.  The reservoir covers an area on the Deschutes River which was known as the Wickiup's. It was a camping area for Native Americans during the fall. Wickiup Dam was started in 1939, and was completed in 1949. Wickiup Reservoir is very rich, highly productive, relatively warm water and cooler deep channels generate some of the finest fishing in Central Oregon. Motorized and non-motorized boats are allowed on this body of water. Caution: Winter access is typically hindered by deep snow.For boat launch information see Gull Point Boating Site, North Wickiup Boating Site , North Davis Boating Site, Reservior Boating Site , Sheep Bridge Boating Site, West South Twin Boating Site  and Wickiup Butte Boating Site

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Nearby Campgrounds (11 within 10 miles)
FALL RIVER CAMPGROUND
On-site Reservable
Gull Point Campground
On-site Reservable
Rock Creek Campground (Deschutes National Forest, OR)
On-site Reservable
WYETH CAMPGROUND - DESCHUTES
On-site Reservable
NORTH DAVIS CREEK CAMPGROUND
On-site Reservable
Crane Prairie Campground
On-site Reservable
RESERVOIR CAMPGROUND
On-site Reservable
PRINGLE FALLS CAMPGROUND
On-site Reservable
WEST SOUTH TWIN CAMPGROUND
On-site Reservable
BULL BEND CAMPGROUND
On-site Reservable
NORTH TWIN LAKE CAMPGROUND
On-site Reservable
Nearby Recreation Areas
Crane Prairie Reservoir Located within
Wickiup Reservoir Located within
Nearby Boat Facilities
Wyeth Boating Site On-site