The
North Fork John Day District is 465,000 acres in the heart of the Blue
Mountains. Diversity and complexity are key words in management of this
land and its abundant resources. Plant communities range from juniper/sage/bunch
grass at the 2,600 feet elevation in the Potamus Creek area to subalpine
fir/whitebark pine habitats at the 8,000 feet elevation near Vinegar
Hill in the Greenhorn Mountain Scenic Area.
Recreation use on the District is heaviest during hunting
season which begins in mid-August with archery season and extends
through cow elk permit season which ends after Thanksgiving.
Camping has always
been popular in the area. There are 15 developed campgrounds and countless
undeveloped sites in state and national forests. Cabin
Rentals have also become very popular. Anglers enjoy fishing
in numerous locations such as Olive Lake or the North Fork John Day
River.
The Blue Mountain Scenic
Byway winds its way through the forest and is truly a spectacular
drive. Travelers may see everything from scenic Potamus Point to the
historic Fremont Powerhouse. The Winom-Frazier Off Highway Vehicle complex
is located 12 miles east of Ukiah. It provides off road riders and other
users more than 125 miles of challenging trails to explore.
Winter recreation activities
include sledding, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing.
Winter is also a great time for wildlife watching. Bald eagles often
winter along Camas Creek and can be seen soaring in the crisp winter
sky above Ukiah. Elk and deer herds winter on the Bridge Creek Wildlife
range south of Ukiah and are often visible to travelers.