Blue Mountain Forest

Blue Mountain Forest State Scenic Corridor protects a scenic stretch of mountain forest in northeastern Oregon's Blue Mountains. The corridor preserves the natural beauty of ponderosa pine and mixed conifer forests along a mountain highway, offering travelers a peaceful drive through undeveloped forest landscape.

The Blue Mountains support diverse wildlife including mule deer, elk, black bears, and mountain lions. Forest birds include mountain quail, pileated woodpeckers, and various raptors. The diverse forest structure provides habitat for many species. Streams within the corridor support native trout.

Ponderosa pine with its distinctive orange bark dominates lower elevations, while mixed conifers including grand fir, Douglas fir, and lodgepole pine grow at higher elevations. Native bunchgrasses and wildflowers carpet forest openings. The understory varies from dry grassland to moist shrub communities.

The Blue Mountains are composed of a complex mix of volcanic rocks, ancient oceanic sediments, and metamorphic formations. Some of Oregon's oldest exposed rocks are found here, dating back hundreds of millions of years. The mountains were uplifted by tectonic forces and shaped by erosion.

The area experiences a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. Summer temperatures reach the 80s°F, while winter temperatures drop well below freezing with moderate snowfall. The high elevation contributes to significant temperature variation between day and night.

The Blue Mountains have been home to indigenous peoples including the Nez Perce, Cayuse, and Umatilla for thousands of years. The Oregon Trail crossed these mountains, and mining brought Euro-American settlers. Logging and ranching became important industries.

Blue Mountain Forest was designated a scenic corridor to protect the natural character of this mountain drive. Oregon State Parks ensures that development does not diminish the scenic and recreational values. The corridor preserves an example of healthy Blue Mountains forest.

The scenic forest drive is the main attraction. Access to adjacent national forest lands provides hiking and wildlife watching opportunities. The forest is particularly beautiful in fall when larch trees turn gold. Spring wildflowers bloom in forest openings.

This scenic corridor has no developed facilities. Forest Service campgrounds are available in the area. The corridor is accessible via Highway 395 in the Blue Mountains region. Winter travel may require chains or snow tires.

The corridor protects forest lands and scenic values. Fire management is important in these dry forests where fire suppression has altered natural conditions. The designation helps maintain habitat connectivity across the landscape.