Agritourism - Union County
The Grande Ronde Farm Trail is a perfect way to enjoy the scenery and explore some of the abundant farms and ranches that are the heart and soul of the Grande Ronde Valley. This self-guided tour of farms, dairies, ranches, orchards, gardens and self-serve farm stands highlights traditional and modern farming methods. Once a year, most are open for the Union County Farm Crawl, a one-day event celebrating nature's bounty.
Click here to download the map.
Farm Trails of Eastern Oregon
Century Farms, produce stands and tasting rooms line the scenic routes of the River to Hills Farm Trail. Take time to talk to the farmers and ranchers who are proud stewards of this land and love to share their stories of where our food comes from. Miles of wide-open beauty, plus craft brews, wineries and small friendly towns await on this fun driving tour.
Click here for a map.
Explore abundant farms, orchards and wineries and meet artisan producers who make fresh, delicious food, hand-crafted beverages and fine heritage crafts. Start the self-guided wander in Pendleton, home to the famous Pendleton Round Up, or in the charming town of Milton-Freewater, and plan to experience both cities. Oregon State Route 11 connects the two communities and continues north across the state line to Walla Walla.
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The Payette, Malheur and Owyhee Rivers join the Snake River in what is called the Four Rivers area in and around Ontario, Oregon. Water from these rivers nourishes the highly fertile land, producing a variety of crops that help feed and color the world. The winding Snake River forms the border between Oregon and Idaho and eventually joins the Columbia. Explore this self-guided tour in pieces or take a full day to seek out its many treasures.
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Not just a pretty place, the area surrounding Kimberly has an excellent micro-climate, rich soil and plentiful water from the John Day River, making this a prime area for growing fruit and vegetables, raising livestock, and recreating. The climate is dry and the smiles warm and genuine. Take time on the curves and watch the sides of the road - wildlife is common (especially mule deer) and cattle have the right-of-way in "free range" country.
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Magnificent and rugged, this country holds a pioneer spirit that beckons a closer look. The self-guided driving tour extends from south of Joseph north to the Grande Ronde River Canyon. Along the way, you’ll see 35 well-preserved barns, three historic schools, welcoming little towns and stunning views of the wild Wallowa Mountains and dramatic river canyons. The tour also offers a bike route for cyclists.
Click here for a map.
Eastern Oregon Visitor Giude
2023 Eastern Oregon Visitor Guide
This is your guide to explore the 11 county Eastern Oregon travel area.
Hells Canyon Scenic By-Way
Click here to go to the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway website.
Length: 218 miles byway proper; with side trips, 400 miles. 1-2 days with an overnight stay in Union County.
Hells Canyon Scenic Byway lets you leave the fast pace and fenced-in views of I-84 and follow the contours of the land into slower times and wilder places. Union County is the perfect starting point for your Hells Canyon adventure!
Information: The route of the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway is a loop that encircles the Wallowa Mountains of NE Oregon, intersecting with Interstate 84 at La Grande and Baker City. Small towns, scattered along the drive, offer visitor services. The entire route is on a paved highway. Plan ahead – you’ll find stretches of more than eighty miles without gas and with few services. A segment of the Byway between Joseph and Halfway closes with snow during the long winter, but allows access to winter recreation areas, offering a whole other kind of Northeast Oregon Adventure.
Length: 218 miles byway proper; with side trips, 400 miles.
Click here for a downloadable map.
Click here for a digital brochure.
Union County Map
Walking, Biking, and Driving Tours
Oregon Scenic Bikeway - The Grande Tour
The Grande Tour Scenic Bikeway in northeast Oregon offers cycling opportunities for every rider. If you are an adventure cyclist seeking a challenging destination ride, try the entire 134-mile figure-eight route, where you will find plenty of rolling, winding country roads with little traffic. Cyclists wanting a more leisurely trip can ride segments near small communities to make your ride fun, comfortable, and memorable.
Click here for a Scenic Bikeway Tour Map
La Grande Historic Homes Urban Walking Tour
Approx. 2 hours
When the Grande Ronde Valley was settled in the 1860's, the area of this tour was mainly open grassy slopes with a few pine trees and wetlands. La Grande's original settlement was several blocks south. The original town site, platted in 1862, included the pioneer campground at what is now Birnie Park. It was bounded by First through Fourth streets and A through D avenues. The Oregon Trail became B and C avenues. The first home stead was built at what is now the cornet of B Avenue and Cedar St and is marked with a memorial monument.
Click here for a La Grande Historic Home Brochure
The Grande Tour - Oregon Scenic Driving Tour Route
Distance: 80 miles - Allow 4-5 hours
"Grande" is the French word for "big" and the Grande Tour delivers. Along the route you'll encounter beautiful mountains, wide open valleys, rich farmlands with crops, and rugged ranges that stretch for miles. This loop makes a lazy figure-eight around the Grande Ronde Valley and is well worth the 80 mile drive. The longest stretch between services is about 50 miles, so start with plenty of fuel and water. Plan your trip for a lunch break in La Grande, Union, or Cove. You could also pack a picnic and enjoy one of the lovely parks (Riverside Park in La Grande) or scenic stops along the way.
Click here for The Grande Tour Brochure
Turns of the Brick - Historic Walking Tour
Approx. 2 hours
The tour begins and ends at the La Grande City Hall on the corner of Adams Ave. and Fourth St. Two -hour street parking is available in the immediate area. for the best view of the upper stories, observe the buildings from across the street, then get close up to enjoy the finer details.
Click here for a Turns of the Brick Brochure
Northeast Oregon Arts Trail
Northeast Oregon celebrates some of the richest arts and cultural communities in the state. The sweeping and diverse landscapes of Eastern Oregon and the majestic peaks of the Wallowas and the Elkhorns inspire artists and craftsmen from every corner of the world to capture, create, and preserve its history and wonder. Each community offers a different unique experience from music, theater, and art galleries to annual festivals and cultural celebrations.
Click here for the NE Oregon Art Trail Brochure.
The Oregon Trail Experience
Experience some of the best preserved traces of the Old Emigrant Trail. Paved foot paths meander alongside wagon-wide depressions amid sweeping views of the Blue Mountains.
Click here for the Oregon Trail Experience Brochure
Mt Emily Recreation Area - Bike, Hike, Run! Guide
You can now download the latest guide for hiking, biking and running Mt Emily Recreation area. MERA is 3000 acres of alpine adventure just a short drive from La Grande.
Click here to download the new MERA Bike, Hike, Run! Brochure