Oregon Travel Council | Page 106

NORTHEAST F E A T U R E D A T T R A C T I O N S • BLUE MOUNTAINS HILGARD JUNCTION STATE RECREATION AREA This 4,060-square-mile mountain range that stretches from northeast Oregon into southeast Washington was a difficult obstacle during the Oregon Trail. The range is flanked on the southeast by Baker City and is traversed by Interstate 84. The mountains offer endless camping and outdoor recreation activities. The mountain’s several rivers provide ample fishing opportunities. This state park, named for former dean of the College of Agriculture of the University of California, E.W. Hilgard, is located just off Interstate 84 along the Grande Ronde River. Nestled amongst cottonwood and ponderosa pine, the park offers full-hookup RV sites and tent camping with nearby flush toilets and showers. The park is excellent for wildlife viewing and recreation on the river. HELLS CANYON NATIONAL RECREATION AREA MONUMENT ROCK WILDERNESS (Pictured Right) Bordering Oregon and Idaho, Congress established this recreation area in 1975 in order to protect the area’s historic and archaeological importance. Hells Canyon Recreation Area features 215,000 acres of protected land that teems with diverse wildlife including black bear, cougar, elk, and bighorn sheep. While no motorized vehicles or bicycles are allowed, the area boasts over 900 miles of hiking trails. Camping, hunting, and fishing are allowed with proper permits. This eastern Oregon wilderness area is in the Blue Mountains within the Malheur and Wallowa-Whitman National Forests. Covering nearly 20,000 acres, hikers can enjoy about 15 miles of maintained trails. Vegetation includes a variety of pines and firs, grassy meadows, and subalpine fir at higher elevations. Black bears, deer, elk, badgers, and over seventy species of birds are among the area’s wildlife. For more information, contact: Hells Canyon Chamber of Commerce (HCCC) P. O. Box 841 Halfway, Oregon 97834 [phone] [email protected] www.hellscanyonchamber.com WALLOWA-WHITMAN NATIONAL FOREST This national forest covers four counties in southeastern Oregon and small areas in two Idaho counties. The forest is a popular destination for hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and snow sports in the Anthony Lakes Ski Area. Sixty-six trails are maintained throughout the park and seven areas can accommodate visitors who enjoy swimming, power boating, rafting, canoeing, and kayaking. Butterfly © Moonietunes 104 OREGON TRAVEL AND RECREATION GUIDE