Eastern Oregon

One of Oregon’s 7 Wonders, the Wallowas include glacial lakes, pristine forests and the deepest river gorge in North America – all in one place. At the foot of the mountains, the tiny town of Joseph is a popular basecamp to access fishing, hiking, camping, biking, water sports at Wallowa Lake, snow sports in the winter and a dizzying sky tram to the 2,438-meter peak of Mt. Howard.

The deepest river gorge in North America was formed by the Snake River over a period of millions of years. Its imposing depth of 2,436 meters inaccessible by road means a wholly unspoiled wilderness to explore. The Hells Canyon National Recreation Area boasts hiking, biking, fishing, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, camping and other outdoor adventures.

At Oregon’s highest base elevation, Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort boasts some of the region’s best winter skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling. When the snow melts, go biking, hiking, fishing and camping in an unspoiled wilderness. Access all the fun from accommodations ranging from deluxe yurts to the plush rooms of the historic Geiser Grand Hotel in nearby Baker City.

One of Oregon’s newer American Viticultural Areas (AVA) is the Rocks District, where more than a dozen wineries produce distinctive flavors, particularly Syrah. The Rocks District is part of the Whisky & Rocks Farm Trail, a self-guided driving tour of regional winemakers, farmers, brewers, distillers and gourmet food artisans.

Every year, 50,000 people flock to see the rodeo spectacular known as the Pendleton Round-Up. The rest of the year, unique craftspeople create heirloom-worthy objects: beautiful wool goods at Pendleton Woolen Mills, handmade cowboy boots at Staplemans Boots & Leather, world-famous saddles from Hamley & Co. and Native American arts at Crow’s Shadow Institute of the Arts.

Divided into three units, the 7,700-hectare John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is one of the world’s richest repositories of plant and mammal fossils. The Clarno Unit captures a period in time when four-toed horses and ancient rhino roamed lush jungles some 54 million years ago. At the Sheep Rock Unit, you can view the fossils at the Thomas Condon Paleontology Center, a working lab, and marvel at naturally green claystone rocks and exposed fossils. The otherworldly red and orange Painted Hills Unit is one of Oregon’s 7 Wonders. Clear out your camera’s memory for this one.

Cottonwood Canyon State Park – Oregon’s second largest state park – is great for horseback riding, hiking, camping and access to the completely undammed John Day River. As the third-longest free-flowing river in the USA, the John Day offers an outstanding paddling experience as well as top-notch bass fishing.  

Steens Mountain boasts some of the most natural, pristine land you can imagine. Wide-open spaces allow for outdoor activities of all sorts, and the mountain flora and fauna will keep your camera busy. From late summer to early fall, drive Steens Loop Tour Route, the highest road in Oregon, for views of Wildhorse Lake, Kiger Gorge and the Alvord Desert, as well as awesome roadside hikes and expansive vistas at the summit.

In the shadow of Steens Mountain, the Alvord Desert seems like a different world altogether. If the lakebed is dry, you can walk out onto the cracked, sunbaked playa and take pictures of Steens in the distance. With almost no light pollution, this is one of the best places to see a million twinkling night stars. Camp at Alvord Hot Springs to soak in the mineral pools and watch the sunrise.