Browse Ask Oregon Q&As

View

What’s happening around the Wallowas in August?

There’s a few things going on in that area in August, like the Back Country Bash in Joseph (July 31-Aug. 1), the Wallowa County Fair (Aug. 1-8), and the Wallowa County Stock-Growers Ranch Rodeo (Aug. 15). You’ve got some beautiful scenic drives, like the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway, or you could ride the Wallowa Lake…

Are there campsites near breweries in Eastern Oregon?

There are a few great places that come to mind near my home base where you can camp and be close to the best local breweries out here in Eastern Oregon. There is camping at points all around Joseph, where long running Terminal Gravity has recently expanded to a new taproom, East Fork, while also maintaining its…

Where should we stay between Salt Lake City and Seattle?

With the distance between Salt Lake and Seattle being around 832 miles, Baker City (464 miles) and La Grande (506 miles) both offer a close halfway point for the overall trip. Staying in Ontario (392 miles) would mean a shorter first day of travel, however, but depending how you want to break up the trip would…

Do I need 4-wheel drive for the Alvord Desert?

In terms of the Alvord Desert, many people travel to these remote campsites near the hot springs in campers and cars. While the roads are gravel, they are often in good condition, but keep an eye out on weather as your trip nears, as heavy rains can change those conditions. The Alvord is really a…

What routes from Baker City should I take for an adventure?

Baker City is a great place to start any number of road trips that take you off of the interstate. If you are wanting to head toward the southwest (or southeast or further south) the easiest way is to head out toward Sumpter to Prairie City to John Day using Highway 7 to Highway 26….

Where should we eat in Hermiston?

There are a good number of classic and new fine eating establishments to choose from in the Hermiston area. Here are a few, of many, local favorites: Hermiston Brewing Company has some great beers on tap and classic pub fair like burgers and wings, to brick-oven fired pizzas and halibut fish and chips Delish Bistro…

Do you have any tips for visiting the Painted Hills during the holidays?

Sounds like you have some fun plans for the holidays! The Painted Hills can be really quite spectacular in the winter with the colorful landscape often dusted in snow. Depending on weather conditions, your ability to access the heart of the area might change, but the area is open all year, although some building and…

Where should we eat around Hermiston?

There are a good number of classic and new fine eating establishments to choose from in the Hermiston area. Here are a few, of many, local favorites: Hermiston Brewing Company has some great beers on tap and classic pub fair like burgers and wings, to brick-oven fired pizzas and halibut fish and chips Delish Bistro…

Do you know how to find the ghost town of Auburn?

There are some great resources over at Travel Oregon on ghost towns. You can also find helpful details at Visit Eastern Oregon here. According to these sources and others, it does appear that Auburn is fairly rundown and collapsed, with little signs other than rubble and gravestones from the old town cemetery that can be…

What’s a beautiful place near Baker City where I can propose to my girlfriend?

What exciting news! Baker City is a pretty amazing place with a lot of beautiful vistas nearby, and even more if you have extra time to explore. The downtown area has some beautiful cityscapes, including in front of the historic Geiser Grand Hotel. There are some lovely valley views along the Elkhorns as you drive…

Are there campsites near the Painted Hills with restrooms?

Sounds like a really fun trip! The Painted Hills are one of my favorite places in Oregon, with a landscape that is both majestic and a little surreal when the sunlight hits it just right. One of the best campgrounds near the Painted Hills is the Clyde Holliday State Recreation Site, located between John Day…

What are the scenic backroads in Southeastern Oregon?

Southeast Oregon is a beautiful region with some great sightseeing opportunities. I love spending time in the city of Burns, they have some great parks and restaurants. Also, the Alvord Desert and the Steens Mountains are in the region as well. These a great stops with exciting backroads. I can recommend a few Scenic Byways…

What hikes near La Grande do you suggest?

The city of La Grande is home to a lot of great hikes, including the Mount Emily Recreation Area (MERA). At 3,669 acres, MERA is one of the most elite trail systems in Eastern Oregon — plus it’s only two miles from downtown La Grande. If you have a day to spare, I highly recommend traveling a…

Is the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway appropriate for a 35′ motorhome to drive?

The Hells Canyon Scenic Byway is a great drive for visitors! You get some great stops with amazing views. Did you know that Hells Canyon is the deepest gorge in North America? The road itself is nice and well kept. I have a lot of folks come through with large vehicles and RVs. Parking at…

Is part of the Oregon Trail still visible in Eastern Oregon?

There are two great spots that I would suggest to see the Oregon Trail. One is Blue Mountain Crossing, just off I-84, about nine miles west of La Grande. It’s a half-mile paved, easy accessible trail that follows some of the best preserved and most scenic traces of the Oregon Trails. Blue Mountain Crossing has discovery trails where you…

From northern Idaho, what’s the best Oregon destination?

Wallowa Lake is close to the Idaho boarder and offers visitors with some amazing hiking and sightseeing opportunities. As far as overnight stays, there is a great state park at the lake, where you can camp, in addition to many different cabins and hotels right there. Joseph is a nice place to visit and stay;…

Where can we get the best view of the Wallowas?

There is a tramway at Wallowa Lake that goes up 3,700 feet to the summit of Mount Howard. The Wallowa Lake Tramway is the steepest tram in North America and ascends above the Wallowa Lake Village and Wallowa Lake. Taking the gondola gives you some of the most incredible views in Eastern Oregon. Back on…

What is the best way to see Jordan Valley by car?

This is a really great question! I actually took a driving tour through this same area of Oregon at the end of October last fall. So, for starters, I’d say that time is one of the best to go. I don’t think you’d want to go any later than the middle of November (too cold!)…

Where can we have a dog sledding adventure this winter?

Did you know that the Wallowas are the site for the only qualifier for the Iditarod in the lower 48? The event is called the Eagle Cap Extreme and it’s held every January. So, I’d recommend getting in touch with the organizers for more detailed information about routes in the Wallowas, and there are lodgings…

Is September a good time to visit the Painted Hills?

September is an excellent time to visit the Painted Hills, since the days will still be sunny but cooler and more comfortable for seeing the sites. The main site of the Painted Hills, one of 3 units in the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is just outside of Mitchell, OR. This is where you’ll…