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 as speeding vehicles and larger vehicles taking wide corners. Although it is a paved, two-lane highway, it is a backroad through a forested area, and anything can happen at any time. Always use caution and be aware that cell phone service is often not available, so getting assistance can be daunting. Be prepared – fill your tank before setting out (Joseph and Halfway have fuel stations) and carry drinking water, snacks and jackets for changes in the weather. Forest Service campgrounds are open and serviced by mid-June.
To experience the canyon from the bottom looking up at the dramatic basalt cliffs, go to Copperfield and cross the bridge to the Idaho side, then follow the Snake River downstream to the Hells Canyon Dam (24 miles of paved highway) and the Hells Canyon Dam Interpretive Center. This is in the heart of the canyon and the scenery is spectacular. Then backtrack toward Halfway to where the FS Road 39 leads into the forest for the section that offers grand views from the top, looking down into canyon country from the Hells Canyon Overlook. (Don’t miss the turn-off to the 2-mile drive to the overlook!)

AS mentioned elsewhere, there are highway construction projects in a couple of places along the byway’s state highways. In our region, highway officials must cram a lot of work into a few months of good weather. You may have to wait for up to 20 minutes in some situations, or you may just experience a slow-down through sections where one lane is closed during weekdays. Please use caution – we all appreciate the work it takes to keep our highways safe.
One last note: be sure to also watch for livestock along all sections of the byway. Ranchers are turning their cattle out to summer grazing and cattle have the right-of-way in Oregon, so may be on the road in remote places that aren’t fenced or where fences haven’t yet been fixed after the impacts of winter. Cattle drives take place on byway roads, as well. When encountering a cattle drive, please slow down. Cattle, calves, horses and dogs can be very unpredictable around vehicles, especially when stressed. Honking the horn won’t help and can cause an accident. Watch for signals from people tending the livestock, as they will help you navigate through the herd, whether you are traveling with or against the flow of animals. We appreciate your patience and hope you will enjoy this enduring and necessary spectacle of the West.

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 tonight, the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) is moving to Level 4 as an additional fire-prevention measure. Public Use Restrictions (PURs) remain in Phase B this weekend on the Wallowa-Whitman. However, persistent wildfire risks may require a move to Phase C PURs in the near future.

IFPL 4 requires a general shutdown of chainsaws, power saws, and all heavy equipment operations. IFPLs also applies to fuelwood permit holders for both commercial and personal uses.

• Chainsaw and power saw use is not allowed.
• Tractor, skidder, feller-buncher, forwarder, or shovel logging operations are not allowed, nor are mechanized loading operations, hauling of any product or material, cable yarding, or blasting.
• Welding, metal cutting, or any other activities that can produce or emit a spark are not allowed.

Please be mindful of current Phase B Public Use Restrictions in addition to IFPL 4 restrictions.

• Campfires are not allowed outside of the fire pits provided at developed recreation sites, where all flammable material should be cleared 10 feet from the edge of the pit, and the pit should be free of overhanging material.
• Anyone with a campfire must have a tool that can serve as a shovel and at least one gallon of water. Campfires must be attended at all times and completely extinguished prior to leaving. Remember: “If it is too hot to touch, it is too hot to leave.”
• While campfires are still allowed in Wilderness Areas, year-around restrictions in the Eagle Cap Wilderness prohibit campfires within 100 feet of any lakes or posted wetlands. Campfires are also prohibited within ¼ mile (1320 feet) of the lakes listed on the back of Eagle Cap Wilderness permits.
• As a reminder, year-around campfire restrictions also apply to the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area within a ¼ mile of the Wild and Scenic portions of the Snake River, from Hells Canyon Dam downstream to the Oregon-Washington border.
• Public lands in Idaho follow separate Idaho Fire Restrictions.
• Generators are allowed only if fully contained in the bed of a pickup truck or in an area that has been cleared of all flammable material at least 10 feet away. Other internal combustion engines are prohibited, except for motor vehicles.
• Wood stoves and briquette fires are not permitted.
• Motor vehicle travel off developed forest roads and trails is not allowed due to the risk of a vehicle sparking a wildfire in the dry grass and roadside vegetation. Exception: Vehicles may be used to access campsites located within 300 feet of an open developed road. All motorized travel on roads closed by gates, barricades, berms, rocks, or logs is prohibited.
• Fireworks are always prohibited on public lands.
• Phase B PURs prohibit chainsaw use without a permit, and even with a permit, chainsaw use is not currently allowed under IFPL 4.

Remember, “Only you can prevent wildfires!” With tinder-dry forest fuels and high daytime temperatures, conditions are prime for human-caused wildfires. We ask everyone to be extremely careful with campfires. Please be vigilant with other ignition sources too: It just takes one spark from an unsecured chain while towing a trailer, or from a flat tire with an exposed wheel or hubcap.

