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
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 40th edition of Oregon’s Alpenfest, takes place Thursday, Sept. 27, through Sunday, Sept. 30. Swiss, Germans and anyone else who appreciates Alpine traditions gather each September in Wallowa County to celebrate lively polka, soothing alphorn music, melodic Swiss yodeling, savory bratwurst and eastern Oregon craft beer. Oregon’s Alpenfest, the only Swiss-Bavarian cultural festival in...Continue Reading
It’s County Fair time in Byway Country! Attend a quintessential county fair to see farm and ranch animals, 4H and FFA competitions, and to experience life in the close-knit communities of Northeast Oregon. Sample fair food and visit commercial and non-profit booths to learn what is available and the hot topics in our neck of...Continue Reading
When reading this week’s issue of the Wallowa County Chieftain, I felt Kathleen’s entire Biz Buzz column might be of interest to byway travelers. So, we thank the Chieftain for allowing us to post the column in Byway News. If all of this doesn’t get you excited about visiting Wallowa County, then, well…you haven’t been to...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
BAKER CITY, Oregon__On Wednesday, June 14, the Bureau of Land Management is holding a Wild Horse educational event at the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Bureau of Land Management invites families, youth and visitors to learn how public lands connect them to America’s natural and cultural heritage...Continue Reading
The Hells Canyon Scenic Byway is a thriving this Memorial Day Weekend. Check out the following activities, then go to the Wallowa County, Union County and Baker County websites for even more happenings. Have a safe, fun and meaningful Memorial holiday weekend. Saturday, May 27th Eagle Cap Excursion Train / Two River Bonus, 10:00 am...Continue Reading
ELGIN, OREGON__Every wonder what it looks like over the next ridge and down the tumbling rivers, far from the highways in byway country? The Eagle Cap Excursion Train has a busy schedule under way June through October, with plenty of opportunities for passengers to enjoy the beautiful and ever-changing scenery along the route. Departing from...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
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
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
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
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
