Oregon Trail sign in South La Grande
near Birnie Park
EXPLORE
THE OREGON TRAIL
La Grande is one of the few towns the Old Oregon Trail runs right
through (B Avenue). North Powder also holds that distinction.
The town of Union sits on an alternate route and houses the Union
County Museum, where you will find lots of fascinating information
about the area's history. For insight into the Oregon Trail experience,
visit Birnie Park, and the wonderful Oregon Trail Interpretive
Park at Blue Mountain Crossing.
( Back to Top of Page )
RODEOS
 Eastern
Oregon Livestock Show & PRCA Rodeo
Union County hosts five wild west rodeos each year. The Eastern
Oregon State College Rodeo, Oregon High School Rodeo, Catherine
Creek Rodeo, The Elgin Stampede, and the oldest continuously run
rodeo in the Northwest - The Eastern Oregon Livestock Show PRCA
Rodeo and Parimutuel Horse Racing (EOLS). The EOLS is among the
top 15% of the nation's rodeos for added purse. Union County is
cattle country. Keep your camera handy. Much of the Old West is
still evident in daily ranch operations. Check the calendar of
events for rodeo dates and locations or contact the Visitor Bureau.
( Back to Top of Page
)
POLO
Real polo in the heart
of cowboy country? That's right! The La Grande polo Club has one
of only three regulation size polo fields in Oregon, located south
of La Grande on OR Highway 203. And you might even see some cowboys
playing polo. Watch a weekly match during the summer or participate
in a polo workshop. Call 541-910-1480 for information and a schdeule.
( Back
to Top of Page )
SKIING
Downhill and cross-country skiing, and several hundred miles
of groomed snowmobile trails make winter activities fun and exciting
in the Blue Mountains of Northeast Oregon. The scenery is spectacular,
and you won't have to fight traffic or endure long lines. Check
out this spectacular view from the chair
lift at Anthony Lakes (photo courtesy of Rod Koopman).
At the south end of Union County, Ski Anthony Lakes, www.anthonylakes.com,
is a popular ski resort for downhill, snowcat and Nordic skiing.
At 7,100 feet, Anthony Lakes has the highest base elevation of
Oregon's ski resorts, providing powder skiing at its finest. In
addition to a triple chair lift accessing 21 downhill runs, skiers
can enjoy backcountry skiing via snow cat Powder Tours. The resort
also has over 37.6 km of groomed Nordic ski trails. Take Exit
#285 at North Powder and follow the signs west.
At the north end of the county, Spout Springs Ski Resort, www.skispoutsprings.com,
offers downhill and Nordic skiing adjacent to Oregon Highway 204,
between Elgin and Weston. The Meacham Divide Nordic Ski Area offers
outstanding scenery and 25 miles of ski trails that are groomed
for skate and diagonal lanes. Cross-country skiing is also popular
on un-groomed trails near the Sno-Park at Catherine Creek Summit.
See additional information under individual listings in the Attractions
section of this web site.
( Back to Top of Page )
BIKING
Beautiful
mountain biking and touring opportunities. Shown is Pilcher Creek
Reservoir near North Powder.
Try paved country roads,
or trails through the forests. Union County offers all kinds of
adventures for biking enthusiasts. There are plenty of routes
to explore throughout the county. Bike Route maps are available
at the Visitor Center. Bring your own bike, or, to explore La
Grande, borrow a Blue Bike from the Visitor Center. Motor bike
enthusiasts will find plenty of roads and trails as well. Biking
trail maps are available through the visitor center. Please specify
whether you want mountain biking, road biking and/or off-highway
vehicle trails.
Area Biking
Opportunities
Bicycle Tours & Maps,
Bicycle Gear & Equipment - Adventure Cycling Association
( Back to Top of Page )
CAMPING
AND HIKING 
Hitting the trail at Reds Horse Ranch.
Whether you drive, pack, or walk in, you can enjoy a variety
of camping experiences, in sites that range from rustic to developed.
