From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness is a federally designated wilderness area in the Blue Mountains of northeastern Oregon, and southeastern Washington, United States.[1] It was created by the Endangered American Wilderness Act of 1978 and encompasses 177,423 acres (718 km²) in the Umatilla National Forest - 6,675 acres (27 km²) in Oregon and 111,048 acres (449 km²) in Washington.[1][2]
[edit] Topography
The Wehana-Tucannon Wilderness consists primarily of rugged basaltic ridges separated by deep canyons with steep slopes. Much of the area's watershed drains through into Oregon's Wenaha River, although some of it flows north into Washington's Tucannon River. The Wilderness ranges in elevation from 2,000 feet (610 m) on the Wild and Scenic Wenaha River to 6,401 feet (1,951 m) atop Oregon Butte.[3]
[edit] Vegetation
Ponderosa pine dominates the lower drainages of the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness. Above about 4,500 feet, it transitions to a forest of lodgepole pine with some species of larch, fir, and spruce as well. Subalpine fir, native grasses, and forbs are found at the highest elevations of the Wilderness.[1][3]
[edit] Wildlife
Snowshoe Hare
(Lepus americanus)
The Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness is home to a variety of wildlife, including Rocky Mountain elk, bighorn sheep, whitetail and mule deer, black bear, cougar, coyote, snowshoe hare, rattlesnake, and pine marten. Both the Tucannon and Wenaha Rivers provide spawning habitat for Chinook salmon and steelhead trout.[1][3]
[edit] Recreation
Popular recreational activities in the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness include camping, horseback riding, wildlife watching, and hiking the area's 200 miles of trails. Elk hunting and fishing are also popular pastimes in the Wilderness.[1][3]
[edit] References
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
