Best Hikes in Malheur National Forest (OR)

Last updated on July 22nd, 2023

Malheur National Forest Overview

The Malheur National Forest in the Blue Mountains of Eastern Oregon is administered from the Forest Supervisor’s Office in John Day, Oregon and three Ranger Districts. The diverse and beautiful scenery of the forest includes high desert grasslands, sage and juniper, pine, fir and other tree species, and the hidden gems of alpine lakes and meadows. Elevations vary from about 4000′ to the 9038′ top of Strawberry Mountain. The Strawberry Mountain range extends east to west through the center of the Forest. Malheur National Forest shares boundaries with the Ochoco National Forest to the west and the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest on the east and the Umatilla National Forest to the northwest.

State	Oregon
Nearest Metro Area	Baker City, OR
Area Size	1,465,287 acres
Established	July 1, 1908
Hiking Trails	240 miles

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Trailhead Traveler’s Recommended Best Hikes in Malheur National Forest

(*** = best hikes in Malheur National Forest)

Magone Lake Trail #352 – 1.5 mile loop

The well graveled 1 mile long walking trail, sets along the edge of the lake, as you walk you can easily spot multiple variety of birds, and may even see a beaver slipping into the lake to continue work on his home.  The trail makes a complete loop around the lake, it has no steep pitches and total elevation range varies less than 25 feet.

Strawberry Basin Trail #375 – 5.6 miles out and back

This trail gives access to the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness Lakes Basin and Strawberry Mountain, climbing through alpine woodland on a journey to lakes, peaks and waterfalls. A 0.6 mile spurt trail leads to Little Strawberry Lake.

Table Rock Trail #365 – 3.6 miles out and back

This trail, located in the Monument Rock Wilderness, has wildlife as well as beautiful wildflower viewing. The trail has a view of the Little Malheur River to the South. To the east are views of the Unity area. Unique rock formations make for more interesting scenery.

Featured Image: John Day Valley, Malheur National Forest, Photo by U.S. Forest Service – Pacific Northwest Region