Mount Emily, Five Points and Indian Rock
Seasons
Checklists
Location
From I-84 at the Mount Emily Exit (Exit 243) which is about 28 miles NE of LaGrande and 33 miles SE of Pendleton, get onto FSRD 31 and proceed east 11.8 miles until you come to the turn off to the south that goes to Mount Emily (NF 3120 or Skyline Road or Mt Emily Road (45.498281, -118.108083 ). Turn right onto this road 3.1 miles and you will come to Indian Rock (45.465166, -118.097282 ). Travel south from Indian for 1.9 miles and you will see the road to the Mt Emily ski area. You can continue on Mt Emily Road south for about 8.0 miles to Owsley Canyon Road (45.383488, -118.096878 ). Turn right and continue south for 3.2 miles to I84 very near La Grande. This is a high clearance vehicle road only.
DirectionsHabitat and Birds
This is a very interesting place as you have very dry west and east facing slopes and drop offs. The views are spectacular and the birding is interesting. In spring, the wildflower bloom is outstanding. Birds to watch for are Dusky Grouse, Mountain Bluebirds, Hairy Woodpecker, Turkey Vulture, Golden Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Northern Goshawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Merlin, Clark’s Nutcracker and Red Crossbill to name a few. This is a site where you will want a camera! Bring your own water and wear boots.
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