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 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
With spring rapidly approaching, we are in the transition time, when the FS 39 Road is still closed due to snow, while the Oregon Department of Transportation is announcing their construction season plans! This can be seen as an indication of the wide range of elevations and landforms traversed by the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway....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
HALFWAY, OREGON_When Northeast Oregon starts awakening after a long winter, changes in the landscape happen quickly. Many consider this the prettiest time of year in parts of the byway. Dressed for outdoor chores, we took advantage of a change in our plans for the day, and took a drive Saturday, just to enjoy the beauty....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
While filling out your gift list, rememberall of the great tastes and discoveries made while exploring the reaches of Eastern Oregon and include some of those treasures for your friends and loved ones.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
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, 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 Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center is hosting a Wild Horse and Burro Day on June 15, 2016. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., specialists with the BLM’s Wild Horse and Burro Program will discuss how the program is structured and operated and showcase wild horses available for adoption...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
Wednesday, October 15, was a day of celebration for Northeast Oregon. Officials gathered at Lake Fork Campground beside the FS Road 39 for a ribbon cutting and ceremonial opening of the 13-mile section of road that has been under construction for over two years. The new smooth, black pavement was the star of the day...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
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
Early in August, Portland, Oregon, cycling enthusiast Jonathon Maus spent some time exploring northeast Oregon and the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway by bike. His resulting blogs on BikePortland.org will leave you yearning to park the car, hang up the keys and use just two-wheels to experience our beautiful corner of the state. Following is the...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
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
