Walk among the pines, beside ruts made by covered wagons over 150 years ago! Savor the fresh mountain air as you try to imagine the creak of wagon wheels, the grunts of oxen and the whispering footsteps of weary pioneers.
The season is upon us when history comes to life at the Oregon Trail Interpretive Park at Blue Mountain Crossing. Walk the half-mile paved trail that is ADA compliant; read the interpretive signs and pause to reflect on benches along the path. Learn more about the Oregon Trail as the Park opens Saturday, May 23. You can also enjoy various non-paved scenic trails or have lunch at one of the family picnic areas. Restrooms and running water are among the amenities at this area.
The Oregon Trail Interpretive Park is open May 23 through September 1, Tuesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. In addition, the Park is open on Memorial Day (May 25) and Labor Day (September 7). This is a Northwest Forest Pass site. Annual and Day Passes can be obtained before your visit at a District Office or online. The daily vehicle parking fee is $5.00/day for both picnicking and trailhead use. A fee station is located at the site for purchasing day passes. There is no fee for Interagency Annual, Military, Senior or Access pass holders.
To get to the Interpretive Park from La Grande, travel westbound, toward Pendleton, on I-84 for 10.5 miles to the Spring Creek exit. Take exit 248 and continue right onto Old Emigrant Hill Scenic Frontage Road. Turn right after 0.7 miles onto Forest Road 1843. 2.4 miles later you will be at the entrance to the Interpretive Park.
Call the La Grande Ranger District at 541-963-7186 or visit our Blue Mountain Crossing Interpretive Park web page for more information.
