“One magnificent Region…Three distinct Characters…All
wide open for Discovery.”
Eastern Oregon is simply amazing in its arresting beauty and diversity.
Alpine mountains line this rugged territory, filled with geological
wonders and cultural heritage. Observe wildlife in their high desert
habitat and learn about Native American traditions, all in eight
short days.
61 miles/98 km
From Boise, Idaho, head west to Oregon's
gateway, Ontario.
Highlights Along the Way
Four Rivers Cultural Center (Ontario) – For centuries,
the Snake, Malheur, Owyhee and Payette rivers have supported
life here,
attracting people from all points of the compass. Four
Rivers Cultural Center is named for these waterways. The rivers,
in turn, represent
the constant flow of people from varied ancestries – American
Indian, Basque, European, Hispanic, and Japanese – who
have made this a diverse and vital region that has
opened its arms to
many cultures.
Farewell Bend State Park (exit 353) — View
wagon ruts at Birch Creek. Explore nearby Hells Canyon — the
deepest gorge in North America — by foot, car, raft,
or jet boat.
Keeney Pass (Vale) — Several miles of
wagon ruts are visible from an interpretive outlook at
the pass. Emigrants
bid farewell
to the Snake River, which had guided them for 320 miles
to this point.
Vale — Hop aboard a horse-drawn
carriage to view Vale’s
collection of Oregon Trail murals.
Union Pacific Depot (1910) – Learn about early architecture
and interesting points that led to the development
of Ontario.
Oregon Trail murals – Travel west on
Hwy. 26 – 20
to Vale, home of this outstanding series of murals
honoring Oregon
Trail themes.
Stone House Tour (Vale)– This over-night
station, built in 1872 served as a wayside for early
pioneers.
Malheur Hot Springs and Henderson Pioneer
Grave – along the
route to Keeney Pass, where you will see authentic
pioneer wagon "ruts."
Owyhee Wildlife Viewing Site – and warm
natural Owyhee Hot Springs, south on Lyle Blvd. Keep in mind this
area was a sacred
ritual ground for Native Americans.
Oregon Trail
History Markers – The road heads east
to Adrian and Nyssa where you will enjoy with true
flavor our
early history
as seen in the Agricultural Museum, Oregon Trail
Hotel, and Green Lantern Saloon. The bar in the saloon came
around the
Horn, across
country and landed in this small pioneer town.
A great dinner stop!
Overnight in Ontario
For more information on Ontario, please contact the
Ontario Chamber at 888-889-8012, www.ontariochamber.com;
or
the Eastern Oregon
Visitors Association at 800-332-1843, fax 541-523-9187,
www.eova.com.
103 miles/208 km
Head southwest on hwy. 201, take US 20 W/US 26 W to Burns
Highlights
Along the Way
Harney County – Spend the day exploring geology and
wildlife.
Malheur River – Travel along Hwy. 20 and explore
this excellent fishing river and beautiful bird habitat.
The Malheur is a vital
source of water for local valley ranches.
Juntura, Drewsey
and Buchanan – Interesting communities along
the route. The museum at Buchanan is a "must" visit,
for priceless treasures of yesteryear.
Malheur National
Wildlife Refuge – Leaving Hwy.
20 turn south on Hwy. 205 to explore this 185,000-acre
refuge. It is a major
nesting and migration stop for migratory birds. The
refuge has a museum that displays over 200 species of birds
that can be seen
on the refuge.
Peter French's Round Barn – Continuing
on Hwy. 205, tour this landmark structure built in
1883 for
breaking wild horses
during winter months. Its interior is a magnificent
work of art with a circular roof supported by juniper posts.
Gift shop and
unique display of miniature doll houses, located near
by at the Round Barn Visitor Center Museum.
The Old
Camp Gaming – Located in Burns, this is
a perfect stop for groups.
Steens Mountain – Rises
magnificently to an elevation of 9,773 feet. It is
a massive fault block, dressed
in sagebrush,
juniper, groves of Aspens and alpine wildflowers
at higher elevations. The many gorges and glaciated valleys create
spectacular scenery.
