Prineville Reservoir State Park, Oregon

Late spring through early autumn ushers in generally bright, sun-blessed days and summer afternoon thunderstorms that coat the canyon walls in an opal mist. Rock hunters can find many-a-treasure in this geology wonder-scape. Think agates with dendrites, white plume agates, moss agates, green jasper, Ochoco Chalcedony, thunder eggs and petrified wood. Prineville is a high desert paradise where the Ochoco Mountains act as a passage for effulgent waters that become the canyon cradled Crooked River. With the assistance of the Bowman Dam, the Crooked River shape shifts into the 3,000-acre Prineville Reservoir where you can jet ski, motor boat, kayak, fish and swim. Two campgrounds, year-round cabins, trail filled national forests, byways, bikeways, stargazing and abundant birding adventures make this state park a versatile treasure chest of outdoor reverence and watersport whimsy.