Outdoor Science and Learning

The independent visitor to the Malheur National Forest may enjoy learning more about the history, ecology, and forces of nature surrounding them. Several self-guided interpretive sites are easily accessible

Interpretive Areas/Exhibits

The Malheur National Forest had great stops for those traveling through the area to learn and enjoy the forest and interpretive trail highlights.

Learn about a variety of plant communities, wildfire and the process of recovery from interpretive signs, and travel trails reading the history of the Sumpter Valley Railway,  and  reading signs explaining the history of the old growth forest. 

Viewing Wildlife

Wildlife are abundant throughout the area from big game animals such as Rocky Mountain Elk and mule deer to smaller creatures such as rabbits, squirrels and chipmunks all call the area home.  Bird watchers will enjoy a wide variety of birds from sparrows to large predatory birds such as eagles and hawks. 

Wildlife viewing opportunities abound in the area.  Wildlife range from big game animals such as prong horn antelope and mule deer to a wide variety of birds including the rare white-headed woodpecker.  Smaller creatures such as squirrels and chipmunks are a common site throughout the area.

Viewing Plants

Throughout the Malheur National Forest you can view beautiful ponderosa pine trees, old growth ponderosa pine trees, sagebrush and mountain mahogany.  Plants are abundant including wildflowers throughout the spring and early summer, and in fall the huckleberry bushes throughout the area are abundant.

Viewing Scenery

The area is a wonderful place to view nature and see first hand how nature recovers from large wildfires.   The overlook provides a wonderful view of the Pine Basin.

Search for Outdoor Science and Learning Opportunities

Search

Site Status

Any Site Open Site Closed Site Temporarily Closed

Sort by

- A-Z - - Z-A -

Recreation Opportunities

Interpretive Areas/Exhibits (4)

Viewing Plants (33)

Viewing Scenery (26)

Viewing Wildlife (48)

Showing: 1 - 10 of 66 results

Arch Rock Trail #258

Arch Rock is an easy, enjoyable short hike for families and geology lovers. The trail takes visitors to Arch Rock, an ashflow tuff with a scenic arch and several small rockshelters eroded into the…

Big Creek Campground

Site Open

Big Creek Campground sits at the edge of beautiful Logan Valley along Big Creek and is a great starting point for multiple recreation opportunities, including mountain biking, hiking, stream…

Big Creek Trail #377

This trail provides access to the south side of the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness. The trail climbs in elevation roughly 2300 feet in 5 miles of hiking. Visitors will see beautiful wildflowers in…

Big Creek/Summit Prairie Trail #B5053

This trail is located on the former Hines Railroad Grade. Traveling on this trail takes you through steep grade, filled to accommodate railroad traffic, deep cuts through rocky hills and flat open…

Billy Fields Campground

Site Temporarily Closed

Billy Fields Campground is a great starting point for those wanting to hunt, fish, or look for wild horses. For those wishing to hike and explore Fields Peak Trail is within 3 miles of the…

Buckhorn Meadows Trail #205

This trail accesses Strawberry Mountain Wilderness and allows for relatively quick access to Wildcat Basin. There are unique geological formations of volcanic origin. Wildcat Spring in Wildcat Basin…

Canyon Mountain Trail #218

This trail offers excellent views of the John Day Valley. It also allows access to Canyon Mountain and the west end of the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness. The trail is compact dirt, with a 2200'…

Cedar Grove Botanical Area

Site Closed

The Cedar Grove Botanical Area in the Aldrich Mountains covers about 26 acres and contains the only isolated stand of Alaska yellow cedar east of the Cascades in the United States. This grove is…

Cedar Grove Trail #203A

The Cedar Grove National Recreation Trail enables the public to visit a natural Cedar Botanical Area located on the Forest. This area is unique since it has the only Alaskan yellow cedar trees within…

Craft Cabin Trail #319

Stroll through douglas fir, ponderosa pine, larch and alder lining the creek bottom as this trail follows Pine Creek for a distance of 6 miles through steep canyon terrain. This is not a loop trail.…