Varied and picturesque, abounding with valleys, alpine lakes, alpine plains, mountain peaks and glaciers, the Ossola is a stupendous land that can satisfy both the dedicated, nature loving hiker and the alpine mountain climber who loves vertiginous heights. It is famous for its assortment of natural rocks and minerals, including gold which was mined long ago, and its pure, clear mineral waters. The rich vegetation is favored by a climate uniquely suited for the development of deciduous and coniferous trees in addition to extensive alpine pastures that in spring and summer are resplendent with multifarious species of flowers. Containing the Toce river basin that flows internally from mountain springs to the mouth of Lake Maggiore, it is well structured by seven valleys, Anzasca, Antrona, Bognanco, Divedro, Antigorio-Formazza, Isorno and Vigezzo where the Val Grande National Park adjoins it. The environment of these valleys have conserved themselves from all contaminants and all forms of pollution to the point that a considerable portion of the Ossolan territory was allotted to the institutes of the Natural Parks of the Alpine Pastures of Veglia and Devero the Val Grande National Park making it the most extensive wilderness area in Italy. However, most of the Ossola is a natural, unplanned park because the valleys had to adjust to depopulation and abandonment and precisely for these reasons they appeal to the hikers and climbers as surprisingly untouched from the naturalistic and architectural points of view.