Washington and Oregon offer a variety of aesthetically pleasing landscapes.   Here are several wilderness access points where ample hiking can be enjoyed.

Bennington Lake
“Bennington lake has trails. I think that’s actually quite a jewel.” said Salmon Norgaard-Stroich, the assistant director of Outdoor Programs.
“I’ve gone over there and paddled and I’ve seen, within half an hour, flocks of geese, great horned owls, baby deer, so there are a lot of wildlife over there a pretty good trail system outside of Bennington Lake,” said Norgaard-Stroich. There are about 20 miles of trail surrounding the area, plus the Mill Creek Bike Path.

Directions: Follow Boyer east (it curves around a bit) until you reach Tacoma Street. Take a right and take that east of campus until you get to Tausick road.   Take a right, and then a quick left onto Reservoir road.   Follow reservoir road until it gets to Bennington Lake (Mill Creek Lake on Map Quest).

Wenha Tuccanon Wilderness from Bluewood
“The are around Bluewood is very nice. Most people go there to go skiing. During the winter the gate [at Bluewood] is closed but durnig the non-winter you can drive upand get along the ridgeline there. The ridgeline has a lot of options. [It is] actually the border of the wilderness and the non-wilderness area. So that not only can you drive and car camp, but you can also hike and mountain bike all along that rideline,” said Norgaard-Stroich.

Directions: Take the 12 to Dayton. Turn right on 4th St./ North Touchet Rd.   Take it up to Bluewood.

Anthony Lakes North Fork of the John Day Wilderness
If you are looking for an overnighter, consider the 2 ½ hour drive to Anthony Lakes. “[Anthony Lakes] has some really stunning terrain, really great hiking, and a nice car campground. You can backpack or just day hike. I’ve done it as a day trip before, but it’s much nicer as an overnight. It’s a great place to base camp and then do dayhikes,” said Nogaard-Stroich.     Anthony Lakes has the highest base elevation of any ski resort in Oregon.
“You park at 7,000 feet, so you do get snow early.   So I’m sure all the trees are turning bright yellow about now.   It would be a great place to go to see Aspens and Tamarack in full fall color.” said  Norgaard-Stroich.

Directions: Take highway 12 to Columbia river and then head south on Interstate 730 down towards the gorge.   Head south on the 82 and then East on the 84. Get off at the North Powder exit and Take Anthony Lake Rd. West.