For your information, Idaho Power has released the following new item concerning the road to the Hells Canyon Dam and the Hells Canyon Creek Visitor Center in the heart of the canyon. Pack drinking water and a snack, then sit back and enjoy the dramatic scenery if you get delayed. The drive is worth the...Continue Reading
The Bear Creek (Wallowa River) Bridge replacement project is moving along. The detour is no longer re-routing traffic around the bridge project. Travelers will instead experience single lane access controlled by an automated traffic signal. Remainder of the new structure will be completed in fall 2023. For more information, visit the project webpage: OR 82:...Continue Reading
Now is an amazing time to enjoy the scenery along the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway All-American Road. The hillsides are many shades of green and wildflowers are in full bloom. There is still snow on the high peaks, adding depth and character to your photos. Please take the road slowly and watch for hazards such...Continue Reading
Wow! It’s hot and dry out there. Please use extra caution to protect yourself and others, wildlife, and our precious landscape! Here is the latest from the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. NEWS RELEASE – Extreme Fire Danger BAKER CITY, Ore. (July 8, 2021) – The Fire Danger Level is now “Extreme” across the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. At midnight...Continue Reading
The Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife provides weekly reports, with important information for your visit to Hells Canyon Scenic Byway country. Learn more and sign up to receive the weekly digital report at this website: https://myodfw.com/recreation-report Watch wildlife from a distance – June 10, 2021 Leave them where you find them Young wild animals...Continue Reading
The following update to the Joseph Creek and Dry Creek Fires was released by the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, Saturday, June 12, 2021. ENTERPRISE, OR__On the morning of June 11, at 6:00 a.m., NW Team 7 transitioned management of the fire back to local agencies. Northwest Team 7 would like to thank the entire Wallowa County...Continue Reading
With spring rapidly approaching, we are in the transition time, when the FS 39 Road is still closed due to snow, while the Oregon Department of Transportation is announcing their construction season plans! This can be seen as an indication of the wide range of elevations and landforms traversed by the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway....Continue Reading
Errors in judgement due to misinformation or a lack of knowledge about road conditions can lead to very dangerous situations. Please! Know that the Forest Service Road 39 is closed for winter and not open nor safe for winter travel, other than by snowmobile. Talk to locals and never trust GPS when on roads you...Continue Reading
Campfires and chainsaw use prohibited The Wallowa-Whitman National Forest issued the following press release Friday. Please stay safe, comply with all restrictions and take every precaution to keep our forests green. BAKER CITY, Ore. (September 11, 2020) — Due to continued hot temperatures, lack of moisture and extreme fire danger, National Forest officials have announced...Continue Reading
Sections of the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway travel through the Wallowa Whitman National Forest and the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area. We have been experiencing very hot, dry weather and there have been thunder and lightening storms in recent days. This has made fire danger throughout the byway high. For everyone’s safety, please follow all...Continue Reading
The holiday season is just around the corner and we want to help ensure you have safe and enjoyable travels. Winter in our corner of Oregon is beautiful! But, for the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway, winter means the closure of the Forest Service Road 39, which is the pass that connects Baker County at the...Continue Reading
An Announcement from the Oregon Department of Transportation, Wednesday, October 31, 2018: As fall quickly turns to winter, it’s time to prepare for your favorite winter activities. Oregon’s Sno-Park program helps provide snow removal at about 100 winter recreation parking areas (Sno-Parks) across the state.Continue Reading
BAKER CITY, Oregon__Motorists can expect to see 1,500 bicyclists on eastern Oregon routes this week as Cycle Oregon continues its week-long event that started Saturday in Baker City. The annual two-wheeled pilgrimage saw hundreds of bicyclists travel along OR86 between Baker City and Halfway on Sunday. The group will ride the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway...Continue Reading
The Oregon Department of Parks & Recreation announced today a special pilot program that will offer discounted rates for electrical and full-hookup RV campsites is now available at selected state parks during September and October. Two parks in Eastern Oregon are included, Starting today, campers will be able to apply a special online code to receive...Continue Reading
BAKER CITY, OREGON__With forecasts for smoky days and potential thundershowers, the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center offers some ideas for indoor things for residents and visitors to do at the Center. Take in a performance of “Dr. Balthasar” in the air conditioned Leo Adler Theater. Portraying a mid-1800s medicine show, Dr. Balthasar sells miracle...Continue Reading
