| For diversity, this high-country rugged Wilderness has few equals, containing five of the seven major life zones in North America. Glaciation hollowed out beds in U-shaped valleys that today hold seven alpine lakes, rare treasures in Oregon's arid west. Elevation ranges from about 4,000 feet to 9,038 feet atop Strawberry Mountain in the east-central portion. Large numbers of larch, the only conifer to lose its needles, turn to spun gold in fall, highlighting a forest of spruce, pine, and fir. Accenting the gold hues are wild strawberries that ripen in July, and mountain basins blooming with summer wildflowers. A native population of Rocky Mountain elk resides here with mule deer, antelope, black bears, cougars, mink, and beavers. Martens, hawks, and eagles can also be seen in the area. |
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