On a clear day you can see the corners of four states.
Road open June 15 - Nov. 15.
Frenchglen – Frenchglen
is a small cattle town with lots of colorful history,
and was the headquarters for
Peter French's famous "P" Ranch.
Harney and Malheur Lakes – North
on Hwy. 205 to Burns. In 1985 these lakes flooded, causing several
ranches to lose their
crops, equipment and buildings. The same families
have owned some of these ranches for generations.
Harney County Museum – Next,
head west on Hwy. 20, then south on Hwy. 395. Be prepared for a beautiful
desert drive.
Overnight in Burns
For more information on Burns and Harney County,
please contact the Burns/Harney County Chamber
of Commerce
at 541-573-2636,
fax: (541) 573-3408, www.harneycounty.com,
or the Eastern Oregon Visitors
Association at 800-332-1843, fax 541-523-9187,
www.eova.com
Oard’s Indian Art & Museum - A “must visit” for
lovers of naïve American art, jewelry and gifts. Visit
this FREE antique museum, featuring an amazing collection
of clocks.
The John Day Fossil Beds National Monument -
Preserves some of the riches fossil beds in the world.
Colored layers of
rock record significant changes in climate, vegetation, and animal life through
the last 50 million years. Travel west on Hwy 26, then
2 miles
north on Hwy. 19 to visit exhibits within the National
Monument headquarters at the Cant Ranch.
Strawberry Mountain Scenic Route - A
nice side trip on your way back to John Day, wildlife viewing
is commonplace.
Kam Wah Chung & Co. Museum – Located
in John Day, provides a unique look at the past through the
eyes
of the Chinese immigrants
who worked the gold mines of eastern Oregon. Located
in a building which was the focal point of the Chinese community,
the museum
is open from early May through October.
Enjoy Hiking
and horseback riding trails on the Malheur
National Forest.
Contact Bear Valley Ranger District (541-575-3000)
for details.
Take a short drive to Canyon City, where gold was discovered
in 1862. The history of mining and the ranching of the
area are well documented at the Grant County Historical Museum.
Pendleton — Home
to the world-famous Pendleton Round-Up, this frontier town’s underground
tour provides a unique look at its multi-faceted history. Tour
the Pendleton Woolen Mills for
a look at the famous woven blankets. And stop
by the Cowboy’s
Hall of Fame
Tamastslikt Cultural Institute (near
Pendleton) — Tamastslikt
Cultural Institute is the only interpretive
center along the Oregon Trail owned by Native Americans. The Confederated
Tribes of the
Umatilla share their perspective of the Lewis
and Clark Expedition and the arrival of emigrants in the West, posing
questi0ons about
the future of the Native American culture today.
Wildhorse Resort & Casino Golf Course (near Pendleton) – Owned
and operated by the Confederated Tribes, this
full-service resort includes a hotel with indoor pool and continental breakfast;
RV
Park, tee pees and an outdoor pool; 18-hole
championship golf course; 24-hour casino with slots and table games; three restaurants;
and
three gift shops. After a full day of sightseeing,
relax in the hotel’s whirlpool or enjoy.
Pendleton Underground Tours - Submerge
for a trip back to Pendleton's wild past through tunnels where Chinese laborers
lived and businesses thrived! Tours also visit one of the brothels for which
Pendleton
was one famous. Guided tours available year
'round. Special annual event - "Underground Comes to Life".
Pendleton
Woolen Mills - Visit the birthplace of the renowned Pendleton Woolen products.
Visitors are welcome to
tour the facility and browse through the sales room, where you'll find their
distinctive
array of clothing, blankets fabric and
much more.
Heritage Station- The Umatilla County Historical Society
Museum, offers a backward glance at the region's
fascinating heritage. An enticing array of merchandise available in the Heritage
Station Store. Call 541 276-7411 for current exhibit and program
information.
