The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is a government agency that operates and oversees 245 million acres of public land. You are welcome to enjoy outdoor recreational opportunities and camping on these lands. Developed Bureau of Land Management campgrounds often have amenities like showers and garbage pick-up. You have to pay a small fee to stay in these areas used to maintain the site. Dispersed camping locations are free of charge, though the BLM asks that you use existing camping spots and fire rings if available to minimize disturbances to the natural environment. In Oregon, it is also essential to be aware of local fire regulations because, depending on conditions, campfires may be prohibited. The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center is a museum and 500-acre historic site atop Flagstaff Hill. The museum aims to educate the public about Oregon's local history during America's westward expansion in the mid-1800s. Museum staffers use live interpretive demonstrations, multimedia presentations, and well-curated exhibits to help you understand the region's settlement and development. The center includes portions of the Oregon Trail, which stretches across the Baker Valley to the north and Virtue Flat to the south. The local geography also has wagon ruts left behind by long-ago pioneers who traversed the area. You can closely examine about a mile's worth of these on the center's grounds. The center is located about nine miles northeast of the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest and about 23 miles northeast of the Elkhorn Crest National Recreation Trail.
Catch this trail starting at the Oregon Trail Interpretive Park picnic area to experience a picturesque, historic landscape that meanders alongside a stream through woodlands and flower-dotted meadows. Along the way, you can check out an educational reconstructed 1800s-era logging operation. Length: 2.2 miles Intensity: Easy
This paved, wheelchair-accessible trail offers a picnic area, restrooms, drinking water, and interpretation panels. It marks where the Oregon Trail passed through the rugged Blue Mountains. At this location, living history re-enactments are often available on holidays. Length: 0.4 miles Intensity: Easy
This hike follows wagon ruts left behind on the Oregegaon Trail by pioneers, miners, trappers, traders, and missionaries. At the overlook, you can see a sea of sage bushes fading into the distance, the same sight that greeted settlers after crossing the Blue Mountains. Length: 3.6 miles Intensity: Easy
Powder River Recreation Area is about 24 miles southwest of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center and offers fishing and boating opportunities in the Powder River and Phillips Lake. There is a boat launch at Mason Dam and fishing platforms along a paved trail. The parking area has a restroom, and picnic tables are nearby.
Rock climbing is an option if you make the 32-mile drive from the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center to the Wallowa Mountains. Cusick Mountain and Hawkins Pass are popular destinations for climbing enthusiasts.
It is possible to view wildlife on the trail system at the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center. However, if you're a birding enthusiast or nature photographer, you'll want to head to the nearby Wallowa-Whitman National Forest to find a broader range of natural wildlife species. Look for songbirds, raptors, and waterfowl in the trees and skies in this national forest. Big game species in the area include bighorn sheep, elk, and mountain goats.
Your group can enjoy a scenic meal at the excellent picnic facilities available on the lands surrounding the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center. Take the Blue Mountain Crossing Trail at the Oregon Trail Interpretive Park to find a picnic area offering dramatic views of the Blue Mountains and Baker Valley.
RV camping is available in more than 50 campgrounds at the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. The fee is $10 per night at most of these camping spots. Several full hookup campsites are available to accommodate larger travel trailers and motorhomes. However, most are rustic and suitable for smaller RVs like camper vans and pop-up campers.
Bureau of Land Management free camping is also available at Wallowa-Whitman National Forest in designated dispersed camping areas. To find these and other free camping opportunities search "BLM camping near me" on your smartphone or tablet once you arrive in the area.
There is no restaurant available at the center, so plan to bring snacks, water, and lunch for each member of your group. If you need supplies, there are several grocery stores in Baker City, less than 10 miles away. If you plan to hike the interpretive trails, be sure to wear sturdy, comfortable hiking boots or supportive sneakers. In addition, it is always a good idea to bring sunscreen and a hat to protect your skin from the sun. BLM camping opportunities in this region offer a low-cost way to enjoy your vacation and get close to Oregon's natural beauty. However, staying overnight in camping areas with few or no amenities requires careful planning. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
When taking advantage of BLM camping sites, you are expected to follow "Leave No Trace" principles. When you are leaving your campsite, clean up and dispose of trash properly. If no garbage cans are available, you must pack out your trash, including food scraps. In addition, please use designated hiking trails, respect wildlife, and leave behind what you find.
From Baker City, Oregon take Interstate 84 east for 6.8 miles to exit 302. Turn left off the exit ramp. The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center parking lot will be on your left. Address: 22267 OR-86, Baker City, OR 97814 Ready to visit the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center? 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.
