Upland game birds populate the region. Salmon returning to spawn can be seen in the Wallowa, Snake, Minam, Lostine and Umatilla rivers. Newborn calves frolic in the meadows. The sun shines brilliantly one moment - a snow flurry may follow the next. Combine hot summer days with rivers, lakes, mountains and streams, and you have a good recipe for all types of recreational fun.
Golden tamaracks tint the mountains and red sumac paint the creek banks.
Crisp and clear, winter in Eastern Oregon is gorgeous. Hundreds of miles of cross-country and snowmobile trails abound in the Blue and Wallowa mountains. Each of these tours can be completed in about one day's time.