Hi, I'm John Williams , ready to take you on another Accessible Adventure in The Pacific NW.
This time it's an Eastern Oregon Experience, with a trip along two Oregon Scenic Byways
that takes us back to the days of prospectors and pioneers.
Just outside Baker City, we begin on the Elkhorn Scenic Byway, in the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest.
We'll climb thru the Elkhorn Mountains. Take a trip to Anthony Lakes, then, we'll
hook up with the Blue Mountain Scenic Byway in the Umatilla National Forest. We'll end
up back on I-84.
Farms and ranches dot the landscape along the Powder River. Our first stop is The Powder
River Recreation Area. Get close to nature on the south side of the river along this
very accessible trail. While we're here, I may as well try my luck for a Rainbow Trout!
Or you may enjoy a picnic, amongst the Ponderosa Pine.
If you'd like to make your Eastern Oregon experience last for a few days. A short drive
from the Powder River Recreation Area, it's the Union Creek Recreation Area. Nestled next
to Phillips Reservoir, providing water recreation, accessible camping, a large picnic area, and
clean, accessible restrooms. There's even a snack stand near the boat launch.
You'll see remnants of historic gold mining days. The Sumpter Valley RR,
the Gold Dredge at Sumpter.
Further up the Elkhorn, the AhHee Diggings.You'll marvel how Chinese Miners
endured back breaking work to achieve the seemingly impossible in search for gold.
Before we leave the Elkhorn Scenic Byway and join up with the Blue Mountain Scenic Byway,
we're goint to take a little side trip to the Anthony Lakes Recreation Area.
Use this road in the summer time, in the winter, use the north entrance. There's winter skiing,
a snow park for snowmobiles, summertime camping and hiking around several high mountain lakes.
The campground is usually open after July 4th until early fall.
Back on the Blue Mountain Scenic Byway, we meet up with the Northwest Trail Riders Association
at Winom OHV Park. The road to the campground is a little primitive, and here in the campground
and staging area it's hard packed gravel.
There's a hundred and fifty miles for riding out here, there are some restrictions so be
sure to check the US Forest Service website. Other than that let's go ride!
a side by side is ok as long as it's the legal 50 inches or less.
Now if you're looking for something a little more serene along Blue Mountain Scenic Byway
here in the Umatilla National Forest there's remote camping and fishing, or for our more
mobile friends take a hike on this short trail to Elk Viewing area here at Bridge Creek Wildlife
Wildlife Area. It's not wheelchair accessible.
Wildflowers are plentiful in the late spring and early summer.
Or you may just want to soak up the scenery.
Ever wonder why they call them the Blue Mountains? They look blue! I fell for that one too.
There's something for everyone here.
On your way back to I-84 stop in Heppner, it's the gateway to the pioneer, homestead,
and agricultural history of the region.
If you'd like more information on any of these sites, just go to our websites. Wallowa-Whitman
National Forest or Umatilla National Forest.
I'm John Williams, and I'll see you soon for another Accessible Adventure in the Pacific Northwest.