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| Along the Oregon Trail |
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Imagine riding in a covered wagon from dawn to dusk and covering a mere two miles. That was a typical day for the Oregon Trail pioneers.
If they'd had the time and the luxury, the pioneers may have soaked in the tremendous views along the way. Few of them could, but you certainly can. Mountains stretching their jagged arms skyward surround you as you head from Pendleton to Ontario in northeast Oregon. Along the way, there are a few choice state campgrounds — excellent base camps to explore what's left of the Oregon Trail.
And you don't need to stop there. If you take your time, you'll have a chance to experience eastern Oregon at its best.
DAY 1
Early afternoon
If you're heading along I-84 east from Pendleton, stop by Deadman's Pass rest area to see the Oregon Trail kiosk. Continue east on I-84 to Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area. This beautiful park perched near the summit of the Blue Mountains will be a perfect spot to spend your first night.
Take a walk on the nature trail.
Evening
Relax under a comforting canopy of spruce trees. Listen for owls.
Ask your park host about evening programs in the park, and tour schedules for the Pendleton Underground tours and tours of the Pendleton Woolen Mills. You'll want to keep the Pendleton information on hand for your return trip.
DAY 2
Morning
Sleep in, but not too late ... this is a big day.
Pack a lunch, break camp and head east on I-84.
Drop by the Blue Mountain Crossing of the Oregon Trail, an interpretive park about 15 miles east of Emigrant Springs on the freeway.
To get you even more in the mood for the Oregon Trail, stop at Hilgard Junction State Park for a cup of coffee and to enjoy more kiosk displays.
Head for Baker City (consider a stop at the LaGrande Chamber of Commerce to pick up information on events and attractions in the area).
When you get to Baker City, follow the signs off the freeway to the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center at Flagstaff Hill. If you can, plan to spend most of the day here.
Late Afternoon
Continue south and east on I-84 from Baker City until you reach Farewell Bend State Park on the shores of the Snake River.
The grassy picnic area offers a fine view of the river.
Check out the interpretive Oregon Trail displays.
How about a game of sand volleyball or horseshoes? The park has courts for both.
Evening
There may be an evening program in the amphitheater. Check with the park ranger.
If you have time on your way home, stop by the Sumpter Valley Dredge State Heritage Area 30 minutes west of Baker City on Highway 7. The dredge is a relic from the gold rush days. Rehabilitation of the behemoth machine is underway, but the work done to date and the interpretive signs and store make this well worth the trip.
If the weather is good, you can continue from the town of Sumpter along the Elkhorn Scenic Byway. It's not the route the pioneers used, but keep your eye out for the little shacks that mark hard rock mining shafts. If you decide to head west on I-84 instead, you might want to stop at Pendleton on your way.
After a couple of days on the trail, you've just scratched the surface of what eastern Oregon has to offer. We're sure you'll want to come back for more.
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