Cross Canyon Trail

Taking a drive off the main highway that connects Umatilla, Oregon to the popular wine town of Walla Walla can lead to some very scenic views of the Stateline Wind Farm. On Gerkling Flat Road outside of Athena, Oregon you can drive right next to these colossal towers and see how a growing renewable energy is generated. One of the best times to go is when the Walla Walla Valley fills with fog, a...

Head on over to Hurricane Creek if you are looking for a great campground near Lake Wallowa. It's a forest service campground, so the fee is minimal, only $6 per night. There are no reservations, just show up, grab your spot, and pay at the kiosk. They offer three tent/trailer sites and eight tent-only sites. There are multiple vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. The sites are spaced ...

This very gradual, easy trail that ends at the Lakes Basin, which is comprised of many lakes such as Mirror Lake, Sunshine Lake, and Moccasin Lake. These lakes can also be accessed by the Two Pan Trailhead, which is a shorter, but steeper hike.There is also a great side hike about a quarter of a mile in to Falls Creek, a 5-10 minute easy gradual hike to the waterfall from the main trail. The si...

Located just outside of Joseph, Oregon, Wallowa Lake offers a view of breathtaking mountain tops. Known as the "Oregon Alps" or "Little Swiss Alps", The Wallowas offers endless opportunities for exploration. During the winter months you will most likely have the lake to yourself as visitors tend to prefer to visit The Wallowas in the summer months.There is a boat loading area on the north sid...

Right off the Wawawai River Road, Granite Point is an incredibly accessible climbing spot for those in the Pullman, Washington or Moscow, Idaho area. A mere minute hike from the car to the climbing spot makes it very easy to bring all of your gear. Hiking from the bottom of the rock to the top, to set up a top rope only takes also just a few minutes.

Mirror Lake, one of the most photogenic and peaceful lakes in the area, is accessible via the Two-Pan Trailhead, off of Upper Lostine Road. The hike follows the river that flows down from the Lakes Basin, so water is plentiful throughout. You will slowly move up the valley, crossing the river a couple of times, so waterproof boots are a must. There is one occasion when wading through the water...