The Enchantments: The Enchantment Lakes is a high alpine basin full of lakes, larch, mountain goats, and fantastically stark granite that is considered by many to be the best areas to hike in the state. You can do a day hike in and out will a self-issued trailhead permit. However, if you can plan ahead, the best way to see the Enchantments is backpacking overnight. Click here to learn more about overnight permitting. The enchantments offer many options for different camping areas near lakes and myriad peaks surround the valley floor as options for day hikes. The one of a kind starkly beautiful scenery of the Enchantments makes this location worth the hassle of getting a permit. For more information click here
Hells Canyon: This is a three- to four-day loop backpack in the Hells Canyon Wilderness and National Recreation Area provides a great overview of Hells Canyon Wilderness scenery. The habitat is varied, steep and rugged one minute, then gentle the next, draped in trees at times, open to the scorching sun at others. Careful for Poison oak along the lower reaches of both Saddle and Sluice creeks, as well as the Snake River. Also, watch for rattlesnakes in summer months. Be prepared for a lot of elevation gain and loss. Special attractions include wide vistas of Hells Canyon, the deepest gorge in North America and abundant wildlife, and wildflowers. For more information click here
Roosevelt Grove of Ancient Cedars: The Roosevelt Grove is an old growth cedar forest with trees that are 4-12 feet in diameter and 150 feet tall. Although 75% of the original grove was destroyed by a fire in 1926, The average age of the remaining trees is 800 years, with a few survivors of the fire remaining that are 2000-3000 years old. There are several campsites off the parking lot, so you don’t have to worry about carrying your camping gear too far. There are several day hike trails from the parking/lot campsite. For more information click here