| The Fremont-Winema National Forest, in Southern Oregon is a great place to get away from it all. Administratively combined in 2002, the Fremont-Winema National Forest offer 2.3 million acres to explore. The forest includes seven Ranger Districts, with the headquarters located in Lakeview, Oregon.The heavily timbered western portion of the forest is bordered by the crest of the Cascade Mountain Range and Crater Lake National Park, and stretches east into the Klamath River Basin, an area known for its year-round sunshine. Near the floor of the Basin, the forest opens to vast marshes and meadows associated with Upper Klamath Lake and the Williamson River. To the north and east extensive stands of ponderosa and lodgepole pine grow on deep pumice and ash that blanketed the area during the eruption of Mt. Mazama (now Crater Lake) nearly 7,000 years ago. The eastern portion of the Forest offers expansive views, dramatic cliffs, and solitude. The area is known as Oregon's Outback, and provides the self-reliant recreationist the opportunity to discover nature in a rustic environment.Whether seeking solitude or a family get away, the Fremont-Winema National Forest offer a wide array of activities. Fishing, hunting, backpacking, hiking, camping, boating, and leisure driving opportunities abound. In the winter, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and downhill skiing are popular activities.The Fremont-Winema National Forest's diverse habitats also support a variety of species, making wildlife viewing a unique recreation experience. Big game, such as mule deer, Rocky Mountain elk, and pronghorn antelope, all populate the Forest. Several varieties of trout inhabit lakes and streams, as well as warm-water fish, such as large mouth bass. In the spring and fall, migrating geese, ducks and swans are in abundance. Large predators, such as black bears, mountain lions, and bobcats, also live in the Fremont-Winema National Forest.Driving for pleasure is one of the most popular activities on the National Forest. The Fremont-Winema National Forest offer 483 miles of road that are maintained for passenger cars and 2,379 more miles that are accessible by high clearance vehicles like sport utility vehicles and pick-up trucks. In addition, there are many state and county roads that traverse the forest. |
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