Round-Up & Happy Canyon Hall of Fame - Learn the history
of the event that made Pendleton the
world famous Round-Up City. Guided
tours are available throughout the summer.
No admission is charged but donations are appreciated.
Overnight: Pendleton
For more information on John Day, visit
the Grant County Chamber of Commerce, 800 769-5664, fax 541 575-1947,
www.grantcounty.cc.
For more information on Pendleton, please contact Pendleton
Chamber of Commerce 800-547-8911, fax 541-276-8849, www.pendleton-oregon.org,
or the Eastern Oregon Visitors Association at 800-332-1843,
fax
541-523-9187, www.eova.com
Emigrant Springs State Park (between Pendleton and La Grande
on I-84) Located near the top of the pass through the scenic Blue
Mountains, this park has an interpretive display that provides
insight into the significance of this pass to the Oregon Trail
pioneers.
Oregon Trail Interpretive Park at Blue Mountain Crossing (I-84 exit #248,
near La Grande) A paved 1.5-mile trail through pine forest and open ridges
along easily seen remnants of the Oregon Trail. lnterpretive panels of artwork
and diary excerpts describe the pioneers' experiences through this area, called
the most difficult section of the trail due to its steep terrain and ruggedness.
Rest rooms and picnic area; motor coach parking.
Bird Track Spring Nature Trail (near La Grande) This Forest Service nature
trail is a great place to stretch your legs and for bird watching as it wanders
through the woods along the banks of the upper Grande Ronde River. Beautiful
giant pine and cottonwood trees and a large variety of riverside brush species
attract songbirds, waterfowl and raptors. A guide can be arranged to help you
spot and identify the birds and tell you about their habits. Take Starkey Exit
252 off I-84 near La Grande, 4.5 miles on SR 244.
Eastern Oregon Fire Museum (La Grande) Located in the city's historic brick
former fire station in the downtown historic district. Six vintage fire engines,
some beautifully restored, fire fighting equipment, and exhibits about structural
and wild land fires spanning 100 years. Truck rides available by appointment.
Plan time for lunch and to explore the many specialty gift shops in the downtown.
Hot Lake Springs Restoration Project and Foundry - OR 203 La Grande/Union
Highway - The huge, brick turn-of-the-century resort saw many years of neglect
and decay before a popular bronze artist and his wife bought the hot springs
former sanatorium and began the process of bringing it back to life. Tour the
restoration and the working bronze foundry and art gallery. Travel on to the
tiny Victorian town of Union for a tour of the Historic Union Hotel and the
Union County Museum with its popular Cowboys Then & Now Exhibit. Or, golf
at the Buffalo Peaks Golf Course, where the play is challenging at all levels
and the views are outstanding from the rolling terrain.
Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area - (near La Grande, OR 203) Near Hot Lake, take a
guided tour of this wildlife refuge and marsh restoration project that covers
over 3,000 acres. Much of the marsh had been drained for farming, but it has
been re-established as marsh and is home to a huge variety of migratory and
resident birds, waterfowl, elk and deer. This award-winning project uses treated
effluent from the city of La Grande to restore the wetlands into premium wildlife
habitat. Auto route and hiking paths.
A journey on the Hells Canyon
Scenic Byway - an All-American Road
60 miles
take OR-82 from La Grande to Enterprise, follow
82 to Joseph and Wallowa Lake.
Highlights Along the Way
Eagle Cap Excursion Train (Wallowa) Catch the train for a fun
ride into roadless canyon country along two Wild & Scenic Rivers.
Magnificent scenery includes towering mountains, dramatic canyons,
tumbling rivers, wildlife, charming towns and sprawling ranches.
