Description - The Long Creek Ranger District comprises the northern 333,671 acres of the Malheur National Forest. Elevations range from 3,300 to 8,131 feet. The District administers about 16,200 acres of the Vinegar Hill-Indian Rock Scenic Area.Ponderosa pine is the dominant tree species with associated species of Douglas-fir, white fir, western larch, and lodgepole. Ground cover includes several varieties of sagebrush, antelope bitterbrush, grouse huckleberry, and rabbitbrush. Mahogany and juniper can also be found.
Attractions
- Long Creek Ranger District has eight campgrounds; four are developed and four are dispersed. Magone Lake is a favorite spot for visitors and provides camping, trails, group picnicking, and fishing. Another interesting place to visit is Austin House, a recreational lodge under special-use
permit. In the Vinegar Hill-Indian Rock Scenic Areas, there are trails that connect with the North Fork John Day Wilderness on the Umatilla National Forest. The Scenic Area ranges from 6,000 to 8,100 feet and one can find a mosaic of alpine fir and alpine meadows. Many animals may be
observe there including elk, bear, blue grouse, and hoary marmots.
Recreation - Visitors enjoy the Long Creek District year-round. Hiking the many trails, camping, bird watching, photography, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, backpacking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and motorcycling are all popular here. Climate - By the end of June, summer temperatures have usually arrived, along with greater fire danger. Temperatures are often in the 90's at lower elevations, somewhat cooler in the mountains. Afternoon thunderstorms are common. Winter weather begins in October, usually lasting until March. At higher elevations, snowpack varies from four to eight feet deep. Snowmobiling, Nordic skiing, ice fishing and sledding are all popular winter activities. About April, changeable spring weather arrives. Although a late spring snowfall is not uncommon, roads and trails begin to open up by June. Location -
The Long Creek Ranger District lies at the north end of the Malheur National Forest, north of Highway 26, John Day and Prairie City. U.S. Highway 26, 395, and County Road 20 provide the primary access through the district.
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