You could spend weeks in the Ochoco Mountains and never see everything. Crooked River National Grassland leads up to majestic mountains. Peaks reach as high as 7,000 feet above sea level here. Everywhere you look, Mother Nature shows off her resplendent colors. Explore green pastures, verdant trees, deep blue rivers, and brown canyons.

Start with The Island. This plateau rises out of the confluence of the Deschutes and Crooked Rivers. Steins Pillar is a remnant of the volcanic activity that once dominated this area. It stands as a tower above the forest floor in the mountains.

Another unique treat is the herd of wild horses that roam freely. Choose from plenty of hiking trails in this national forest. If you'd rather drive, some areas have backcountry roads.

Choose from 27 campgrounds in this wilderness area. They vary from tent sites and RVs to yurts and cabins. Consider Walter Lake campground for a rustic retreat near a remote fishing lake.