This video features a few interesting places in the Malheur National Forest that appeal to a wide range of outdoor adventurists. This part of Oregon has unique ecosystems and the deep woods have a character of their own.

The Magone Lake Recreation Area is a prime time summer season destination, yet it is close enough to the John Day Fossil Beds to be considered for a basecamp option. The pine woods are thick in this region, so there is plenty of shade to go around, which will be like a sigh of relief after spending a hot sunny day in the barren fossil bed fields. Magone Lake is also safe for swimming, which is like the icing on the cake! Fishing for a fresh caught campfire meal is part of the program and the thick forested campground is perfect for slinging a hammock on a lazy afternoon.

The Logan Valley region is where agricultural areas meet the deep forest. The mountains rising from the valley are nice subject matter for landscape artists and inclement weather conditions can add a dramatic touch. Cannabis tourism is now part of the game and there are some shops in the Oregon deep woods that cater to nature lovers.

The Starr Campground is nestled in a deep pine forest high up in the mountains. This is as cozy as can be during the summer season. This campground is divided into two sections and one is located a greater distance from the roadside where solitude can be found. The campground features chargrills, fire pits, cleared vehicle pads and basic sanitation facilities. No water is available onsite, so stocking up heavy is advisable to do.

Road 62 is where the Crescent Campground can be found at the base of Lookout Mountain. This area actually is a deep old growth seasonal rainforest, which is a stark contrast to the Malheur Wildlife Refuge on the edge of the desert. The moss hanging from the trees creates an ominous visual effect. Firewood is often stacked at the campsites if conditions allow and there are fire rings. The towering fir trees provide plenty of shade and a stream runs through the campground.

The Dixie Campground is most famous for being a seasonal wild berry picking destination, while the campsites practically sit empty the rest of the year. Filling a hat full of berries certainly will provide some healthy snacks and a chance to make some traditional campfire Dutch Oven cobbler for dessert! Fresh berries are also a prime food resource for bears, especially near hibernation time, so being aware of the surroundings is necessary. Bear safe food storage is required for obvious reasons. Since the Dixie Campground is only about an hour away from the wildlife refuge, this is a nice spot for a basecamp when going on a birding and wild berry picking adventure!

The Idlewild Campground is located on Highway 395 about halfway between John Day and the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. This location is perfect for exploring points of interest in this region and it is a nice spot for those who simply wish for relaxation in the deep pine woods. This campground was constructed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps with hand crafted local materials and this rustic spot certainly has a good old fashioned adventurous feel. The squirrels definitely are the headliner entertainers in this rustic campground.

South Fork Bridge Creek Road offers rustic roadside dispersed camping near the paved highway. This long dirt road is like a tunnel through the towering pines and it does not take much time to find no other tire tracks at all. Along this road there are a few high elevation meadow slopes that look perfect for staking out big game. For those who like to explore seldom traveled old overgrowth forest trails, this dirt road is worth it.


00:00 Title
00:15 Magone Recreation Area
03:00 Logan Valley Region
09:10 Starr Campground
11:40 Crescent Campground
14:15 Dixie Campground
16:00 Idlewild Campground
18:55 South Fork Bridge Creek Road
21:55 Fin