We are having a rough summer when it comes to wildfires in Eastern Oregon. There have been several large fires in our region, including one that is burning near Halfway and Richland, north and west of OR Hwy 86. That means there is smoke in the air, so our scenery isn’t as clear as usual....Continue Reading

It is officially summer and the season for exploring the byway is fully underway. The Forest Service 39 Road is open, providing amazing views in every direction, access to the Hells Canyon Overlook, and closing the loop between Pine Valley, Halfway and the shores of the Snake River (and all of the recreation activities the...Continue Reading

BAKER CITY, OREGON__Join a living history encampment of re-enactors sharing the sights and sounds of an Oregon Trail Wagon Train, September 1st and 2nd at the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center near Baker City. The Wagon Encampment will be active 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., populated by a variety of pioneers recreating a “nooning” lunchtime...Continue Reading

BAKER CITY, OREGON__With forecasts for smoky days and potential thundershowers, the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center offers some ideas for indoor things for residents and visitors to do at the Center. Take in a performance of “Dr. Balthasar” in the air conditioned Leo Adler Theater. Portraying a mid-1800s medicine show, Dr. Balthasar sells miracle...Continue Reading

BAKER CITY, Oregon__The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is hosting several special interpretive programs throughout July for visitors at the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center, providing lots of opportunities for visitors and families to enjoy the outdoors and learn about the old west during their summer vacations. With these presentations, the BLM invites visitors...Continue Reading

BAKER CITY, OREGON__The Geiser Grand Hotel in historic Baker City, is excited to announce, the hotel has secured two space scientists as guests for the Solar Eclipse, August 19-21. Jayne Aubele and Larry S. Crumpler will provide context and understanding for the amazing eclipse! Jayne is the Adult Programs/Educator/Geologist and Larry is the Curator for the...Continue Reading

Baker City, Oregon__The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Trail Tenders invite the public to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center, Thursday, May 25, from 9:00 a.m. to noon. The event is open to the public and free of charge! Opening remarks will come from former Oregon Governor Barbara Roberts,...Continue Reading

Baker City, Oregon__The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center (NHOTIC) and Trail Tenders are hosting a variety of activities for visitors during “Family Fun Day,” the day after Thanksgiving, Friday, November 25, 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Family fun day offers a chance to learn more about the frontier and natural history of the region...Continue Reading

Baker City, Ore. – A special exhibit at the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center (NHOTIC) explores the roles that native plants and pollinators play in an ecosystem. “The Native Landscape: Plants & Pollinators of Sagebrush Country” opens July 19 and will be on display through December 12 of this year. Visitors to the exhibit...Continue Reading

BAKER CITY, OR__Several special interpretive presentation programs are available for visitors to the National Historic Trail Interpretive Center in June. Visitors and families can enjoy the outdoors and learn about the Old West during their vacations. June 15 programming focuses on Wild Horses. BLM Wild Horse and Burro Specialists will provide information on adopting wild...Continue Reading

The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center and Trail Tenders volunteer group are hosting a Dutch Oven Cook-off on Saturday October 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the outdoor Wagon Encampment. The Cast Iron Chef Cook-off is a fun team competition celebrating open air cooking, community, and the local harvest. Ten teams of...Continue Reading

Baker City, Oregon__The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center will be re-enacting an Oregon Trail Pioneer Wagon Encampment on September 5 and 6, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. At the encampment, located outdoors in a circle of replica covered wagons, historical re-enactors cook meals over open fires, and offer samples of the types of...Continue Reading

BAKER CITY, OR. – The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center is hosting performances by the roots music group “Parlour” of Bend, Oregon. “Seeing the Elephant: Songs Inspired by the Oregon Trail” will be presented on Friday, August 28 and Saturday, August 29 with shows at 10:30 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. on both days....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

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

BAKER CITY, Ore. – A special exhibit of quilts will be on display at the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center Sept. 27 through Nov. 17. “Enduring Patterns: A Quilted Heritage” includes two dozen quilts representing popular traditional patterns and explores how these patterns have been interpreted by quilt makers over the past two hundred...Continue Reading

Since the mid-nineteenth century, Baker City, Oregon, has been praised for its beautiful setting, friendly residents and fascinating history. Those traits were recently reinforced when a team from the Rand McNally Best of the Road competition paid a visit early in July. The community rolled out the red carpet and made a great impression, right...Continue Reading