At 11,240 feet, Mount Hood is the highest Newly discovered ice caves in Sandy Glacier point in Oregon. By 2009, 63,177 acres are believed to be the largest glacier caves in surrounding the dormant volcano were the lower 48. It is predicted that, due to a designated Wilderness, though several key warming climate, these caves will be areas and watersheds remain unprotected. completely gone in 7 to 10 years.

Red tree voles are highly specialized, Olallie Lake, a snow fed alpine lake, is a nocturnal mammals that live in old growth popular layover for PCT hikers. Douglas fir trees and feed on pine needles. Conservationists recently won a victory to Due to the destruction of their habitat, they prevent the PCT route just north of the are considered a near-endangered species. lake from being aggressively logged.

Recreation opportunities abound in the Pinus albicaulus is found at high elevation, but Mount Jefferson Wilderness, as well as vital fire suppression and a warming climate has made the species vulnerable to pine beetle habitat for deer, black bear, bald eagles and outbreaks and fungal infections. The US Fish and rough-skinned newt. Wildlife Service has warned the species may soon become extinct.

Waldo Lake is over 10 square miles and Oregon’s second largest non-alkali lake. It is The Three Sisters Wilderness is one of the named after conservationist John B. Waldo, most popular Wilderness areas in Oregon, who recorded a trek from here to Mount and its second largest. It has the distinction Shasta, a route that would become the PCT. of being among the first Wilderness areas designated by Congress, in 1964.

First preserved in 1902, Crater Lake National Park is one of Oregon’s most inspiring The fisher is a large, elusive cousin to the destinations. Unfortunately, nearby mining weasel and one of the few animals to prey claims and logging projects just outside the on porcupines. Their numbers have park threaten forests and watersheds. dwindled recently as many are poisoned by illegal marijuana grows on public lands.

Wolves have recently returned to the Oregon Cascades after a nearly 60 year absence. OR- Designated in 1984, the Sky Lakes 7, a radio collared wolf from Eastern Oregon, Wilderness has over 200 pools, from small made a historic journey all the way to ponds to 40 acre lakes. Some of these California and has now settled down with a pools contain the purest natural lake- mate and litter in the proposed Crater Lake water in the world. Wilderness area. PHOTOS: Vista Ridge - Darryl Lloyd; Red Tree Vole - USFW; Mount Jefferson - Cheryl Hill; Waldo Lake - Pete Springer; Crater Lake – Kellie Riper; OR-7 Pups - ODFW; Sandy Glacier Caves - Eric Guth; Olallie Lake - William

Sullivan; Whitebark Pine - USFS; Three Sisters - Brad Goldpaint; Pacific Fisher - USFW; Sky Lakes - Flickr ex_magician