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Malheur National Forest

Malheur National Forest is a stunning natural wonder located in eastern Oregon, covering over 1.7 million acres of diverse landscapes. The forest is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, and black bears, as well as numerous bird species. For photography enthusiasts, Malheur National Forest offers a wealth of opportunities to capture breathtaking images of its rugged mountains, pristine lakes, and lush forests. Some of the most popular photography locations in the forest include the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness, the Blue Mountains, and the Steens Mountain Wilderness.

Strawberry Lake, Oregon
Strawberry Lake, Oregon
by Bonnie Moreland

Strawberry Lake is a natural high-elevation body of water in the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness in the state of Oregon. Located about 10 miles (16 km) south of Prairie City in Grant County, the shallow lake covers about 36 acres (150,000 m2) surrounded by forest. Recreational activities in the lake basin include hiking, backpacking, skiing, and fishing. Strawberry Lake is the largest of the small glacial lakes found in the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness. The surface of the lake is more than 6,000 feet (1,800 m) above sea level. Despite water-quality problems stemming from recreational activity in the lake's drainage basin, the water remains transparent enough that the lake bottom is visible from the surface even at the lake's deepest point. Nathan W. Fisk homesteaded in the area in 1870 and named local features Strawberry Butte (now Strawberry Mountain) and Strawberry Creek for the abundance of wild strawberries in the area, and the name spread to encompass Strawberry Valley and Strawberry Lake.

Thanks to all Phoide contributors to Malheur National Forest!
Most notably Bonnie Moreland.