Separate restrictions may be in effect on State and private lands protected by Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) in northeast Oregon. For more information, contact your local ODF office or visit the Blue Mountain Interagency Dispatch Center website (http://www.bmidc.org).

To learn more, contact your local Forest Service office or visit our website (www.fs.usda.gov/wallowa-whitman).

wildfire notice poster

From Wallowa-Whitman National Forest: Wallowa Mountain Loop not currently open to wheeled vehicles for public safety

More information: Peter Fargo, Public Affairs Officer, 541-519-2809 or  peter.fargo@usda.gov

BAKER CITY, OR (March 12, 2021)__This winter, local authorities have assisted with multiple search and rescue efforts along the Wallowa Mountain Loop Road after cars and trucks became stuck in the snow.  To reduce this risk, the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest is reminding drivers that actively groomed snowmobile routes are not legal for wheeled vehicle travel under Oregon law (ORS 821.295).  This applies to the Wallowa Mountain Loop Road between Highway 86 junction near Halfway and the Salt Creek Summit Snow Park near Joseph.  The law also applies to the 39 Road from its intersection with the Imnaha River Road just south of the Imnaha Fish Weir.

The Wallowa Mountain Loop Road, also known as the 39 Road or North Pine Road, passes through the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area.  It is a groomed snowmobile route during the winter and will remain open to snowmobiles and individuals accessing private property.  Reflective barricades are in place on the south end of the road to deter wheeled vehicles from driving onto the groomed snowmobile route.  While the barricades are painted bright orange and reflective, all vehicle operators are advised to avoid a collision by noting the location of the barriers and nearby landmarks.  Please be extra cautious in low-light conditions.

“We plan to accommodate spring recreators and hunters by moving the barricades up the mountain as the snow recedes,” said Dan Story, Whitman District Road Engineer.  “This is a popular destination during all seasons, and especially for summer motorists, so we will be removing the barricades as soon as we can clear the road of down trees, boulders, and other obstacles.”

Mountain driving always has its risks.  Snow-covered roads may appear drivable until the vehicle reaches an obstacle, such as a tree or snow drift, and the driver is forced to stop, reverse, or turn around.  Many vehicles become stuck when the driver attempts to turn around and loses traction in the softer margins of the road.  Also, many on-board navigation systems are not up to date with seasonal conditions, especially in remote and rural areas.  Across the western US, there is a growing trend of these devices directing drivers to take backcountry routes that are not passable in winter.  It is best to check local information sources and know before you go.

Tips for a safer mountain driving experience during the winter and early spring:

• Use snow tires or chains as snow, ice, and water can create dangerously slippery roads.
• Be prepared to spend the night in your vehicle.
• Bring extra layers, handwarmers, sleeping bags, food, water, flashlights, extra batteries, and a kit to start a fire if necessary.
• Bring a satellite-based phone or emergency beacon in case you are out of cell range.
• Most importantly, make a plan and tell somebody else where you are going, your travel route, when you plan to return, and when you will check back in with them.
• Expect snowpack conditions to change as roads change in elevation and know that conditions at high elevations may remain impassable into July. Barricades are still in place at the junction of the Wallowa Mountain Loop Road and Highway 86 near Halfway, Oregon.

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From ODOT: Bridge repair work starts near Elgin March 29; Plan for delays

More information: Tom Strandberg, 541-663-6261 or thomas.m.strandberg@odot.state.or.us

ELGIN, OR (March 18, 2021)__Starting March 29, the Oregon Department of Transportation will be repairing the Grande Ronde River (South Elgin) Bridge along OR 82. The structure is located at milepost 19.2, less than a mile southwest of Elgin. Traffic impacts starting April 1 will include single lane travel across the bridge with traffic controlled by flaggers for the first day or two, as crews install temporary barriers down the middle of the bridge and temporary traffic signals at both ends of the bridge. Expect up to 20-minute delays.

Once the traffic signals are operational, wait times will be shorter, depending on traffic volumes. The temporary signals, lane closures and construction delays will continue 24/7 through the summer months.

Please be patient and plan extra travel time along this route. Obey flaggers and traffic signals at all times to keep everyone safe. Construction crews are working to repair deteriorating bridge conditions and improve safety for motorist, bicyclists and pedestrians.

Work includes removing and replacing the existing concrete overlay and bridge rail, and replacing the deck joints. All work is scheduled to be completed and lane restrictions removed by July15, 2021. Remember, traffic fines double in work zones.

We greatly appreciate your support and patience for this and all highway construction projects.

