Crescent Campground•Malheur NF

00:00     Title
00:15     Magone Recreation Area
03:00     Logan Valley Region
09:10     Starr Campground
11:40     Crescent Campground
14:15     Dixie Campground
16:00     Idlewild Campground
18:55     South Fork Bridge Creek Road
21:16     Fin
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The Malheur National Wildlife Refuge is a prime attraction during the migration seasons. Wildlife photographers and bird watchers certainly are drawn to this place where the mountain streams flow into wetlands at the north end of the Great Basin Desert. This is a very remote area and modern accommodations are not exactly abundant, so camping is the best choice. Fortunately, the neighboring Malheur National Forest has plenty to offer and this is where the Crescent Campground fits into the picture.

The Malheur National Forest is located just a short distance north of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, so this is a good spot to setup a basecamp for adventures in this region. Fall is the deer and elk rutting season, so the forest is where groups of hunters tend to gather for annual ventures. These kind of campers prefer the dispersed camping areas where there is more space for RVs and trailers. 

The Malheur National Forest is a prime time summer destination in its own right, especially for those who want to avoid the big crowds at the national parks. This region is where the forested mountains and rolling hills meet the desert, so it truly is an interesting environment to explore. Everything from mountain biking and fly fishing to gem collecting and OHV trail riding can be done in this vast forest. Of course, plain old goofing off at the campsite is also part of the program, which is as traditional as it gets!

Heading further north into the Malheur National Forest on Road 62 is where the Crescent Campground can be found at the base of Lookout Mountain. This area actually is a deep old growth seasonal rainforest, which is a stark contrast to wildlife refuge on the edge of the desert. The Crescent Campground is a deep woods environment and the moss hanging from the trees creates an ominous visual effect. Firewood is often stacked at the campsites if conditions allow and there are fire rings. The towering fir trees provide plenty of shade and there is a stream that runs through the campground. Picnic tables are located in cozy spots and there are old fashioned facilities on site, so setting up a basecamp here is a good option.  

As can be seen in the photos, the Crescent Campground definitely offers a deep mountain rainforest experience during late summer and autumn. It pays to be prepared for wet weather during the venture, because drizzling light rain for several days at a time can be expected. With rain comes plentiful food in the woods for wild animals, so bear safe food storage is necessary. The Crescent Campground certainly is Oregon Bigfoot country at its best, so be sure to save some good campfire tales for after dark!