Since Juniper trees can grow in poor quality soils, they are a common site on the desert landscape. Junipers are an important resource to people, often being used for food, fuel, and fenceposts.
The Western juniper exists across a large expanse of eastern Oregon, over 6 million acres. Juniper stands are generally classified as forest or savanna. The majority of the juniper forest in Oregon are split almost evenly between the Bureau of Land Management and other private owners.
Juniper berries are one of the top winter foods for many birds and mammals. Rabbits, foxes, and most birds – turkeys, bluebirds, robins, chickadees, and waxwings to name a few – covet the deep blue berries. While they are called juniper berries, the berry is actually a cone.
Note: While on public lands you may come across gates or fences. Always respect land ownership and do not trespass on private property. If the gate is on BLM, leave the gate the way you found it. If it’s open leave it open, if it’s closed leave it closed.
This road is not maintained, and a high clearance four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended. Use extreme caution when the road is wet or wet weather is predicted. When water has pooled on the roads or muddy intimidating bogs block passage, turn around, staying on the road. Never drive off the road to circumvent the blockage. Not only are you likely to get into more trouble off the road, even damaging your vehicle, you will cause extensive damage to fragile native plant communities. Regulations do require that all vehicles must stay on designated roads.