Paulina and Paulina Valley
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Location
This region is located in the far eastern part of the county. However, if you want a big Crook County list, you have to come to the Paulina Area. From Prineville, take Combs Flat Road SE out of town. This road becomes Oregon Road 380 but the locals call it the Paulina Highway. Travel 57 miles to Paulina. To access Paulina Valley, go north out of Paulina (there’s only one dirt road) from the Paulina Store. Cross Road 380 and continue on the dirt road as it swings to the west. This road will climb up over a bluff. From the top, you can see Rabbit Valley Reservoir to the west and Paulina Valley Reservoir to the north. Rabbit Valley Reservoir is inaccessible. Take the dirt road down into Paulina Valley. This road is a public road but it travels through a private ranch and the reservoir is on private property. Please bird from the road.
DirectionsHabitat and Birds
Check out the small community of Paulina for migrants and winter sparrows. Paulina Valley is the main destination here. The habitat and birds are similar to Malhuer in the spring. On both sides of the road, the land is private so you must stay on the road. Black Terns are common in summer and Burrowing Owls can occasionally be seen. Shrikes are found year round and waterfowl are abundant in spring. Early spring finds plenty of Long-billed Curlew to the flooded fields. Take a spotting scope for Paulina Valley Reservoir. This is a great spot in the spring and early summer for waders and Bald Eagles. The reservoir dries up in mid- summer and early fall, so it is not productive until spring.
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