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NATURE could not have been kinder to outdoor enthusiasts when
creating the landscape that is Union County. The towering mountain
ranges, deep rivers and wide open ridges offer ample opportunity
for all kinds of outdoor recreation and sightseeing. Even the
valley floor is teeming with birds and wildlife, taking advantage
of crop fields, marshlands and sheltering rows of willows and
brush. Here are some suggestions on ways you can get out and enjoy
the great outdoors!
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| Tip: The region is filled
with all kinds of campgrounds, from very rustic with few amenities
to full hook-ups, showers and rental teepees and cabins. Go to www.fs.fed.us/r6/w-w
for more information on all National Forest Service camping, hiking
and recreation areas in the region. Go to www.oregonstateparks.org
for more on all of Oregon’s state parks. |
ANTHONY
LAKES RECREATION AND SKI AREA
Pristine and quiet, this beautiful high mountain lake is wonderful
in summer for camping, fishing, picnicking, and excellent hiking
through unspoiled mountain wilderness. Only small trolling motors,
canoes and rafts are allowed on the lake. In the winter dry powder
makes the downhill skiing here outstanding. Ski Anthony Lakes
offers ski rentals, a day lodge with restaurant and lounge, groomed
cross-country trails, and snowboard, lift and snowcat skiing.
No lodging available. Exit #285 off I-84 at North Powder, turn
toward mountains and follow signs 20 miles. www.anthonylakes.com
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BUFFALO PEAK GOLF COURSE
The scenic 18 hole championship public golf course draws rave reviews.
Located on a hillside overlooking the town of Union, the course
offers outstanding scenery along with challenging play for all levels
of golfers. Take Hwy. 203 southeast of La Grande to Union or Hwy.
237 from North Powder, turn east on Fulton Street. www.buffalopeakgolf.com
562-5527 or 866-202-5950 for tee times. |
THE
LA GRANDE COUNTRY CLUB welcomes visitors during daily open
play times. The La Grande Country Club is an enjoyable 9 hole
course with a mature landscape, in a beautiful country setting.
A club house provides refreshments and food. Power and hand carts
are available. Green fees are only $15 for 9 holes and $25 for
18. Call ahead for available tee times, 541-963-4241. Directions:
Take exit 261 from Interstate 84. Turn east on Highway 82 (aka
Island Avenue) to Island City. Turn right on McAlister Road; travel
about 3/4 of a mile to the country club. 10605 South McAlister
Road, Island City, Oregon.
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SPOUT SPRINGS SKI AREA
In winter, ski downhill and cross-country, snowboard, snowshoe,
and snowmobile. Skiers enjoy two lifts, a restaurant/lounge, and
night skiing. In the summer hike and mountain bike through the
beautiful Blue Mountains. www.skispoutsprings.com
or (541) 566-0327. Between Elgin and Weston on OR Hwy. 204. |
MEACHAM DIVIDE CROSS-COUNTRY
SKI AREA
Ski cross-country in the heart of the beautiful Blue Mountains on
25 kilometers of ski trails groomed with diagonal and skate lanes.
On the Umatilla National Forest, the ski area is operated by volunteers
through a private/public partnership. 17 miles west of La Grande
off Interstate 84 at exit #243. |
WINOM-FRAZIER OFF HIGHWAY
VEHICLE TRAIL COMPLEX This giant complex of trails is designed
for off highway vehicles of all kinds. Trails travel through two
national forests (Wallowa-Whitman & Umatilla) and between
two wilderness areas. Scenic and uncrowded. OR Hwy. 244. Map available
at forest district office or the visitor center. |
BIRD TRACK SPRING CAMPGROUND
AND NATURE TRAIL
Giant pine trees and grassy areas highlight the 16 tent/trailer
camp spots; rest rooms. A nature trail wanders through the woods
at riverside and is great for birdwatching. West of La Grande on
I-84 take Starkey Exit 252, 41⁄2 miles on Hwy 244. Ask for
a nature trail guide at the visitors center or Wallowa-Whitman National
Forest district office. |
INDIAN ROCK OVERLOOK
From high atop Mount Emily, the overlook offers a commanding view
of the Grande Ronde Valley and distant peaks and provides the
perfect setting for a day drive and picnic. Four wheel drive vehicles
only. 15 miles north of La Grande on Fox Hill Road. WWNF |
JUBILEE LAKE CAMPGROUND
A USFS campground with 51 sites surrounding a beautiful lake that
is open to non-motorized boating and activities. For more information
on Jubilee Lake and other Umatilla Forest campgrounds, call (509)
522-6290. 35 miles N.W. of Elgin off Highway 204. Access:
20 miles east of Weston, or 21 miles west of Elgin on
Highway 204. Turn north on Forest Service Road #64. Follow the road
for 12 miles to Jubilee Lake campground. http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/uma/recreation/campgrounds/walla-cg.shtml#jubilee
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LADD MARSH WILDLIFE AREA
AND NATURE TRAIL
The Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife has developed a 3,208 acre
viewing and preservation area for birds and animals. Resident and
migrating wildlife of all sizes and types can be seen in the marshlands.
