The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Grande Ronde Wild and Scenic River runs for 26.4 miles through Northeast Oregon, starting at the Washington border. This river, which has a total length of 182 miles, carries water from the Blue and Wallowa mountain ranges to the Snake River. The river runs through the Umatilla and Wallowa-Whitman National Forests near Baker City, Oregon. This is a fantastic place to fish, and you will likely see bald eagles, bighorn sheep, elk, mule deer, and whitetail deer near the river. This area is about 300 miles southwest of Mount Rainier National Park.
While traveling throughout this region, consider staying in Bureau of Land Management campgrounds. In Oregon and Washington, you can stay in these campgrounds for up to 14 days before you are required to move at least 25 miles away, where you can continue camping. Most BLM camping facilities are free, but some charge a nominal fee. As you travel, you will also want to search for "BLM camping near me" for more opportunities.
This trail in the Powder River Recreation Area is south of Phillips Lake. The trail runs along the river, with bridges at both ends. The northside trail is paved and is easily wheelchair accessible. The path on the south side is gravel.
Length: 1 mile
Intensity: Easy
This trail begins at the Anthony Lake Boat Launch in the Wallow-Whitman National Forest, and it ends at Black Lake. You can easily access the first segment of this trail, which runs to Lilypad Lake, from the Anthony Lake Campground. The second segment runs from Lilypad Lake and is adjacent to the Elkhorn Crest National Recreation Trail. The final part leaves the national trail allowing hikers access to Blacks Lake.
Length: 2.3 miles
Intensity: Moderate
The northern trailhead is in the Anthony Lakes Recreation Area. This trail runs by Summit, Twin and Lost Lakes, and there is tent camping at each location. While most of this trail is flat, there is a slight elevation gain near each lake. The undergrowth is beautiful in the late spring.
Length: 20.0 miles
Intensity: Moderate
The Grande Ronde River is a fantastic place to fish. Many come to this location to fish for steelhead trout, with peak fishing conditions occurring between October and December. This river is also a fantastic place for a multi-day paddling adventure as it often runs through canyons with 3,000-foot-high walls.
Eagle Cap near La Grande, Oregon, is a fantastic place to go climbing, but you will need to go on a hiking adventure first. The most popular choice is to start at the Two-pan trailhead of the East Lostine River Trail #1662. After a 20-mile hike, you will arrive at the north face of the mountain, which Is the best place for technical climbs. Ice and snow often cover the top of the climb into the summer, so prepare for ice climbing conditions.
The Elkhorn Wildlife Area is a fantastic place to see large herds of elk and mule deer. Two public viewing platforms are open from April to December, with one located near North Powder Tract and the second near the Auburn Tract. In addition to elk and deer, guests often see eagles, owls, hawks, cavity nesters, songbirds, whitetail deer, coyotes, bobcat, cougar, black bear, forest grouse and wild turkey, so you may want to camp in the primitive campground at this location.
The Mason Dam Picnic Area in Wallowa-Whitman National Forest is an excellent place for a picnic. You will love eating under the large Ponderosa pine trees while listening to the nearby Powder River. After your meal at this site off the Elkhorn Drive Scenic Byway, take the short hike to the Mason Dam Viewpoint to see the fabulous scenery.
Many visitors start a boating adventure on the Grande Ronde Wild and Scenic River at Minam, Oregon, and you can go RV camping near this location. There are over 50 campgrounds in the Wallowa Whitman National Forest. You may want to stay at Bird Track Springs Campground, which is only about 30 minutes off Interstate 84, and it offers prime birdwatching opportunities. Camp on the Grande Ronde River's banks by staying at Spool Cart Campground. Another outstanding choice is Minam State Recreation Area. You will love the hiking trails at this state park, where you often see cougar and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep.
Finding Bureau of Land Management free camping facilities in this area is challenging. Still, there are several excellent options in both national forests, where dispersed camping is allowed in most locations. Consider camping at Coalmine Hill Campground, where you will love the seven-mile hiking trail around Bald Mountain. Fairview Campground, and there are over 200 miles of off-roading trails in this area.
You must have a self-issued boating permit to boat on the Grande Ronde Wild and Scenic River. You must carry a containerized portable toilet when boating on this river. If you plan to cook along the river, you must bring a firepan. Once you finish cooking, you need to put all your ashes in it and take them with you. Additionally, each boat must have a sound signaling device, like a whistle and a flashlight. Of course, each person must have a lifejacket.
To keep the area as wild as possible, no group of more than 25 people can float or camp together. You will love seeing the wildlife on this memory-making trip. Be sure to give them plenty of space. If you think you are about to startle one, make some noise. Assuming you have a great vessel, like a multichambered inflatable raft, whitewater kayak or drift boat, you will make memories that last a lifetime along this section of the river. Before you leave, take a minute and read more about BLM camping.
Rangers take great pride in keeping this area safe and clean, but they need your help packing out your trash. If you forgot your trash bags, you can get free ones at the River Station at Minam. Then, dispose of them properly when you get a chance.
You can start your river adventure in multiple locations, including Palmer Junction, Troy and Shumaker, but the most popular place to start is in Minam. Before leaving, stop at the River Station at Minam State Recreation Area to gather current information about the river's conditions. Get there from Wallowa by going south on Oregon for about 13.2 miles,
Address: Grande Ronde Wild and Scenic River, Minam State Recreation Area, 72601 Oregon Highway 82, Wallowa, Oregon 97885
Ready to visit Grande Ronde Wild and Scenic River? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you'll have your RV to return to for the night where you'll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here's a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
