Wallowa-Whitman National Forest

Nature viewing is one of the four cornerstones that define this Forest with scenic byways, hillsides of wildflowers, and a variety of wildlife and bird species to enjoy.

Photo credit: USDA Forest Service

Welcome to the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest! Encompassing over 2.3 million acres, the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest lies within three states and ten counties and is boarded in Oregon by the Umatilla and Malheur National Forests. There are four ranger districts, one national recreation area, four Wilderness Areas on the National Forest, and it is home to ten Wild and Scenic Rivers. A variety of year-round recreational opportunities are offered ranging from mountain biking on hundreds of miles of trails to swimming at Phillips Lake or hiking on one of the wilderness and backcountry trails. Nature viewing is one of the four cornerstones that define the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest with scenic byways, picturesque viewpoints, hillsides of colorful wildflowers, and a variety of wildlife and bird species to enjoy. Visitors can enjoy the Forest’s diverse landscape and numerous recreational activities all year.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/wallowa-whitman

Wilderness Areas/Wild & Scenic Rivers

Eagle Cap Wilderness - Eagle Cap Wilderness is characterized by high alpine lakes and meadows, bare granite peaks and ridges, and U-shaped glaciated valleys.

Hells Canyon Wilderness - Hells Canyon Wilderness straddles the border of northeastern Oregon and western Idaho, split in half by the Wild and Scenic Snake River.

North Fork John Day Wilderness - Much of the North Fork John Day Wilderness is composed of gentle benchlands and tablelands with the remaining being steep ridges and alpine lake basins.

Monument Rock Wilderness - Monument Rock Wilderness is mostly forested with ponderosa pine in lower hills stretching up to subalpine fir along the peaks.

North Fork John Day Wilderness - Much of the North Fork John Day Wilderness is composed of gentle benchlands and tablelands with the remaining being steep ridges and alpine lake basins.

Eagle Creek River - The diversity of landforms, water, color and vegetation, which are present throughout the designated portion of Eagle Creek River, are recognized as the most attractive attributes of the river corridor.

Snake River - The outstandingly remarkable values of the Snake River are scenery, recreation, geology, wildlife, fisheries, cultural resources, vegetation/botany and ecology

Imnaha River - The Imnaha River corridor supports unique plant communities and ecosystem diversity.

Joseph Creek River - The spectacular natural setting, ruggedness, inaccessibility and steep topography of Joseph Creek River and the surrounding environments of Joseph Canyon create a lasting impression on those who view it.

Lostine River - The Lostine River corridor supports a diversity of wildlife habitats and species, including Rocky Mountain elk, deer, black bear, wolf, mountain lion, beaver, otter, mink and other small mammals.

John's Day River (North Fork) - John's Day North Fork River supports the largest remaining wild run of Chinook salmon and steelhead trout in the Columbia River basin.

Minam River - Visitors can only access the Minam River by hiking or horseback riding the wilderness trails, or flying into Reds Horse Ranch.

North Powder River - Popular activities along the North Powder River include camping along the river at dispersed campsites, hunting, exploring the historic wagon route and sightseeing.

Grande Ronde River - The entire Grande Ronde River corridor is a complex ecosystem rich in unique natural features, history, spectacular scenery and a variety of plant and animal life.

Invasive Species