The Blue Goose will soon be pulling trains along the Grande Ronde and Wallowa Rivers.

Travelers along the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway in 2012 will have the opportunity to experience some exciting changes to one of the byway’s most popular attractions. The Eagle Cap Excursion Train, which operates out of Elgin, Oregon, 20 miles north of La Grande on the Highway 82 section of the byway, will gain a 1915 Baldwin Steam Engine to its rolling stock. Operators hope to add the steam engine to the schedule of excursions by mid-summer. The engine, known as the Blue Goose, has a long history of pulling excursion trains, most recently on the Yreka Western Railroad in northern California. Railroad officials agree, the steam engine is sure to increase ridership on the excursions along the highly scenic Grande Ronde and Wallowa Rivers.

The Wallowa Union Railroad Authority (WURA) confirmed at their January 5 meeting, they had come to an agreement to contract with Standard Northern and Pacific Railroad (SNAP) for operation of the railroad, which is jointly owned by Union and Wallowa Counties. The 63 miles of track, historically known as the century-old Joseph Branch, was rescued from salvage in 2003, when the governments of the two counties stepped in to preserve the vital piece of transportation infrastructure. Since that time, WURA has operated an excursion train and limited freight business on the line, with help from the non-profit support group, the Friends of the Joseph Branch. From spring, 2009 to fall 2011, the railroad leased the Wallowa County portion of the track to Union Pacific for storage of out of service lumber cars through the height of the recession. Revenue from the lease paid off the Counties’ debt on the railroad and put them in a good position to lease the line to a railroad company that can build on what has been started. Some trains will be pulled by the steam engine, while the diesel engines will continue to provide the power on most trips.

Plans announced by SNAP also include increasing the number of trips throughout the excursion season, adding trips to and from Wallowa and Joseph, and eventually bringing back the popular Steelhead fishing trains and rafting pick-up trains. Keep an eye on www.eaglecaptrain.com for the 2012 schedule and updates to the activities of the railroad. Make reservations for the annual Mother’s Day Brunch train by calling Alegre Travel, 800.323.7330.

For families with youngsters and holiday visitors looking for an alternative to shopping, the activities will provide opportunities to have fun while learning. Crafts include making beeswax candles, colorful leaf rubbings, and rice cake birdfeeders. Activities include a scavenger hunt, classic American games such as Jackstraws and Simon Says, as well as traditional Native American games like Tasiha Unpi (Catching Deer Bones with a Needle ). The video Pioneer Life for Children series will be shown throughout the day including “The Pioneer Journey Westward” and “Daily Pioneer Life”. Frontier toys show and tell demonstration will also be ongoing throughout the day.

The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center, operated by the Bureau of Land Management, is located 5 miles east of Baker City, Oregon, on Highway 86. Take Exit 302 from I-84. The Interpretive Center is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Admission for adults is $5. Seniors are $3.50. Children 15 and under are free. Federal passes are accepted. Visit oregontrail.blm.gov for more information about the Interpretive Center, or call (541) 523-1843 for updates on programs and events. For information on this and other activities in Baker County, Oregon, call 1 (800) 523-1235.

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Paper Ornament workshops will be offered Wednesday, November 16, and Saturday, November 19. The workshop on November 16 will be held in downtown Baker City at 1937 Main Street from noon to 2 p.m. It is free and open to all; no registration is required. The workshop on November 19 is at the Interpretive Center from noon to 2 p.m. and is free with general admission. Supplies are provided, but workshop attendees may also bring colorful paper from home or photographs to create simple boxes, stars, flowers, and more.

The Interpretive Center is working with several local elementary schools using recycled materials to make decorations which will be featured in the Flagstaff Gallery during the month of December. The annual Holiday Open House at the Interpretive Center is scheduled on Sunday, December 4 from 1 to 4 p.m. and includes live entertainment, craft activities, refreshments, and a silent auction.

The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center, operated by the Bureau of Land Management, is located 5 miles east of Baker City, Oregon, on Highway 86. Take Exit 302 from I-84. The Interpretive Center is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Admission for adults is $5. Seniors are $3.50. Children 15 and under are free. Federal passes are accepted. Visit oregontrail.blm.gov for more information about the Interpretive Center, or call (541) 523-1843 for updates on programs and events. For information on this and other events in Baker County, Oregon, call 1 (800) 523-1235.

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Visitors to Hells Canyon Scenic Byway country and residents looking for entertainment and a way to burn energy need look no further than the heart of La Grande. The Maridell Center now features “Laser Pirates,” along with pool, ping-pong and arcades for the whole family. If you’ve never played laser tag, you might be surprised to discover that it’s not just for kids. Although kids enjoy it immensely, adults often find it’s a blast as well. The 2,500 square foot Pirate-themed arena rivals those of much larger cities. Utilizing their years of experience building haunted house attractions, Maridell Center owners Jay and Jeri Mackley put their heart and talent into designing an excellent set and course, resulting in challenging, dynamic, unique and fun play. Laser Pirates offers two different kinds of guns to choose from– regular and shocking! The shock guns deliver a mild shock through the handle of the gun when you get hit, which really adds to the competitive nature of the game. Shocking guns are limited to players 14 years of age and over but the regular guns are great for all ages.

