| Description: This scenic route descends from the forested heights of the Blue Mountains, down through the gentle, grassy hills & green fields to the Columbia River. The northern end of the route reflects the region`s history of homesteading & agriculture, with an Oregon Trail resting place at Wells Spring, the historic county seat, & agricultural reclamation projects. Recreational facilities along this segment include a picnic area & boat launch at the Willow Creek Reservoir.
The southern end of the route climbs through a new forest, growing where fire & insects had destroyed the old forest. Overlooks from the byway afford views of long valleys, meadows, & alpine lakes. Campgrounds are on the border of the North Fork John Day Wilderness & at the end of the byway, on the Wild & Scenic North Fork John Day River. Otherwise, dispersed camping is permitted in the forest, & trailheads along the byway offer hiker & backpacker access to the wilderness. The forest bears traces of gold mining activity a century ago, particularly the long "Chinese Wall," built by immigrant miners moving boulders out of the streambeds. Elk & deer often graze in the meadows of the forest & in the fields outside the forest near dusk. The wild & scenic river corridor supports many protected species, including bald eagles & salmon. The Blue Mountains are popular for snowmobiling in the winter.
Location: From the North Fork John Day River, north of Granite, take Forest Road 52 north to Ukiah. Jog west on OR 244, then follow Forest Road 53 to Heppner. From Heppner, take OR 74 to its terminus at the Columbia River.
Season: year round; best in summer.
Fee: fee for some developed facilities.
Reservations: no. Available:
Biking Fishing Picnicking
Boating (Motorized) Hiking/Backpacking Scenic Driving
Boating (Non-motorized) Horseback Riding
Camping Wildlife Viewing
Winter Sports Campgnd, Primitive Drinking Water
Cultural-Historic Sites Restrooms Boat Ramp
Campgnd, Developed RV Sites. |
Supervisor`s OfficeW, Umatilla National Forest, Blue Mountain Scenic Byway Campground Web Site
Driving Direction GPS Coordinates:
45.661735, -118.807623
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Campground: Supervisor`s OfficeW, Umatilla National Forest, Blue Mountain Scenic Byway in Pendleton Oregon *