Elkhorn Mountains (Oregon)

The Elkhorn Mountains are a mountain range located in northeastern Oregon, primarily within Baker County, with a small portion extending into Union County. They form a subrange of the larger Blue Mountains physiographic province.

Geologically, the Elkhorns are composed of a complex mix of metamorphic rocks, including marble, schist, and quartzite, as well as intrusive igneous rocks such as granodiorite. The range was heavily glaciated during the Pleistocene epoch, leaving behind characteristic features like cirques, U-shaped valleys, and moraines.

The mountains are known for their diverse ecosystems, supporting forests of ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, and subalpine fir at various elevations. Higher elevations feature alpine meadows and rocky peaks. The Elkhorns provide habitat for a variety of wildlife, including elk (from which the range derives its name), deer, bighorn sheep, black bears, cougars, and numerous bird species.

The Elkhorn Mountains offer a range of recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and skiing. The Elkhorn Crest Trail, a popular backpacking route, traverses the spine of the range, offering spectacular views. Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort is a small ski area located on the western slopes.

Historically, the Elkhorns were important to Native American tribes, including the Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla, who utilized the area for hunting, gathering, and spiritual purposes. Mining, particularly for gold, was a significant industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, leaving behind remnants of mining camps and equipment. Today, much of the Elkhorn Mountains are managed by the U.S. Forest Service as part of the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest.