Far away from any major city, Monument Rock Wilderness is a hidden gem tucked between eastern Oregon's Malheur and Wallowa-Whitman National Forests in the Blue Mountains. Evergreen forests, rugged mountain peaks, and wildflower-speckled grassy meadows shroud the 20,079-acre wilderness area. Known to few, you can come visit with the assurance of complete backcountry peace and quiet. While trips to places like Rocky Mountain National Park to hike to the glistening Emerald Lake are no doubt magical,
sometimes spending a few days alone in the wilderness without tourist crowds is just what you need.
Though it might not be famous, you won't be left wanting for stunning alpine scenery. Monument Rock itself stands tall and visible for miles, surrounded by an ocean of rich deciduous forest made up of pine, fir, and larch. You'll find a wealth of ecological diversity here thanks to its unique position between Malheur National Forest's high desert grasslands and Wallowa-Whitman National Forest's alpine meadows.
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How To Explore Monument Rock Wilderness
The wilderness area is perfect for hiking enthusiasts, as it contains a collection of trails that you can take to various landmarks. You may want to start with an ascent to Strawberry Mountain, the tallest peak in the wilderness area, with stunning views of the national forests. You can take the Strawberry Basin Trail there, a 12-mile out-and-back route that gains 3,372 feet in total. Along the way, you'll pass Strawberry Lake, as well as waterfalls and alpine meadows, making this excursion the perfect all-day hike. The next day, you can take it easier with a 4.6-mile hike through the Monument Rock Wilderness over a sage-covered plateau, with just 250 feet of elevation gain.
Along the way, look out for the abundant and diverse fauna that calls Monument Rock home. You're likely to spot deer, badgers, and various bird species, and if you're lucky might even catch sight of a black bear or some elk. The area is even home to wolverines, which are not usually found within Oregon.
How To Plan A Trip To The Area
Due to its remoteness, be prepared to drive a few hours. If you're flying into the region, landing at the Boise Airport makes the most sense, and it's the closest major airport. You'll drive 3.5 hours west down I-26 from Boise to arrive at Monument Rock. Boise is a great place to stay for a night or two while you prepare for your wilderness excursion, and in the meantime, you can even visit this nearby up-and-coming artsy city with theme parks, cute shops, and open-air fun.
If you prefer to base yourself closer to Monument Rock, you can stay in La Grande, a small city two hours away at the foothills of the Wallowa Mountains. If you plan to spend the night in Monument Rock, make sure to bring everything you need for backcountry camping, as there are no established campsites in the area. If you want more under-the-radar backcountry adventures while in Eastern Oregon, don't miss this otherworldly high desert with unmatched hiking trails just outside of Bend.
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