Fish, swim, hike, or just enjoy the scenery in the beautiful Blue
Mountains or the Eagle Cap Wilderness. Click
here for a great list of hiking trails. And you can get into
the mountains on horseback, too!
Wallowa
Whitman National Forest Campgrounds
Please pick up a detailed forest map at the La Grande Ranger District
office on Hwy. 30 (541) 963-7186 for information on
Forest Service Cabins & Lookout Rentals
- ANTHONY LAKES
- Location: Approx. 18 miles from North Powder. From Interstate
84, take North Powder exit #285 and follow signs to Anthony
Lakes, County Rd. 1146, Forest Rd. 73. Base elevation 7100 ft.
11 picnic sites, 21 tent sites, 16 tent/trailer sites. Beautiful
alpine setting from which to fish, hike, camp, climb, swim.
Non-motorized or troll motor boating. Cabins
available to rent
- BIRD TRACK
- Location: Exit #252 off Interstate 84 to Highway 244 toward
Starkey, 4 1/2 miles, 10 Tent/trailer sites, restrooms. Nature
trail provides excellent bird watching opportunities.
- SPRING CREEK
- Location: Exit 248 off I84, Forest Road 2100, one and a half
miles. Hiking, birdwatching, interpretation.
- SPOOL CART
- Location: 27 miles SW of La Grande. Take exit #252 off I-84
to Hwy. 244, Forest Rd. 51. Elevation 3500 ft. 16 tent/trailer
sites. Fish and hike.
- BOULDER PARK
- Location: 52 miles SE of La Grande, Hwy 203, Forest Rd. 67,
77, 7755 last 14 miles gravel. Elevation 4900 ft. 11 tent/trailer
sites. Fish, hike or ride into wilderness. Horse camp corrals,
trailhead and loading ramp.
- MOSS SPRINGS
- Location: 24 miles E of La Grande, Hwy 82, Hwy 237, Forest
Rd. 6220 last 10 miles gravel and steep. Elevation 5400 ft.
11 tent/trailer sites. Hike or ride into wilderness. Horse camp
corrals, trailhead and loading ramp.
- NORTH FORK CATHERINE CREEK
- Location: 29 miles SE of La Grande, off OR Hwy. 203, Forest
Rd. 7785, last 6 miles are gravel. Elevation 4400 ft. 6 tent/trailer
sites. Fish, hike, picnic; trailhead accesses Eagle Cap Wilderness.
Horse camp and loading ramp.
- TWO COLOR
- Location: 43 miles SE of La Grande. Take Hwy. 203 from Union,
following Catherine Creek signs. Forest Rd. 67, 7755 last 11
miles gravel. Elevation 4800 ft. 14 tent/trailer sites. Fish,
hike, potable water. Two
Color Guard Station available to rent
- WEST EAGLE MEADOW
- 26 miles southeast of Union, OR. Turn left off Hwy. 203 onto
Eagle Creek Road, FS-77 and follow to West Eagle. 7 tent/trailer,
10 walk-in tent, 5 horse-camps. Hiking, equestrian, fishing,
wilderness access.
- JUBILEE LAKE
- Umatilla National Forest
Location: 35 miles NW of Elgin off OR Hwy 204. Access:
20 miles east of Weston, or 21 miles west of Elgin
on Highway 204. Turn north on Forest Service Road #64. Follow
the road for 12 miles to Jubilee Lake campground. http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/uma/recreation/campgrounds/walla-cg.shtml#jubilee
51 camp sites. Hike, fish, boat ramp. (509) 522-6290.
Union
County Campgrounds
For more information call (541) 963-1001
- THIEF VALLEY RESERVOIR
- Location: 12 miles south of Union, 18 miles east of North
Powder. 12 camping sites. Boat ramp, picnic, fish, windsurf.
Jetty provides wheelchair access.
- WOLF CREEK RESERVOIR
- Location: 24 miles SE of La Grande. Take exit #283 off I
84. 6 miles west of North Powder. Picnic, camp, fish. Boat ramp,
water-ski.
- PILCHER RESERVOIR
- Location: 36 miles SE of La Grande. Take exit #285 off I84
and travel 9 miles west of North Powder. 10 camping sites. Boat
ramp, picnic, (trolling motors only) fish, wildlife viewing.
Oregon
State Parks
For additional information call (541) 523-2499
- CATHERINE CREEK
- Location: 14 miles SE of Union on Hwy 203.
This beautiful campground offers 18 Primitive sites beside the
river. Restrooms with flush toilets; potable water. Camp, picnic,
fish, wade in the river. 1 1/2 mile hike takes you to mountain-top
views. Wilderness Trailhead nearby. Horseshoe pits.
- HILGARD JUNCTION
- Location: Off I-84, 8 miles west of La Grande on the Grande
Ronde River. Open year-round. 18 primitive sites (maximum site
30'). Waste disposal station nearby. Restrooms with flush toilets;
potable water. Camp, picnic, fish, Oregon Trail Exihibit, river
raft access point.
- MINAM
- Location: Off Oregon Hwy 82, 15 miles NE of Elgin on the
beautiful Minam River. 12 primitive sites with water nearby.
Pit toilets. Camp, fish, picnic, raft. For reservations, call
the Wallowa Lake office, 541-432-8855.
- RED BRIDGE
- Location: Take exit #252 off I-84 and travel 16 miles SW
on OR Hwy. 244. 5 camp sites, restrooms. Fish, picnic. For information,
call Irene, 541-983-2277.
- EMIGRANT SPRINGS
- Location: Exit # off I-84, about halfway between La Grande
and Pendleton. Camp along the old Oregon Trail. 18 full hook-up
sites; 33 tent sites. Fully accessable sites available. Flush
toilets and showers. Cabins available. Horse camp, hiking and
riding trails, history exhibit. For information, call Irene,
541-983-2277.
( Back to Top of Page )
HUNTING
AND FISHING 
Landing the "big one" at Morgan Lake
Northeast Oregon has
long been a hunting and fishing mecca for outdoor sports enthusiasts.
Two thousand miles of fishable rivers and lakes, 3 reservoirs
and an abundance of deer, elk and antelope provide some of the
Northwest's best sporting opportunities. Can you picture yourself
in this fly fishing spot? (photo thanks to
www.oregonrivers.com)
Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area is a popular spot for hunting waterfowl,
and upland game birds can be found in the hills around the valley
and at the south end of the county. Thank you for seeking permission
before entering any private property, whether posted or not. Contact
the Four Seasons Fly Shoppe,
541-963-8420, or Phil's
Outdoor Supply; 541-963-6828, for more information about fishing
opportunities,visit THE
FLY FISHING PLACE for more fishing info or the Visitor Bureau
for the names of outfitters. Also
check out the Minam Motel for steelhead fishing on the Eagle Cap
Excursion Fish Train and other fishing opportunities
( Back to Top of Page )
WATER SPORTS
Have a passion for water? You'll love swimming or rafting the
wild rapids of the great Grande Ronde River, plying the waters
of the lakes and reservoirs, or soaking and swimming in the hot
spring waters at Cove Pool or Lehman Hot Springs.
( Back to Top of Page )
ARTS
AND ENTERTAINMENT
Theatrical productions and concerts of all types can be enjoyed
frequently on the campus of Eastern Oregon University, at the
Elgin Opera House, and at area schools. The resident Grande Ronde
Symphony Orchestra helps provide a level of cultural amenities
not often seen in rural Oregon. Several art galleries, including
the Nightingale Gallery at Eastern, showcase art by Union County
artists as well as touring exhibits. Don't miss the Third Thursday
Art Walk, every third Thursday of the month, for a wonderful tour
of area exhibits.
( Back to Top of Page )
BYWAYS
Mt. Emily stands above the Grande Ronde Valley.
