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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

Showing: 1 - 10 of 32 results

Big Creek Campground

Site Temporarily Closed
Hiking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Outdoor Science and Learning Biking
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…

Billy Fields Campground

Site Open
Horse Riding and Camping Hiking Outdoor Science and Learning
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…

Cedar Grove Botanical Area

Site Closed
Outdoor Science and Learning Hiking
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…

Crescent Campground

Site Temporarily Closed
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Outdoor Science and Learning
On Crescent Creek, this site offers opportunities for fishing and picnicking. The campground is rustic, with older facilities.  The campground is a great base for those wishing to visit the…

Deer Creek Guard Station

Site Open
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Outdoor Science and Learning
Douglas-fir and Ponderosa pine dot this broad, flat expanse surrounding Deer Creek Guard Station. Chickadees and other songbirds flit and chatter. Listen for the high-pitched whir of hummingbirds…

Delintment Lake Campground

Site Temporarily Closed
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Picnicking Water Activities Outdoor Science and Learning
Delintment Lake Campground provides a wide variety of recreation facilities and activities for the whole family.  The campground has 29 campsites, a group camping area, a natural non-motorized boat…

Dixie Campground

Site Temporarily Closed
Picnicking Outdoor Science and Learning
This is a great destination for berry picking, it is also a wonderful base camp for anyone wanting to hike, hunt or just explore the Malheur National Forest.  The Sumpter Valley Interpretive Trail,…

Elk Creek Campground

Site Temporarily Closed
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Outdoor Science and Learning
Near the North Fork Malheur Wild and Scenic River, the campground provides opportunities for hunting and stream fishing.  This small rustic campground is popular durning hunting seasons.  A great…

Emigrant Campground

Site Closed
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Outdoor Science and Learning
Often overlooked, Emigrant Creek is a rarely used campground shaded by huge ponderosa pines.  This quiet 7 site campground's location along Emigrant Creek offers convenient trout fishing…

Fall Mountain Lookout

Site Temporarily Closed
Outdoor Science and Learning
As the afternoon slides into evening, gaze across the valley from your perch on the Fall Mountain Lookout.  Watch as flashes of lightning cut jagged white lines through the dusky light.  As quickly…

Last updated March 5th, 2025