Several day hikes await the adventurous, including the Bob Kuse Memorial Trail, leading to the 1,000-foot summit of Wind Mountain, a three-mile hike that provides dramatic views over the Columbia Gorge and a peek at historical Indian vision-quest sites. The trailhead is a mile up Wind Mountain Road on the east side. Be on the lookout for rattlesnakes during the summer months!

For a good view of the area’s peaks, take a short hike to the top of Little Huckleberry Mountain, best hiked mid-July to October. Take Forest Service Road 66 (along the east edge of the lava bed) to the 49 trailhead; climb the steep grade for 2.5 miles to the summit and a refreshing berry break. The trail is open to hikers, equestrians, and mountain bikers.

A $5 National Forest Recreation Day Pass is required for parking at all Forest Service trailheads in the scenic area. Or pick up an annual Northwest Forest Pass ($30) that is valid for most national forest trailheads in Washington and Oregon. Get one from most local sporting-goods stores, any Forest Service office (800/270-7504), or at www.fs.fed.us/passespermits.

Several Forest Service campgrounds are north of Carson off Wind River Road. Closest is Panther Creek Campground (open mid-May–mid-Nov.) nine miles up Wind River Road, and 1.5 miles up Forest Service Road 6517. This tranquil campground is on a stream and has water spigots and toilet facilities.

Beaver Campground (mid-Apr.–Oct.) is 12 miles up Wind River Road and offers easy RV parking, fishing, and hiking.

A shaded, lightly used respite, Paradise Creek Campground (mid-May–mid-Nov.) is 21 miles up Wind River Road, and another six miles on Forest Road 30. All three of these campgrounds range $17–34; make reservations ($9 extra) at 518/885-3639 or 877/444-6777.

Big Cedars County Park (north of Willard on Oklahoma Rd.) has 28 primitive campsites available; there are 23 more at Home Valley County Park (509/427-9478), along with a coin-operated shower. RVers can park at Carson Hot Springs Resort (509/427-8292).