It's tough to choose which driving route to take. The choices
range from paved town and country routes with lots of visitor
amenities, to remote drives that are best explored in a four-wheel
drive with lots of provisions. Choose The Grande Tour and see
Union County's wide variety of landscape, small towns, farms and
ranches. You'll find scenery that will take your breath away and
friendly faces everywhere you turn. Or, explore the beauty of
northeast Oregon via the Hell's Canyon National Scenic Byway,
www.hellscanyonbyway.com
,designated an All American Road, one of the nation's premier
scenic routes. Begin in La Grande, Oregon Highway 82, pass through
Island City, Imbler, Elgin and continue through Wallowa County
and on to Baker City. Contact us for a byway driving guide. See
photos by going to www.byways.org,
navigate to Oregon, then choose Hells Canyon Scenic Byway.
( Back to Top of Page )
SHOP TO YOUR HEART'S CONTENT
From well known discount and department stores, to small town
hidden treasures, to the specialty shops in La Grande's attractive
downtown core, you will find choices to thrill the most jaded
big city shopper. When you're ready for refreshment, try one of
our many great restaurants and pubs.
( Back to Top of Page )
RELAX
Find a quiet mountain meadow, or lean against a giant Ponderosa
pine and read. Let our fresh air and singing birds renew your
body and soul and prepare you for another day of Union County
adventure.
( Back to Top of Page )
BOWLING
The Rock Bowling & Family Fun Center offers a variety of
entertainment for the whole family. New in spring, 2000, The Rock
has the very latest in bowling and arcade technology. Enjoy league
or open bowling, a full arcade, billiards, a pro shop, and a full
service restaurant - all under one roof. Located at 2301 Cove
Avenue, on the corner of Albany and Cove Avenue, La Grande, Oregon.
Phone 541-975-BOWL (2695).
( Back to Top of Page )
GOLF 
Buffalo Peak Golf Course offers links-style
golf in Union.
Buffalo
Peak Golf Course is one of Oregon's newest golf courses.
Play the challenging links style course and enjoy the panoramic
views. Buffalo Peak is located on the edge of the small community
of Union, just sixteen miles southeast of La Grande. Highlights
of the course include a dramatic landscape with views of the Grande
Ronde Valley and surrounding Wallowa and Blue Mountain ranges,
ponds, and fountains. Power carts are available at the club house.
Directions: from the south or east, take exit 285 off Interstate
84, at North Powder. Follow Oregon Highway 237 fifteen miles to
Union. Turn right on Fulton Street and continue to the course.
From the north or west, take exit 265 off Interstate 84 near La
Grande. Follow Oregon Highway 203 to Union. Stay on Main Street
through town and turn left on Fulton Street and continue to the
golf course. Call 541-562-9031 for tee times and green fees. Click
here for a view of the course.
www.buffalopeakgolf.com
( Back to Top of Page )
The La Grande Country Club welcomes
visitors during daily open play times. The La Grande Country Club
is an enjoyable 9 hole course with a mature landscape, in a beautiful
country setting. A club house provides refreshments and food.
Power and hand carts are available. Green fees are only $15 for
9 holes and $25 for 18. Call ahead for available tee times, 541-963-4241.
Directions: Take exit 261 from Interstate 84. Turn east on Highway
82 (aka Island Avenue) to Island City. Turn right on McAlister
Road; travel about 3/4 of a mile to the country club. 10605 South
McAlister Road, Island City, Oregon.
( Back to Top of Page )
Riverside Greens
Miniature Golf is a brand new venue for family fun, located
adjacent to Riverside Park in La Grande. The professionally designed
course offers 18 challenging holes of putting fun. Fountains,
rolling terrain, and well groomed greens are highlights. Beautiful
country setting. Open seasonally to dusk. In La Grande, take Island
Avenue and cross the railroad tracks at Monroe; then take a quick
right on Spruce Street. Follow Spruce to Riverside Park and turn
right on Fruitdale. Riverside Greens borders the park to the east.
$4.50 for 18 holes. 541-963-7361 for information on tournaments,
parties, and group play.
