Yellow Jacket Point

Forest Road 40 is a 4.1-mile out-and-back trail tucked deep into the Blue Mountains, offering a mix of rugged terrain and reward for adventurous drivers. It carries a moderate rating, not for technical difficulty, but because of two key factors: narrow stretches that will leave your rig pin-striped and sections where the center of the trail rises high between the tracks, requiring at least 32-inch tires for comfortable clearance.

The route alternates between dense forest corridors, where huckleberry bushes crowd the edges, and wide-open viewpoints that sweep across the Umatilla National Forest. Looking north, you can see the rolling farmland of the Palouse, while to the south, the jagged ridges of the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest stretch toward the horizon.

Wildlife sightings are common here. This area is said to be home to the elusive Shira Moose, so don’t be surprised if that “shaking bush” turns out to be something much larger. The trail ends at a stunning overlook, where the views are nothing short of spectacular. Bring binoculars to spot elk, deer, and other wildlife moving across the surrounding mountainsides.

Scattered along the trail are numerous camping spots, perfect for turning a day trip into a quiet overnight in the backcountry. Between the scenery, the wildlife, and the mix of forest and open ridges, Forest Road 40 delivers a quintessential Blue Mountains experience.