New nature trail and auto tour on Peach Road, one mile off OR Hwy.
203. Viewpoint; follow Foothill Road south from La Grande, or exit
#268 off I-84, SE of La Grande. |
LOOKING GLASS FISH HATCHERY
Take this beautiful drive to one of Oregon’s most scenic fish
hatcheries and tour the fascinating ODFW operation. Pack a lunch
and picnic at the hatchery or at any number of scenic spots along
the way. 20 miles north of Elgin at Palmer Junction. |
MORGAN LAKE
Pristine lake fishing, picnicking, swimming, camping and non-motorized
boating, just a short drive through the hills above La Grande. Paved
jetties provide wheelchair access. From La Grande’s C Avenue
turn left on Walnut St., head five miles up Morgan Lake Road. |
CATHERINE CREEK STATE PARK
Situated on the tree-lined banks of Catherine Creek, this beautiful
Oregon State Park is popular for picnicking, camping, hiking, and
fishing. A trail allows hikers to climb through the forest for outstanding
mountain-top views. Trailhead access to the Eagle Cap Wilderness
is also nearby. 14 miles S.E. of Union on Highway 203, Medical Springs
Highway. |
HILGARD JUNCTION STATE
PARK
Camp and picnic among the giant cottonwoods along the banks of the
Grande Ronde River at a site where pioneers forded the river. Historic
information kiosk. 8 miles west of LG, Exit 252 off I-84. |
MINAM STATE PARK
Twelve primitive camp sites on the banks of the beautiful Wallowa
River. Camp, fish, raft, enjoy majestic scenery. Two miles north
of OR Hwy. 82, midway between Elgin and Wallowa. |
RED BRIDGE STATE PARK
This scenic Oregon State Park sits in the pine trees along the Grande
Ronde River. Popular for fishing and picnicking, it has a few campsites,
as well. A footbridge spans the river in the park. Exit #252 off
I-84, Hwy. 244, 8 miles. |
EMIGRANT SPRINGS STATE
PARK
Near the summit of the Blue Mountains, Emigrant Springs State Park
offers generously spaced camping sites in the midst of giant evergreens.
Cabins, RV and horse camp sites are also available. Interpretive
kiosks, living history presentations, restroom facilities complete
with showers. Exit #234 off I-84 between La Grande and Pendleton.
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PILCHER CREEK RESERVOIR
Camp, picnic, fish and watch wildlife at this beautiful, quiet reservoir
with a fantastic mountain view. Exit #285 from I-84 at North Powder.
Follow signs west toward mountains. Managed by Union County Public
Works. |
WOLF CREEK RESERVOIR
Have a great time fishing, camping, water skiing and boating in
the picturesque setting at the base of the magnificent Elkhorn Ridge
of the Blue Mountains. Exit #282 from I-84 near North Powder. Follow
signs west to reservoir. Managed by Union County Public Works. |
THIEF
VALLEY RESERVOIR
Situated in the heart of cattle country, the rugged sage covered
hills provide scenic surroundings for premier spring fishing and
windsurfing. From Union, drive south on OR Hwy. 237 to Telocaset.
Cross railroad and follow Medical Springs Road for five miles.
Managed by Union County Public Works.
GET MOVING! If developed sports are more your game, play at these
popular venues.
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FOREST COVE WARM SPRINGS
POOL
A popular outdoor naturally heated pool and picnic area in the picturesque
town of Cove, across valley from La Grande. Call 568-4890 for hours.
17 miles east of La Grande or 8 miles N.E. of Union on Highway 237.
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| RIVERSIDE GREENS MINIATURE
GOLF COURSE Play miniature golf on a fun, professionally designed
course. Open Wed. - Sun., June, July, & August; Fri. - Sun.,
May, Sept. & Oct. Call 541-963-7361 for hours and to make party
arrangements. Fruitdale Lane, right next to Riverside Park on the
north end of town. |
THE ROCK BOWLING &
FAMILY FUN CENTER The latest in bowling and arcade technology,
plus billiards, a full service restaurant and bar, a pro shop,
batting cage, and mini-Indie go-carts. www.rockbowl.com
or 541-975-2695. Corner of Albany and Cove Avenues. |
LA GRANDE SK8 PARK AT PIONEER
PARK
The professionally designed, regulation skateboard park in an excellent
facility for skateboarders. Pioneer Park also has a busy ball field,
playground, pavilion and public swimming pool. Oak Street and Palmer.
Pavilion reservations, 541-962-1352. |
VETERAN’S MEMORIAL
SWIMMING POOL
The indoor public pool offers a variety of swimming activities.
Separate kids pool. For hours, information or to schedule a pool-side
party call 541-962-1347. 401 Palmer Street, next to Pioneer Park
in La Grande. |
EOU CLIMBING WALL
Test your skills at the EOU climbing wall in Quinn Coliseum on the
campus of Eastern Oregon University. 962-3364 |
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102
Elm Street, La Grande, Oregon 97850