| The 1.7 million acre Malheur National Forest is located in the Blue Mountains of Eastern Oregon. The diverse scenery of the forest includes high desert grasslands, sage and juniper, pine, fir and other tree species, as well as alpine lakes and meadows. Elevations vary from about 4000 feet to the 9038 foot top of Strawberry Mountain. The Strawberry Mountain range extends east to west through the center of the Forest.Three mountain lakes are easily reached by road on the Malheur National Forest, and each offers a trout fishery. Magone Lake, north of Mt. Vernon, features group camping sites and a swimming beach. The lake's formation is an interesting story in itself, having been created by a landslide in the 19th century. Canyon Meadows Reservoir south of Canyon City is dry until the dam is repaired. Yellowjacket Reservoir in the Forest's southwest corner is a likely producing spot. Good trout fishing is found in Logan Valley, on the North Fork of the Malheur River and the Malheur River Ford. Other opportunities to fish the John Day River are available from Highway 62 between the summit and Prairie City. For the young anglers, look for the Trout Farm, located just off County Road 62 between the summit and Prairie City. The Malheur National Forest also has two Wild and Scenic RiversWith over 20 Malheur National Forest offers opportunities for camping in developed RV, tent, and horse campgrounds. Many of the campgrounds are handicap accessible. Some sites may provide restrooms, drinking water, trash receptacles and/or picnic facilities.On the Malheur National Forest there are hunting seasons for mule deer, rocky mountain elk, pronghorn antelope, and bighorn sheep. Hunting season frameworks are set up on wildlife management units and the major units which are located on the forest are a portion of Beulah, Desolation, Murderers Creek, Northside, and Sumpter.With the exception of cougar, bear, archery deer and elk seasons and the 2nd bull elk season Desolation all big game seasons on the Forest are limited entry hunts. Hunters must apply for their big game tags prior to May 15 and results of the drawing are available by July 1, from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.There are many miles of trails available in the Malheur National Forest. Trails are open to hikers, horseback riders, mountain bikers, and off highway vehicle drivers. Please check individual restrictions for trails.The Malheur National Forest has 502 miles of designated snowmobile trails and 6.5 miles of cross-country ski trails. Snowmobile trails are marked in a brown and cream reflector with orange diamonds cross-country ski trails are marked with blue diamonds and/or user symbols used in conjunction to denote appropriate trail use.The Monument Rock Wilderness Area and the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness Areas are accessible from the Malheur National Forest. Motorized vehicle use is prohibited within the wilderness areas. |
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