Fans and residents of Eastern Oregon know this corner of the state has some pretty incredible beer. Our microbreweries are national and international award-winners, many times over. So it was no surprise to us that three of them were selected by Thrillist as among Oregon’s sixteen best brew pubs outside of Portland. Beer lovers (and...Continue Reading

Hey, all of you cyclists out there! Have you heard about Oregon’s 7 Bikes for 7 Wonders? It is probably the most ingenious publicity stunt ever conceived! By now you know about the 7 Wonders of Oregon campaign and you are just itching to get going and visit every one of them. Well, seven of...Continue Reading

A combination of summer weather, long evenings and the presence of visitors exploring our shops and galleries makes many of us think of art and the high caliber artists who live in and draw inspiration from the beauty of northeast Oregon. To immerse yourself in art, begin by taking part in the First Friday Art...Continue Reading

We are pleased to share a post by a guest writer, Joe Whittle. This is not a “paleo lifestyle”. This is not a survival scenario, or even exercise. This story is about thriving. My friend Jordan and I spent a week in the wilds of Oregon, reflecting on the way my ancestors lived. We packed one...Continue Reading

PENDLETON, BAKER CITY, and JOHN DAY, OREGON__Forest officials for the Umatilla, Wallowa‐Whitman, and Malheur National Forests urge caution and announce seasonal safety regulations for building campfires when recreating on the three national forests. Campfires will continue to be the centerpiece of family campsites across Northeast Oregon’s three national forests. However, beginning June 1, forest visitors...Continue Reading

Walk among the pines, beside ruts made by covered wagons over 150 years ago! Savor the fresh mountain air as you try to imagine the creak of wagon wheels, the grunts of oxen and the whispering footsteps of weary pioneers. The season is upon us when history comes to life at the Oregon Trail Interpretive...Continue Reading

People familiar with the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway know it is a prime route for cycling around that amazing mountain range known as The Wallowas! The two-lane band of pavement winds up and down, over and around, beside rivers, through forests and past sage brush, cows and all kinds of wildlife. Bicycles allow one to...Continue Reading

The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center near Baker City, Oregon, will have two days of living history presentations for visitors over the Memorial Day Weekend at the “Meet the Pioneers” event. On Saturday and Sunday, May 23 and 24, volunteers and staff will demonstrate pioneer skills such as quilting, crafts, and food between 10...Continue Reading

The Bird Festival takes place at Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area near La Grande, Oregon. A Community Celebration of International Migratory Bird Day, the Ladd Marsh Bird Festival is an uncrowded, non-competitive birding opportunity for the whole family. Bird Festival 2015 kicks off on Friday evening, May 15, with music, a wine tasting and a presentation about...Continue Reading

Portions of Hells Canyon Scenic Byway are also the Grande Tour Scenic Bikeway. Take a look at Eileen Garvin’s recent bicycle trip, eating and drinking along the Grande Tour Scenic Bikeway.Continue Reading

Whoever named the 7 Wonders of the World somehow overlooked the Wallowas. Click Here for a Great Map! Share your pictures on Instagram: #easternoregon or #traveloregon or #hellscanyonscenicbyway   Where you can look down from an alpine summit and see the high desert of Indian country roll out in front of you in one direction,...Continue Reading

The following is an important message that was released April 8, 2015 from the Wallowa Whitman National Forest concerning traffic on FS 39 Road, which connects Halfway and Oxbow with the Wallowa Valley. Please heed the warning and stay safe while enjoying the byway on both sides of the mountain pass. All communities are open...Continue Reading

We have experienced a mild winter in northeast Oregon and spring is in the air. As you travel the byway, keep the camera ready for capturing an image of Rocky Mountain elk, mule and white-tail deer, big horn sheep, coyotes, and a wide array of waterfowl. They are unafraid and easy to see this time...Continue Reading

Winding up the gravel road to Cornucopia, you can’t help but stare at the craggy mountains that surround you. The sense of anticipation builds as you round each corner. Sunshine dapples the road and the peaks get larger and larger on the approach. Wild plum trees drip with ripe fruit. We stop to gather some...Continue Reading

While the Eagle Cap Excursion Train offers a variety of train rides at the west end of the Walllowa Union Railroad in northeastern Oregon, a new business has opened that provides a whole new way to enjoy the magnificent scenery from the east end of the historic rail line. Imagine pedaling across a lush valley,...Continue Reading