For more information check out the OR 82: Grande Ronde (South Elgin) Bridge Repairs project information page at www.tinyurl.com/odot5 .

Start the scenic Union County Farm Loop at Avella Orchard, 2807 N. Fir Street, La Grande. Begun in the 1950s, the 2-acre orchard within the city limits boasts over 250 unusual, rare and local pioneer fruit and nut trees. Tours by arrangement. www.avellaorchard.blogspot.com

Next stop is Evergreen Family Farm, 62402 Evergreen Road, La Grande, where the whole family uses organic practices to grow vegetables, fruit and cut flowers. You can also find them at the La Grande Farmers Market, Saturday mornings in downtown La Grande.

Head north of La Grande on Hunter Road to find Mount Emily Farmstead, where Hanoverion horses compete for your attention with eggs, goat milk, sauerkraut, native plants and flowers, dried herbs, garlic and garden produce. Call 541.786.6015 before visiting to ensure the farmers are available.

Cross the broad and fertile Grande Ronde Valley and wind along the base of the mountains to pass the location of the annual Pick‘N Patch. Open all of October, under bright blue skies, Frisch Farms’ invites you to explore the corn maze and choose from a huge selection of pumpkins and fall décor to take home and enjoy. The corn maze can be seen from the road in various stages throughout summer. www.facebook.com/PickNPatchfarm

Union County Farm Loop map 2020 digital

You’ve found your way to Cove, a sleepy little town that stretches its arms up the steep sides of Mt. Fanny and is best known for sweet cherries. There are six farm stands to visit here, with products ranging from garlic ristras to honey, garden greens to local fruits, vegetables, eggs, raw goat milk, flowers and fruit preserves. Bring a cooler so you can stock up! Nella Mae’s Farm Stand is open 24/7 and self-serve. Almosta Farm welcomes visitors and lodgers to their guest rental year-round – just contact them in advance. Contact the other farms for their hours and days or to arrange a visit.

Owners of Apple Spring Micro Farm in Cove say they love having children visit. “Our alpacas are friendly, our gardens are beautiful, our spring fed stream is clean water…all neat things for kids to explore!” says Dana Dobbs. Visitors also find delicious freshly baked treats, fruits and veggies picked that morning, and a special take away item for the kids!

If you call in advance, you can arrange a tour of the Grande Ronde Goat Dairy, between the towns of Cove and Union. This dairy milks around 800 does, using a rotary milking system, and sends its milk to California to be made into gourmet cheese you can find in your supermarket or specialty food store. There are often adorable goat kids to cuddle during tours. This is a working dairy, so please call or text before you visit: 541.805.9622.

In Union, stop by Platz Family Farm stand and fill the rest of the cooler with fruit, eggs and vegetables from the large, well organized garden and greenhouse. You will also find locally made crafts, jams and jellies and frozen beef from just down the road. Open Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., late May through October. www.platzfamilyfarm.com 

Just across the highway is Cat’s Paw Mercantile, an easy to spot little white building with pink trim, flowers and a big metal horse in the parking lot. It’s filled with colorful and fragrant goat milk soaps, lotions and pet potions, small-batch sauces and salsas and much more. Most of the products are made from ingredients produced at the on-site farm. Take time to giggle at the gaggle of domestic geese and watch the goats at play. www.catspawfarm.com

Still want more time down on the farm? Prearrange a visit with “Babydoll Southdown” sheep and learn about felting wool at Ladd View Ranch, www.laddviewbabydollsheep.com or tour a beef cattle operation at Boothman Ranch (call or text 541.962.9287 to tour), both on Hot Lake Lane.

Back in downtown La Grande, stop at Community Merchants to stock the freezer with local beef, pork, lamb and chicken, or pick up a souvenir from a local artist or craft maker. Treat yourself with gelato ice cream, made on-site. www.facebook.com/CommunityMerchants 

Click to view and download the Union County Farm Loop map 2020 digital.

While snow is still falling in the surrounding Wallowa and Elkhorn Ridge of the Blue Mountains, the valleys along the route are bright green with new grass, trees along the river banks are budding and pussy willows have spouted their soft kitty paws of seeds. Bright yellow forsythia bushes and a few pink and white flowering fruit trees add color to yards and garden patches of ranch houses.

For those of us who love animals, it is hard to beat the sight of frisky young calves in meadow after meadow – this is cattle country and there are thousands of cows getting anxious to take their babies from the winter feeding and calving grounds in the valleys to the fresh grass in spring and summer pastures in the hills. We noticed a lot of ranches were beehives of activity, as ranchers were taking advantage of the cloudy but dry weather to brand and vaccinate their herds in preparation of turning them out on the range. Brightly colored ear tags help match mother and calf, in case they get separated or need doctored. The family brand ensures a lost cow or calf can be returned to its owner or prevented from being sold by a cattle rustler – still the cause of economic loss across the west.

The spring scenery is truly spectacular! The mountains always look their bluest and tallest when tipped in white and partially shrouded by low hanging clouds. The rivers, streams and ditches are full and overflowing, giving the ground a good soaking that will keep fields green for several months. Flat-bed pickups, carrying black and white border collies and towing silver stock trailers, are ubiquitous on the country roads. Riders on horseback, mud-splattered ATVs and side-by-sides are everywhere, their people busy fixing fences, herding cattle and delivering minerals to tubs and feeders scattered across the fields.

We worked up an appetite just viewing it all and were pleased with the opportunity to try out The Main Place in Halfway. The restaurant and the building in which it is housed were given a complete renovation a couple of years ago, and the transformation is amazing. The historic building looks wonderful, inside and out, with a fine dining room, café and bar dividing the space in the ground floor and hotel rooms upstairs. A new patio and grassy enclosed lawn will be the perfect spot for outdoor dining and relaxing with a drink, once the weather warms. In our casual clothes, we opted for the café and each enjoyed a great meal that featured locally raised meat and fresh, flavorful side dishes. The staff was friendly, efficient and brushed away our apologies for the mud on our barn boots. We were assured that ranchers mix easily and often with visitors from urban areas and the café and town foster that exchange of cultures.

We didn’t travel the extra 14 miles to Oxbow Dam and the Snake River this time, but, will our next visit to the lovely Pine and Eagle Valleys. If not sooner, there is always our annual trip to Eagle Creek Orchard at New Bridge (near Richland, Oregon), where the organic peaches, pears and grapes are always sweet and delicious and well worth the scenic drive to seek them out. Jetboat rides, rafting, boating and fishing on the Snake River and Brownlee Reservoir bring lots of visitors to Halfway and Richland in summer and the winding roads through the rugged landscape are favorites for touring cyclists and motorcycle riders.

But don’t wait for summer! Now is the time for that scenic drive that only spring can offer.

Spring is finally in the air in Northeast Oregon. It’s been a long winter and we are pleased the season brought lots of snow to the high country and valleys. The deep snow means the FS 39 road that connects the Pine Valley with the Wallowa Valley will almost certainly remain closed to vehicles through May. We will post on this site when we hear from the Wallowa Whitman National Forest that the route is passable. In the meantime, you can explore the rest of the byway and all of the communities along the route and know that you will be enjoying beautiful scenery and a warm welcome from businesses.

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) invites people to stay and play for free to celebrate State Parks Day on Saturday, June 3.

Camping will be free the night of June 3 in all RV hookup sites, tent sites and horse camps. Day-use parking will be free both June 3 and 4 at the 26 parks that charge a day-use fee.

People can reserve online at www.oregonstateparks.org or by calling 800-452-5687. Phone reservations must be made by 5 p.m. June 2. The campsite rental will be free, but all reservations will still include an $8 non-refundable transaction fee. Of the 56 state park campgrounds, 46 take reservations.

“State Parks Day is Oregon’s way to say thank you for supporting your state park system,” said OPRD Director Lisa Sumption. “We welcome all Oregonians to connect with their favorite state park, or even enjoy a new one for the first time.”

State Parks Day is always the first Saturday in June. The Oregon State Legislature established the free day in 1997 to focus public attention on Oregon’s state park system.

The public may visit many federal recreation day-use sites on two Saturdays in June without paying a fee. These fee waivers acknowledge National Trails Day, June 6, and National Get Outdoors Day, June 13. These are two of six such fee-free days offered by the Pacific Northwest Region of the U.S. Forest Service during 2015.

The first fee-free day encourages people to hike on their National Forest trails Saturday, June 6, and to volunteer to help keep them maintained and enjoyable for everyone – visit www.americanhiking.org/ntd-events for volunteer opportunities.

On Saturday, June 13, Americans are urged to get outdoors and enjoy the wonderful legacy of their public lands. See www.nationalgetoutdoorsday.org for events and opportunities.

In addition to National Forest sites, the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center near Baker City will also offer admission for free on June 6, as part of National Trails Day.

The fee waiver applies to day-use fees at U.S. Forest Service recreation sites in Oregon and Washington. This includes many picnic areas, boat launches, trailheads and visitor centers. Concession operations will continue to charge fees unless the permit holder wishes to participate. Fees for camping, cabin rentals, heritage expeditions, or other permits will not be waived. Federal agencies are authorized to charge standard amenity fees, commonly known as day-use fees, at recreation sites in the Northwest. Most of those fees help maintain the sites on which the fees are collected.