“People are loving it!” reports Jeri Mackley. “We’ve had people tell us that this is the best Laser Tag arena they have ever seen. Soon we will be adding games set up for more than just point-and-shoot, but also including the option for objective and team-based game play.” Games are 15 minutes long and the cost is $5.50 per person. Laser Tag is open Tuesday through Saturday 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

Also new at the Maridell Center is “Little Ochy’s”, located inside the Maridell Center and offering a variety of Mexican and American foods including tacos, burritos, nachos, quesadillas, Monterey jack cheese steak sandwiches, chicken wings and lots more. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, Little Ochy’s uses all fresh and homemade ingredients. Little Ochy’s is open Tuesday through Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Purchased in 2010 by Jay and Jeri Mackley, Maridell Center was formerly the Elks Lodge and the original portion of the building dates back to 1914. When the Elks Club disbanded a few years ago, the empty building at first seemed a challenge for city officials working on downtown revitalization. During the past year the Mackleys have been renovating and building attractions in much of the space while holding events in other areas of the building. “We have had concerts, dances, reunions, dinner theater, birthdays and you name it here,” says Jeri Mackley. The Maridell Center has a large banquet hall with dance floor, a party room for birthdays and smaller groups and the game room, as well as the Laser Tag arena and Little Ochy’s restaurant.

The Maridell Center it is located at 1124 Washington Avenue, on the corner of Washington and Depot in downtown La Grande, Oregon. For more information, visit www.maridellcenter.com, call 541-963-2023, or like Maridell Center on Facebook.

The Gold Dust Bandits, a rough-around-the-edges group of horseback riders and thrill-seekers, are planning a heist sometime during the 3.5 hour train ride. The rugged roadless area along the Grande Ronde and Walllowa Rivers is appealing to outlaws because it allows them to escape beyond the arm of the law. Passengers are advised to stay calm, don’t argue with the miscreants and leave their valuables at home! Associated with the Powder River Pistoleros, the Gold Rush Bandits have been known to strike the Sumpter Valley Railroad on occasion, as well.

Fall foliage is an added highlight during September and October, with foliage colors ranging from deep crimson to brilliant gold. The train leaves Elgin, Oregon, at 10 a.m. A delicious lunch by Ten Depot Street Restaurant of La Grande is included and served on the train. Ticket prices are Adults, $75; Seniors, $65; Youth, $35. Reservations are strongly encouraged to ensure a seat and can be made by calling Alegre Travel, 800.323.7330 or travel@alegretravel.com. Ask about group rates for pre-formed groups of twenty or more. Go to www.eaglecaptrain.com for more information and a full 2011 season schedule.

June 9, 2011 – The Wallowa-Whitman National Forest has announced the Forest Service section of the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway (Forest Road 39 or the Wallowa Loop Road), has been maintained and is passable for visitors. The opening is just in time for sightseers to enjoy the canyon country at its most lush and green condition all year. Due to the changing spring weather conditions, visitors are advised that rocks, early morning frost and light snowfall are still possible on the road surface. Please drive with caution and allow time to stop at the Hells Canyon Overlook.

Portions of Forest Service Road 39 from Lake Fork Creek south to Highway 86 have a gravel surface where road repairs were completed last fall on the sections that were washed out in floods a year ago. The surface is hard-packed and suitable for motorcycles as well as automobiles. Re-paving of these short areas will be done this summer. Road Condition updates.

“We (the entire forest service) are in the process of updating the agency website and the Wallowa-Whitman “migrated” a couple months ago,” said Judy Wing, W-W Public Information Officer. ”We have a new address www.fs.usda.gov/wallowa-whitman, but you are also automatically directed from the old site. We are encouraging folks to spend a little time and find where things are. On the front page, on the right is a link to current conditions and on the current conditions page is an update and link to a one-page FS Road 39 information sheet (it’s a pdf).

“We are updating the information whenever we hear of a change in how far you can get up the road, usually about once a week. The one page update has information about the planned paving project.” Byway travelers can check the update before traveling the byway for the latest in road conditions and the repair activities taking place at the site of the FS 39 washout in June 2010. Travel through the washout section on a gravel road will be possible around Memorial Day weekend or when the FS 39 is clear of snow and opened for the summer season. Paving of the section will take place this summer.

New this year is featured speakers and entertainment on most trips. Guest speakers give a brief introduction to their area of expertise, engage in conversation, point out highlights along the route and answer questions. (The 2012 excursion schedule will be announced in February.)

The railroad, in partnership with the Friends of the Joseph Branch, has refurbished the vintage 1938 Budd car, bringing excursion capacity to around 160 passengers. The car, which has been out of service for several years, was stripped to the walls and given a complete overhaul, including all new furniture, carpet, paint, electrical work, window seals and wainscoting. Book early as seats in the car are available on a first-come basis. The Friends provide the volunteer crew and assist with maintenance and upgrading of the passenger equipment.

For additional information and photos, go to www.eaglecaptrain.com. The Eagle Cap Excursion Train is owned and operated by Wallowa Union Railroad (WURR) on a stretch of the historic “Joseph Branch.” WURR is assisted by the Friends of the Joseph Branch, a non-profit organization that preserves and presents the history and enjoyment of the century-old rail line in Wallowa and Union Counties.