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
Now is an amazing time to enjoy the scenery along the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway All-American Road. The hillsides are many shades of green and wildflowers are in full bloom. There is still snow on the high peaks, adding depth and character to your photos. Please take the road slowly and watch for hazards such...Continue Reading
The Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife provides weekly reports, with important information for your visit to Hells Canyon Scenic Byway country. Learn more and sign up to receive the weekly digital report at this website: https://myodfw.com/recreation-report Watch wildlife from a distance – June 10, 2021 Leave them where you find them Young wild animals...Continue Reading
The following update to the Joseph Creek and Dry Creek Fires was released by the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, Saturday, June 12, 2021. ENTERPRISE, OR__On the morning of June 11, at 6:00 a.m., NW Team 7 transitioned management of the fire back to local agencies. Northwest Team 7 would like to thank the entire Wallowa County...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
The Hells Canyon Scenic Byway website has received a fresh look over winter. We hope you find it appealing and easy to navigate. We will be adding information about byway area activities over the coming months. Check out the links on the “Visitor Resources” page for travel and community information. Spring is finally in the...Continue Reading
The Oregon Department of Parks & Recreation announced today a special pilot program that will offer discounted rates for electrical and full-hookup RV campsites is now available at selected state parks during September and October. Two parks in Eastern Oregon are included, Starting today, campers will be able to apply a special online code to receive...Continue Reading
See the canyon from a raft or jet boat for a really refreshing and up-close view or the dramatic scenery. Hells Canyon Adventures operates on the Snake River, in the very heart of the canyon. Here is the schedule for the week of August 13, 2018. All tours begin and end one mile below Hells Canyon...Continue Reading
Information provided by Hells Canyon Adventures Oxbow, Oregon__Hells Canyon Adventures has launched their 2018 season and is offering rafting and jet boat tours on the Snake River in Hells Canyon. HCA is the only company that provides a variety of jet boat tours, raft adventures, fishing charters, and shuttle services into the heart of Hells Canyon – South Entrance /...Continue Reading
Jacob and Esther of Local Adventurer have a unique way of approaching travel. As bloggers on travel and lifestyle, they found they could best get to know a city and destination by actually moving there for one year. In 2017, their focus was on Portland and Oregon. We were fortunate to have Eastern Oregon as...Continue Reading
As is typical in byway country during the heart of summer, there are lots of ways to spend the weekend, soaking up the sun or cooling off in a watery wonderland. In Baker City, it’s time for Minor’s Jubilee – a celebration of the region’s gold mining history and a great excuse for lining up...Continue Reading
SUMMERVILLE, ORE__Lyndall Shick fell in love with horses, and with the Wallowa Mountains, when she was six years old. Each summer, her family took a camping trip to Wallowa Lake, where they rented horses and rode into the high lakes. She was enchanted with the big, powerful, beautiful animals that let her sit on their...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
Hells Canyon Adventures offers jet boat rides, rafting, and fishing adventures at the south entrance of Hells Canyon, on the Snake River. It is an amazing time to experience canyon thrills, wildlife and awe-inspiring views of the rugged canyon walls and towering mountains above. This week’s schedule is below. All tours operate on Pacific Time....Continue Reading
If you have ever considered a visit to the magnificent Wallowas of Northeast Oregon, you really must take a look at Joe Whittle’s blog on TravelOregon.com. If you once called our corner of Oregon home and are homesick for the scenic beauty and amazing recreational opportunities here – you really must see the photos and...Continue Reading
Grant McOmie, a popular Portland, Oregon, news man, visited Hells Canyon Scenic Byway country in August and put together a great segment on the Joseph Branch Railriders and the Eagle Cap Excursion Train for his Grant’s Getaways program on KGW TV. Watch this segment, then take the time to explore Oregon through his eyes....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 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
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
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
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
Fall has arrived along the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway! After a hot and dry summer, the autumn overcast and bluster is a welcome change, although we are adjusting to that nip in the air. The first traces of snow have dusted the high peaks and the amber and rusty colors of fall are appearing in...Continue Reading
In 2000, the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway was designated an All-American Road, the top designation available within the America’s Byways® collection of 150 nationally designated routes. Interpretive markers throughout the route have since been added, with the assistance of grants from the Federal Highways Administration’s National Scenic Byways Program. Over the years, the byway has...Continue Reading
