PACIFIC NORTHWEST

Eastern Oregon
The northern part of eastern Oregon includes both the Blue and Wallowa Mountains as well as the deepest river gorge in North America, Hells Canyon, which cradles the winding Snake River. In the northeastern corner are forested mountains, most notably the Wallowa Mountains. These snowy peaks (some reach 10,000 feet) occupy an area of rich habitat diversity and beautiful natural surroundings. Wallowa Lake State Park provides access to this scenic area. Farther west along the Columbia River are the Umatilla and Cold Springs National Wildlife Refuges, critical migration stops for thousands of waterfowl. The sedimentary rock of the John Day Basin, in the center of this region, preserves records of plant and animal life some 40 million years old. The dry southern section of eastern Oregon is rich in beautifully colored rock walls and rock formations. Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, in Oregon's southeastern corner, is an expansive freshwater marsh surrounded by high desert. Southeast of Malheur, Steens Mountain rises to nearly 10,000 feet. The Alvord Desert, a large alkaline basin, spreads out over 60 miles to the east in the shadow of Steens Mountain. In the far southwestern corner of this region is Summer Lake Wildlife Area, a large alkaline lake surrounded by sage habitat. The adjacent Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge is home to bands of Pronghorn from spring through fall.

Wallowa Lake State Park
Joseph
Routinely cited as one of the outstanding state parks in the West because of its stunning natural setting, this 166-acre park and the adjacent area rate highly for their wildlife-viewing potential. Wallowa is a Nez Perce word for "fish trap," and Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce people favored this region for its rich resources. The Wallowa Mountains are the Alps of OregonÑsnow-crowned peaks rising up to 10,000 feet along the southern end of Wallowa Lake. Wallowa Lake itself, at an elevation of 4,400 feet, is framed by huge glacial moraines, and dense forests of larch, pine, and fir blanket its southern end. Also at the southern end, where the Wallowa River meets the lake, is dense riparian growth, while the lake's northern end, in contrast, is brushy and dry with small groves of conifers.
The park's spectrum of montane habitats boosts the local wildlife diversity. Both ground squirrels and tree squirrels frequent the campground, Mule Deer are tame, and Common Raccoons are attentive. Four species of hummingbirds have visited the feeders at Wallowa Lake Lodge, most often Rufous or Calliope, and dippers splash along the lake and river. Other summer bird species you might encounter are Red-naped Sapsuckers, Pileated Woodpeckers, Varied Thrushes, and Cassin's Finches. A few nature trails link the lake with the Wallowa River, and several longer trails depart into the day-use area south of the lake itself. The West Fork Wallowa River Trail heads up into Wallowa-Whitman National Forest's Eagle Cap Wilderness, dotted with alpine lakes. While the human population around Wallowa Lake shrinks greatly in the winter, it is a favored wintering spot for waterfowl and Bald Eagles.

Contact: Wallowa Lake S.P., Oregon State Parks and Recreation, 72214 Marina Lane, Joseph, OR 97846-8192; 541-432-4185. How to Get There: Drive 6 miles south of Joseph on Hwy. 82. Seasonal Access: Year-round; some areas are closed in winter. Visitor Center: The park office on the entrance road has an outdoor information kiosk.

PHOTO: David Jensen