Wallowa-Whitman
The Wallowa -Whitman National Forest, in Idaho, Oregon and Washington, contains 2.3 million acres ranging in elevation from 875 feet in Hells Canyon, to 9845 feet in the Eagle Cap Wilderness.
These forests are managed as sustainable ecosystems providing clean water, wildlife habitat and valuable forest products. And, for things to do and places to be, the Wallowa-Whitman is the setting for a variety of year-round recreational activities.The Forest ranges from the Blue Mountains and rugged Wallowa Mountains down to the spectacular canyon country of the Snake River on the Idaho border, including Hells Canyon National Recreation Area -- a mecca of hiking and river floating.
In fact, the entire forest offers plenty to do for thrill seekers, hikers, bikers, off-highway vehicle riders and other recreationalists. The forest offers an array of options, lined out in a text-only chart and an interactive map. Off highway vehicle riders, please check forest regulations before hitting the trails. Skiers, try your skills at Ski Anthony Lakes, a downhill ski resort on the forest.
The Wallowa NF was created in 1908 from the combination of seven Forest Reserves, and the Whitman NF was created in 1908 by combining three Forest Reserves. The Wallowa and Whitman National Forests have been managed together since 1954.
Map:
Wallowa-Whitman statistics
State(s):
Oregon
Nearest large Urban Area:
Boise
Notes & Conditions:
Research campground locations and amenities at the U.S. National Forest Campground Directory. The Web site is full of pictures and detailed descriptions to help you plan your next trip.
If you want to experience a guided recreation trip in a National Forest, visit Adventure Vacation to learn about whitewater rafting, canoeing, kayaking, horseback riding, camping, hiking and fishing trips.
Permits, passes, fees:
A Northwest Forest Pass is required if you are parking at or within a quarter mile of many Wallowa-Whitman National Forest trailheads. It is also valid in any national forest in Washington or Oregon and in the North Cascades National Park. The cost is $30 for an annual pass and $5 for a day pass. The money goes directly towards trail and trailhead maintenance. They can be purchased at any Forest Service office and at many local vendors.
Sno-Park Permit: The state of Oregon requires Sno-Park permits during winter in certain mountain recreation areas. Proceeds keep Oregon's winter recreation areas accessible. Permits are available at Department of Motor Vehicles offices, local ski shops and area lift ticket offices. There are two types of Sno-Park permits available; one is a season access to all Sno-Parks in Oregon and the other is a day pass to any Sno-Park.
Maps:
Visit the National Forest Store to see what maps are available for this Forest and others you may want to visit.
First-timer's adventure:
Why not check out the Oregon Trail interpretive park?
Some of the best-preserved traces of the Old Emigrant Road await you on this grassy ridge. Walk among stately ponderosa pines that still bear the scars made by passing wagons more than 150 years ago. Meander on a gentle footpath next to wagon-wide depressions. Enjoy the sweeping view that met the emigrant’s eyes so long ago. Choose a Discovery Trail and literally walk in the footsteps of the pioneers.
A living history encampment is staffed on weekends. Additional attractions in the Oregon Trail Interpretive Park can be found on the California Gulch Trail.
Camp nearby at Bird Track Springs, Spring Creek, or Spool Cart campgrounds, or in the city of La Grande.
To get there: Take I-84 to exit 248. Take highway 30 1/2 Mile to Forest Rd 1843 (There is a 12' 9" clearance limit where Forest Road #1843 passes under the interstate)
Contact Info:
P.O. Box 907
1550 Dewey
Baker City, OR 97814
(541) 523-6391
Forest Service website >>
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Share a specific hike, paddle, bike, or other activity in this forest.
December 6 2005 3:03 PM | Phil Jarmer said…
I have a memory that will last for a long time this year in the Wallowa Whitman National Forest. It was a very cold September morning about 15 degrees with frost on the ground. I was hunting elk and had left camp that morning a little late. As I approched the upper end of a meadow I had been hunting I saw one of my friends ahead about 60 yards.Then all of a sudden he saw me and gave me the stop in my tracks sign I instantly froze in place and then I heard the elk. They came out about 30 yards in front of my friend and stopped. He drew his bow and waited for the elk to come from behind a small pine tree for a shot. Eternity isn't that long but it finally did and he released the arrow and hit the spot perfectly.He was a first time archery hunter that had taken the bow hunter education class that spring and he had taken his first elk with a bow,and best of all I was one of the instructors and I got to see him through the whole senario. what a treat.