( Back
to Top of Page )
MINI
INDY CARS & BATTING CAGES
The Rock Bowling &
Family Fun Center offers a variety of entertainment for the whole
family.Miniature Golf and Batting Cages from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m,
and Go Carts from 12 noon to 9 p.m. Located at 2301 Cove Avenue,
on the corner of Albany and Cove Avenue, La Grande, Oregon. Phone
541-975-BOWL (2695)
FRISBEE
GOLF
Eastern Oregon University
student activity students have set up a frisbee golf course on
campus. It is a 9 hole course on the south side of Hoke. It is
always open, but you need to call ahead to be sure no one else
has booked the course. One University Boulevard, La Grande, 541-962-3704
EOU
CLIMBING WALL
Eastern Oregon University
has a wonderful climbing wall facility on campus. Call the University
Outdoor Program , 541-962-3621. One University Boulevard, La Grande,
541-962-3704
HIKING
TRAILS 
The patchwork of fields from Mt. Harris.
High alpine meadows, bubbling streams, rugged basalt outcroppings,
or grassy ridges strewn with wildflowers and bordered by towering
evergreens. Union County provides a wide array of scenic hiking
opportunities, ranging from strenuous to a "walk in the park."
Following are a variety of hiking opportunities. For the most
complete information on trails in the Wallowa-Whitman National
Forest or the Eagle Cap Wilderness, pick up a forest service map
at the La Grande Ranger District on Highway 30, just south of
La Grande. You can also purchase your trail head parking permit,
required on the national forest, at the ranger district office.
Wherever you hike, please carry plenty of drinking water, and
clothing to suit our rapidly changeable weather. Tell someone
where you are going, carry your trash out with you, and pack a
camera with extra film - you will find lots of wonderful photo
opportunities. Have a great time! *denotes additional information
is available from the Visitor Bureau.
( Back to Top of Page )
- Meacham Divide *
- 19 miles west of La Grande, on I-84 take Summit Rd. Exit
243. Go north 1.7 miles on the 31 Summit Rd. Summer hiking on
Nordic ski Trails.
- Oregon Trail Interpretive Park at Blue Mountain Crossing *
- 14 miles west of La Grande off I-84. Take Exit 248, follow
signs 3 miles to interpretive park. .5 mi. paved path with interpretive
panels alongside remnants of Old Oregon Trail. Wheelchair accessible.
- California Gulch Trail
- Trailhead at first picnic area at Oregon Trail Interpretive
Park at Blue Mtn. Crossing. Trail follows ridge line and drops
into gulch, along creek. Old growth forest, wild flowers and
birds.
- Spring Creek *
- 14 miles west of La Grande on I-84, take Spring Creek Exit
248. Proceed south on Spring Creek Road (FS-21) for 3.2 miles
to junction with road 2155. Park and begin to walk at 21/2155
junction.
- Bird Track Springs Wildlife Area
- West of La Grande on I-84, take Starkey Exit 252. Travel
4 ½ miles on Hwy 244. Across the road from Bird Track
Campground. Trail passes through ripraian area and along Grande
Ronde River. Great for birdwatching.
- Morgan Lake *
- 3 miles southwest of La Grande on Morgan Lake Road, walk
around the lake.
- Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area *
- Located directly east off I-84, near Exit 268. 1 1/4 mile
Nature Trail offers a chance to walk through natural meadow
and seasonal wetlands. A variety of birds, waterfowl, and wildlife
can be seen any time of year.
- Telephone Ridge *
- From La Grande travel north on Second St. past the Union
County Fairgrounds. Continue on Fox Hill Rd past the old county
land fill 4.5 miles to FS-3120. Travel north on FS-3120 for
7 miles to Indian Rock Shelter; park there. 18 miles RT. Elevation
4200 to 5500'.
- Anthony Lakes *
- From La Grande travel east on I-84 to Exit 285 at North Powder.
Follow the Anthony Lakes signs appx. 20 miles.
A variety of alpine hiking trails around and above the lake
are described in the Anthony Lakes Recreation Area brochure.
