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Area Status: Open
Wilderness Stewardship Performance
At the southernmost edge of the Blue Mountains, this area's alpine, once-glaciated ridges offer views across much of eastern Oregon. The lichen-covered 8-foot cylindrical stone monument atop Monument Rock may have been erected by pioneer sheepherders. This is a new Wilderness in the old landscape of the eastern Strawberry Mountains. Established in 1984 by the Oregon Wilderness Act, the 19,620-acre Wilderness spills from the Malheur National Forest onto the adjacent Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. The northern end of the area lies across a watershed divide that separates drainages of the South Fork Burnt River, as well as two National Forests. The area ranges from about 5,200 feet in the lower regions to the 7,815-foot top of Table Rock.
In the lower lands you will find ponderosa pine, depending on where you go. You may also find lodgepole pine, Douglas-fir, white fir, aspen, and juniper. If you look down, you will probably see elk sedge, pinegrass, wheatgrass, huckleberry, bluegrass, and many wildflowers. As you hike higher, you will find subalpine fir, just below the treeless mountain crests.
The area's diverse wildlife habitat is used by bear, deer, elk, badgers, and the rare wolverine. There are 70 species of birds including the creek-loving water ouzel (American dipper) and the pileated woodpecker. The visiting season here generally runs between June and November. The John Day Valley funnels winter storms and summer thundershowers to the mountain ridges here. As a result the area receives 40 inches of annual precipitation, twice as much as the surrounding, arid lowlands. Summer brings hot days and chilly nights. Hunting is the most popular activity, with hiking and backpacking increasing in popularity.
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: |
10/07/2020: The area is open. Please remember to Pack it in/Pack it out- anything you bring with you into the forest, please take home with you. This includes packing out all trash yours and others. Examples: cigarette butts, cans, bottles, and food. Please follow local and state health guidelines. |
| Restrictions: |
Wilderness Regulations apply |
| Closest Towns: |
John Day, OR |
| Water: |
Boil for 5 minutes, or treat, water before drinking |
| Operated By: |
Forest Service |
| Information Center: |
Prairie City Ranger District |
General Information
Directions:
Table Rock Lookout draws many visitors and is one of the entry points to the Wilderness. The fire lookout tower on Table Mountain is a good place to begain a visit to the Monument Rock area. After taking in the view, backtrack a half mile down the lookout road and take a level 2-mile stroll along Table Rock Trail #365 to Bullrun Rock's 150-foot cliffs.
The area ranges from about 5,200 feet in the lower regions to the 7,815-foot top of Table Rock.
Key trails: Little Malheur Trail #366, Table Rock Trail #365
From Prairie City, OR., turn onto South Main Street. Follow South Main Street to the junction with Bridge Street. Turn left onto Bridge Street, follow Bridge Street past the local cemetary, the road then becomes County Road 62. Follow County Road 62 approximately 7 miles to the junction with Forest Road 13. Follow Forest Road 13 approximately 11 miles to the junction with Forest Road 1370. Follow Forest Road 1370 approximately 6 miles to the wilderness boundary.
From Unity, OR., in the town of Unity turn onto County Road 600. Follow County Road 600 approximately 7 miles to the junction with Forest Road 6010. You can then either continue on 6010 to Amelia Creek Trailhead or at the junction with Forest Road 030, follow for approximately 0.5 miles to the junction with Forest Road 035. Then follow Forest Road 035 approximatley 2.5 miles to to the Table Rock Trailhead.
Topo Maps
Bull Run Rock, Little Baldy Mountain. Download free U.S. Forest Service Topo maps.
Buy maps online
Go to the National Forest Store.
Wilderness.net
Go to Wilderness.net for online maps and other important Wilderness information.
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