[2] It is east of John Day, within Malheur National Forest.

[5] The area has extremely diverse ecological composition, which includes five of seven major life zones in North America.

Indigenous populations of Rocky Mountain Elk exist as well as mule deer, antelope, black bear, cougar, California bighorn sheep, ruffed and blue grouse, pileated woodpecker, sharp-shinned hawk, bald eagle, pine marten, mink, beaver.

[3] Mountain goats are seen at the higher elevations of the Palisades ridge as of Aug 7, 2016.

[6] Normal hiking season is July to November, though snow may be encountered at any time of the year at higher elevations.