Description - Oregon offers a vast amount of public land, much of it lying within its 13 National Forests. These Forests encompass most of the Cascade Range as it stretches through Oregon, as well as portions of the Coast Range and the mountains of central and northeast Oregon. The Forests cover a great variety of terrain, vegetation and climates.Crater Lake lies in southwestern Oregon in the Cascade Mountain Range. It was formed when a volcano, Mt. Mazama, violently erupted approximately 7,700 years ago, then filled with water to form Crater Lake. Crater Lake is the only National Park in Oregon however, several other Park Service sites do exist in the state.
Attractions
- The Siuslaw and Siskiyou National Forests lie near the Pacific coast and in the Coast Range. Many of Oregon's National Forests lie within the Cascade Range, including the Mt. Hood, Willamette, Deschutes, Umpqua, Winema, Rogue River, and Fremont National Forests. The mountain ranges of central and northeastern Oregon encompass the Ochoco, Malheur, Umatilla and Wallowa-Whitman National Forests. These National Forests offer an incredible array of trails, campgrounds, picnic areas, wilderness areas, scenic drives, rivers, lakes, mountains and much more. In addition to the spectacular Crater Lake National Park, other Park Service sites in Oregon include John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, Newberry National Volcanic Monument, Oregon Caves National Monument and the Fort Clatsop National Memorial. These sites offer outstanding geologic and cultural qualities.
Recreation - The National Forests and Parks in Oregon offer almost unlimited outdoor recreation opportunities. Some of the most popular activities available include hiking, backpacking, fishing,
kayaking, rafting, mountain climbing, camping, scenic driving, mountain biking, riding motorcycles and ATVs, bird-watching, and wildlife viewing. Winter brings deep snow to the high mountains and opportunities for world class downhill skiing and snowboarding, as well as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. Climate - The climate in Oregon varies by region. The coastal region and west of the Cascades is generally temperate and wet. Temperatures rarely rise above 85 degrees F during the warmest months and rarely dip below freezing during the winter. Along the coast expect rain and wind during the fall, winter and spring months. The mountains receive heavy precipitation and cool temperatures throughout the year. Conditions become more extreme the higher you climb. If visiting the region during the summer months be prepared for afternoon thunderstorms and chilly evening temperatures. Snow may be encountered on high country trails throughout the summer months. Eastern Oregon is a high desert. Precipitation received annually accumulates to less than 10 inches of rain. Summer temperatures often reach 90 degrees in the lower elevations. Winters can be bitterly cold here, although there is little humidity. Location -
Oregon's National Forests and Parks are spread throughout all but the southeast portion of the state.
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