The Malheur National Forest is a National Forest in the U.S. state of Oregon . It contains more than 1.4 million acres (5,700 km ) in the Blue Mountains of eastern Oregon . The forest consists of high desert grasslands , sage , juniper , pine , fir , and other tree species. Elevations vary from about 4,000 feet (1,200 m) to the 9,038-foot (2,755 m) peak of Strawberry Mountain . The Strawberry Mountains of eastern Oregon extend east to west through the center of the forest. U.S. Route 395 runs south to north through the forest, while U.S. Route 26 runs east to west.
5-711: The Vinegar Hill-Indian Rock Scenic Area is a high-elevation scenic area in the northeast portion of the Malheur National Forest in the state of Oregon . It provides vistas of the North Fork John Day Wilderness , the Middle and North Fork drainages of the John Day River , and the peaks of the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness to the south. Many species of alpine wildflower found west of
10-471: Is located high on a ridgeline immediately west of Clear Creek ( 44°28′23″N 118°28′54″W / 44.4731°N 118.4816°W / 44.4731; -118.4816 ( The Humongous Fungus ) ). There are two wilderness areas in the Malheur National Forest. The hottest temperature recorded in the Malheur National Forest was 110 °F (43.3 °C) on July 23, 2003, while
15-475: The Rocky Mountains grow in the area. Big game species and upland game birds are common. The area's rich geologic past means a variety of rock formations including basalt , rhyolite , granite , and shales can be seen here. The area has a history of mining, and active and decaying remains of mines can be seen. Motor vehicles are prohibited, except during winter when snowmobiles are allowed. A portion of
20-865: The Vinegar Hill-Indian Rock Scenic Area lies within the Desolation Watershed. 44°44′N 118°38′W / 44.73°N 118.63°W / 44.73; -118.63 Malheur National Forest The forest was established by President Theodore Roosevelt on June 13, 1908, and is named after the Malheur River , from the French , meaning "misfortune". It is managed by the United States Forest Service for timber extraction , cattle grazing, gold mining and wilderness use. A 1993 Forest Service study estimated
25-601: The extent of old growth in the forest at 312,000 acres (1,260 km ). In descending order of land area, the forest is located in parts of Grant , Harney , Baker , and Malheur counties. There are three ranger districts in the forest, with offices in John Day , Prairie City , and Hines . The Malheur National Forest contains the largest known organism (by area) in the Northern Hemisphere: an Armillaria ostoyae ( fungus ) that spans 2,200 acres (8.9 km ) and
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