Following is a press release from Idaho Power. Weed management on the dam and equipment replacement at the power plant’s switchyard will require closing the road over the dam for several days in May. OXBOW, Oregon, May 9, 2018 — The road over Hells Canyon Dam will be closed on May 14 and again...Continue Reading
Removal of stoplogs from Hells Canyon Dam will reduce traffic over the dam to one lane and cause periodic delays over the next two weeks. OXBOW, Oregon, Sept. 21, 2017 — Traffic over Hells Canyon Dam will be restricted Monday and Tuesday next week and during the following week while crews use heavy equipment to...Continue Reading
News Release from Oregon Parks and Recreation Dept. Posted on FlashAlert: August 16th, 2017 2:30 PM Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is prohibiting all campfires and open flames in Oregon State Parks and other properties owned and managed by the department beginning Aug. 16 until further notice. These restrictions extend to all Oregon beaches....Continue Reading
OXBOW, Oregon, Aug. 4, 2017 — The road over Hells Canyon Dam will be closed to all traffic from 7 a.m.–4:30 p.m. MDT on Monday, Aug. 7, through Thursday, Aug. 10. A crane being used to move stop-logs from one of the dam’s outlet gates will require the road to be closed. Flaggers at the...Continue Reading
Arrive early, stay put, leave late; don’t let your vehicle start a wildfire. The August 21 Solar Eclipse is certain to be memorable. With this worldwide event heading to Oregon during the peak of fire season, ODOT and the Oregon Department of Forestry want to make sure YOUR memories don’t include starting a wildfire. In...Continue Reading
BAKER CITY, Oregon__The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is hosting several special interpretive programs throughout July for visitors at the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center, providing lots of opportunities for visitors and families to enjoy the outdoors and learn about the old west during their summer vacations. With these presentations, the BLM invites visitors...Continue Reading
The Wallowa Whitman National Forest announces Forest Service Road 39, also known as the Wallowa Mountain Loop Road, is now open for the season and maintained. Routine maintenance will continue to be done on it throughout the travel season. This is the section of the byway that completes the loop from Wallowa County to the north with Halfway in...Continue Reading
The Baker City Cycling Classic will take place June 23 through June 25, 2017. Motorists can expect delays on Friday morning on Hwy 30 in Baker City and toward Haines, also Hwy 203 and into Keating, Hwy 86 back to Baker City and finishing on Atwood. Racing begins at 9:30 a.m. and will conclude around...Continue Reading
LA GRANDE, Ore. – Contractors working for the Oregon Department of Transportation will be working along U.S. Highway 30 at the McAlister Lane intersection, two miles east of La Grande. Crews will saw cut the pavement on Friday, and then return next Tuesday, May 30, to begin widening the highway adjacent to the railroad crossing....Continue Reading
OXBOW, Oregon, May 1, 2017 — The road that crosses over Hells Canyon Dam will be closed to all traffic on Wednesday, May 3, from 8 a.m. to noon and from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., Mountain Daylight Time. The temporary closure is necessary to conduct maintenance on the switchyard below the dam. The work...Continue Reading
Idaho Power announced today,visitors considering a trip to Hells Canyon can now check the status of the road between Oxbow and Hells Canyon Dam by calling 541-785-7251. A recorded message will provide road closure updates. We encourage folks to use it before heading that way. The road was closed on Monday, February 6, due to...Continue Reading
The last few weeks have brought the kind of winter weather we have not seen for a few years. Heavy snowfall, frigid temperatures and wind have caused occasional road closures on Interstate 84 and many of the state highways and county roads in the area. We are thrilled to have the snow piling up in...Continue Reading
OXBOW, Oregon, August 16, 2016 — A narrow section of Hells Canyon Road will be closed between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PDT on Saturday, August 20. Idaho Power crews are replacing a transmission pole near the road north of Oxbow. The work is necessary to maintain reliable transmission of energy out of the Hells Canyon...Continue Reading
If you have ever considered a visit to the magnificent Wallowas of Northeast Oregon, you really must take a look at Joe Whittle’s blog on TravelOregon.com. If you once called our corner of Oregon home and are homesick for the scenic beauty and amazing recreational opportunities here – you really must see the photos and...Continue Reading
The tourism industry of Eastern Oregon extends its heartfelt concern for the residents, and communities that have been impacted by the recent wildfires throughout the region including, and especially those that have endured loss of property, and in some cases livelihood. However, visitors to the east side of Oregon should be aware that most events...Continue Reading