Lunch is served on the train during the four hour trip. www.eaglecaptrain.com
Wallowa-Whitman National Forest Visitors Center - From Enterprise take Oregon
Route 82 to Joseph and learn about the scenic, historical and recreational
features of Hells Canyon National Recreation Area and the Wallowa-Whitman National
forest
Chief Joseph Monument and Grave (near Joseph) – Buried near the Wallowa
Mountains, Chief Joseph was best known for his resistance to the U.S. Government’s
attempts to force his tribe onto reservations. The Nez Perce were a peaceful
nation spread from Idaho to Northern Washington. The tribe had maintained good
relations with the whites after the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Joseph spent
much of his early childhood at a mission maintained by Christian missionaries.
In 1855, his father, Old Joseph, signed a treaty with the U.S. that allowed
his people to retain much of their traditional land. In 1863, another treaty
was created that severely reduced the amount of land, but Old Joseph maintained
that his people never agreed to this second treaty. A showdown came after Chief
Joseph assumed the role as chief in 1877. After months of fighting, many of
the Nez Perce were sent to a reservation in what is now Oklahoma. There, many
died from malaria and starvation. Chief Joseph tried every possible appeal
to the federal authorities to return the Nez Perce to the land of their ancestors.
In 1885, he was sent to a reservation in Washington, where he later died of
a broken heart.
Joseph and Wallowa Lake Joseph is a recreation hub that is famous for
its bronze foundries and arts community.
* Wallowa Mountain & Eagle Cap Wilderness - Travel through the "Switzerland
of America." The magnificent Wallowa Mountains and Eagle Cap Wilderness
offer impressive views as you travel north across the Imnaha River.
Wallowa Lake Tramway is a popular attraction for visitors. The 3700' vertical
foot ascent to the summit of Mt. Howard is a memorable experience. The exciting
trip to the top of the mountain allows one to enjoy the view as the gondola
rises above the Wallowa Lake Village and the blue waters of Wallowa Lake. www.wallowalaketramway.com.
Opening daily Memorial Day Weekend through October 3rd, weather permitting
127 miles/204 km
Continue on Hwy. OR 82/OR 39 to Halfway, follow OR 86 to Baker
City.
Highlights Along the Way
Snake River & Hells
Canyon: Here the Snake River enters the southern end of Hells
Canyon, the deepest river-carved gorge in
North America. Reaching Depths of 8,000 feet Hells Canyon
is a sight to remember. Surrounded by the 652,488 acres of the
Hells
Canyon National Recreation Area this area is a gold mine
of geology,
scenery, plants and wildlife. About 6 miles past the
juncture of Forest Road 39.
The Baker-Copperfield Highway: Heading
east from Baker City you will wind your way through the communities
of Richland
and Halfway once mining communities along Oregon Route 86. Winding roads, mountain
views and the Powder River start this journey.
National
Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center at Flagstaff Hill (Baker City) — This center provides powerful
exhibits of life on the trail and living history
demonstrations that allow
visitors to experience life on the Oregon Trail.
Walk beside ruts that were carved by the wagons more than
150 years ago.
Baker City: Your adventure starts in
Baker City, "Queen City
of the Mines," the seat of Baker County. Take
some time to visit and enjoy this town’s rich
history. Don’t
miss the historic downtown district loaded with registered
historic
buildings. Board a horse-drawn historic trolley and
tour turn-of-the-century homes and buildings, many
of which
have been restored to their
original character.
Take time, add one day, for this side trip:
Hells Canyon Adventures -Jetboat
Ride/Petroglyphs (Oxbow) – Hells
Canyon Adventures offers white water raft or
jetboat trips down the rapids of the Snake
River. While
traveling through Hells Canyon,
enjoy the majestic mountains, breathtaking
white water, abundant wildlife, and a solitude
that you
will find
only in the Hells Canyon
National Recreation Area. Stops can be made
to visit petroglyphs carved into the rock canyon
walls
by Native
Americans.
Overnight: Baker City
For more information on Eastern
Oregon and Baker City, please contact the Oregon Trail
Marketing
Coalition at 800-332-1843,
fax 541-523-9187,
www.eova.com; and the Baker County Convention
and Visitors
Bureau at 800-523-1235, fax 541-523-9187, www.visitbaker.com.