Anthony Lakes is a great place to access the Elkhorn Crest National
Recreation Trail. This trail follows the Elkhorn Ridge summit
for 22.6 miles and offers exceptional views of both sides of
the Blue Mountains. Elevation gain 1,400 feet, reaching an elevation
of 8,200 feet.
- Lookingglass Trail
- From Elgin, take OR Hwy. 204 to Woodland campground, walk
0.3 miles northwest on SR-204 then one mile east on road FS-3725.
Turn left on road FS-3701 and descend north to the trailhead,
five miles from SR-204. Descend to Lookingglass Creek, 3050'.
Ascend two miles northwest along the creek, leaving the creek
at 4000' to continue ascending northwest. Reach SF-204 at Spout
Springs, 5450' Turn left (east) two miles to the starting point
at the campground. 20 miles RT
- Jubilee Lake
- From Tollgate, drive 12 miles east and north on gravel road
FS-64 to the campground on the lake. Hiking trail around the
lake. Elevation 4700'.
- Mount Harris Lookout
- From Imbler at MP-12, drive two miles east on Hull Lane,
then 0.5 mile north on Grays Creek Road. Park at Striker Lane,
Hike east and south on the road to the summit of this state
lookout.
- Bald Mountain
- From Union, take Hwy 203 southeast for 8.5 miles to Catherin
Creek State Park. Continue past the park for 1.2 miles to junction
with FS-2036 on the left. Travel on FS-2036 for 6.6 miles to
junction with FS-2038.
- Glass Hill
- From eastbound I-84 at Exit 270, drive two miles southwest
up Ladd Creek Road. Park at 3500' where a road forks to the
right (north). Hike north on this branch road for 100' to a
"Y". Turn left (west) to a corral. Go northwest up the ridge,
keeping north of a fence line. When the fence line veers west,
continue northwest in open woods to the summit ridge. Go north
to the summit tower.
- Mt. Fanny *
- From Island City take Hwy 237 east to Cove. From Cove take
CR-65 (turn at the church across from the high school). Follow
signs to Moss Springs Campground. Just before entering the campground
turn left and park in parking lot on FS-6220. You can get to
Indian Creek Trail this way. Good access point into Eagle Cap
Wilderness network of trails.
TRAIL HEADS
into the Eagle Cap Wilderness
- Catherine Creek
- 16 miles southeast of Union, OR on Hwy 203, then turn left
onto CR 141which leads to FS-7785.
- Medical Springs
- Southeast of Union, OR on Hwy 203, FS-3946 hike trail #050.
- Moss Springs
- 10 miles east of Cove, OR on FS-6220. This is a gravel road
and is steep.
- Buck Creek
- 19 miles southeast of Union, OR. Follow hwy 203 from Union
and turn left on FS-7785, travel approximately 3 miles. Turn
right onto FS-7787 which leads to the Buck Creek Trailhead.
- Boulder Park Campground & Trailhead
- 21.5 miles southeast of Union, OR. From Union follow Hwy
203 to Medical Springs, turn left on FS-70 and travel approximately
2 miles to the junction of FS-70 and FS-67. Follow FS-67 for
appx. 16 miles until you reach the #7750 junciton and tak e
a left, drive appx 3.5 miles to Boulder Park.
- West Eagle
- 26 miles southeast of Union, OR on FS-77.
- Mule Peak
- 23 miles east of Union, OR on FS-77. Turn left on FS-600
and follow for appx 3 miles. Turn right on FS-650 which leads
to the Mule Peak Trailhead.
- Rock Springs
- 20 miles southeast of Hwy 82, between Elgin, OR and Minam
Summit on FS-62. Minam Lodge is approximately 8 miles from the
trailhead.
Day parking permits are required at National Forest Trail heads
and are available for $3 at the La Grande Ranger District, in
La Grande, or at Bare's Hardware in Union. Season passes are available
for $25.
( Back to Top of Page ) |
102
Elm Street, La Grande, Oregon 97850 ;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}
;){kind=link}