PLEASE NOTE: Check with the US Forest Service for road opening and conditions. Guest Posted 2014: Having not been there for a few years, I heard Hat Point calling my name. So, last Monday I took a road trip with my cousin Eric, who lives in Portland, driving from North Powder to Wallowa Lake where...Continue Reading

BAKER CITY, OR. – The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center is hosting several performances by The Quons of “Seeing the Elephant: Songs Inspired by the Oregon Trail.” The performances with readings and commentary will occur on Friday, July 25 and Saturday, July 26 with shows at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 and 2 p.m. on both...Continue Reading

Due to a wet spring followed by a hot, dry summer, forest and range fire season has arrived early. The Wallowa Whitman National Forest, Oregon Department of Forestry and Bureau of Land Management ask you to be extremely careful and follow all campfire, equipment and smoking restrictions when recreating in and traveling through Byway country...Continue Reading

Here is a unique way to enjoy the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway, created just for quilters! Mark your calendars and plan to visit 13 wonderful quilt shops in eastern Oregon and eastern Washington, from September 25 through October 5, 2014. The fun-filled new shop hop is called QUILTING ON THE DRY SIDE! These dates provide...Continue Reading

The businesses and communities along the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway welcome participants in the Hells Canyon Motorcycle Rally this weekend. Thousands of motorcyclists are expected to gather in Baker City and spend the next few days exploring byway country and beyond. There are lots of events and opportunities to view the amazing bikes at Baker...Continue Reading

The vacation season is fully upon us in northeast Oregon and The Wallowas, and the range of events and activities available to byway travelers is amazing. Here are some highlights for the coming week, but be sure to check the event calendars for the full list and details: Visit Baker, Union County Chamber, Wallowa County...Continue Reading

The first Eastern Oregon Beer Festival takes place this Saturday, June 21, in La Grande, at the Union County Fairgrounds. 15 regional craft brewers will be pouring. If you have missed out on buying a tasting ticket for the event (Only 500 were available and they sold out quickly!), there is still plenty of opportunity...Continue Reading

BAKER CITY, OR. – The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center is offering presentations in the Leo Adler Theater, located inside the Center, daily throughout the remainder of June. Featured visiting presenters are Buffalo Bill Boycott and Michael Terry. Boycott is a Wyoming based performer who presents a program of music both contemporary and traditional...Continue Reading

ELGIN, OREGON__It’s rumored train robbers will strike the Eagle Cap Excursion Train Saturday, June 28. Passengers are warned to leave their valuables at home but bring their camera and a sense of adventure on the ride. It happens every year, about this time. Bandits stop the train and reinforcements ride out of the woods to...Continue Reading

When you drive the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway, you are taking a journey through cattle country. This rugged corner of Oregon is home to cattle ranches, large and small, that utilize the lovely lonely hills and vast pasture lands to turn vegetation, sun and water into protein. Most of the ranches are owned and operated...Continue Reading

Looking for a different view of the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway and The Wallowas? The Eagle Cap Excursion Train is preparing for the next train ride on Saturday, June 14. Family Fun Day was created to attract more families and young passengers by offering a shorter one-way train ride and lower fares. Tickets for this...Continue Reading

Baker City, OR – With the Memorial Day weekend around the corner, National Forests are gearing up for the start to the traditional Northwest recreation season. A wide range of activities awaits in Oregon and Washington’s 16 national forests, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, and Crooked River National Grassland: camping, hiking, biking, horseback riding,...Continue Reading

BAKER CITY, OR. – The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center is offering two days of special programs featuring historic re-enactors and demonstrations of frontier life on Saturday and Sunday May 24 and 25. Between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. each day, volunteers and staff will demonstrate pioneer skills such as quilting, crafts, and food....Continue Reading

Travelers throughout Oregon should be aware that summer is not only a busy time for vacationers, it is also the season when weather permits the Oregon Department of Transportation to repair and otherwise improve our highways. Below is information about such a project on Interstate 84 near La Grande. LA GRANDE, Ore. – The Oregon...Continue Reading

Those of us fortunate enough to live within view of the Blue and Wallowa Mountains of Northeast Oregon know why we like it here and love looking out at the peaks every day. We each tend to call them “my mountains,” eyeing them closely for passing weather and the change of seasons. We watch the...Continue Reading