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29 Awesome Things To Do on an Eastern Oregon Road Trip

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Eastern Oregon is the least visited area of the state, yet it rivals the coast or the Cascade regions with its own beauty. Crackled deserts, soothing hot springs , towering snowcapped mountains, deep blue lakes, and wildlife galore… What more could you want?

Maybe we should keep this gorgeous area of Oregon to ourselves and maintain that untouched feeling? Or maybe we should shout it from the mountain tops, VISIT EASTERN OREGON!

Either way, you’re now in the know, and if you’re up for taking the road less traveled, then this list of things to do on an eastern Oregon road trip is for you!

Table of Contents

Things to Do in Eastern Oregon

1. take a dip in wallowa lake, 2. conquer eagle cap, 3. whitewater rafting on eagle creek, 4. stay at the sumpter stockade motel, 5. ride the atv trails, 6. take in the views at the sumpter valley dredge, 7. wander the ochoco national forest, 8. admire the painted hills, 9. visit the rest of the john day fossil beds, 10. camp at strawberry lake, 11. hike the strawberry mountain loop, 12. climb the summit of strawberry mountain, 13. explore the wenaha river trail, 14. whitewater rafting in the grande ronde river, 15. cool off at jubilee lake, 16. rafting adventure on the owyhee river, 17. find solitude hiking the upper owyhee canyons, 18. experience stargazing heaven, 19. drive the steens mountain loop, 20. hike the wildhorse lake trail, 22. spend the night at crystal crane hot springs, 23. camp on alvord desert, 24. see the animals of the national antelope refuge, 25. relax at the hart mountain hot springs, 26. see the ancient drawings at petroglyph lake, 27. feel refreshed at the summer lake hot springs, 28. stare at fort rock, 29. birdwatch at the wildlife area, wallowa: 1-2 days, sumpter: 1 day, mitchell: 1 day, strawberry mountains: 1 day, umatilla: 1-2 days, owyhee: 2 days, steens: 1 day, hart mountain: 1 day, summer lake: 1 day, how to road trip eastern oregon, your ultimate oregon road trip—1 week to 1 month oregon itinerary, a legendary oregon coast road trip—35 stops & 3 itineraries, 19+ adventurous things to do on a washington road trip, 21+ adventurous things to do on a northern california road trip, 25 day trips from portland, oregon + road trip ideas.

Below you’ll find tons of things to do in eastern Oregon organized by a few regions. All of the things to do are also pinpointed in this map below for ease! Check out our itinerary at the bottom of this post too.

Don’t Forget This!

A lot of the best adventures around Oregon will require a Northwest Pass. You can easily get one delivered straight to your door. Grab it now before you leave !

The Wallowas

One scenic drive through the Wallowa Mountains and you would easily confuse this alpine utopia with the European Alps.

A lifetime’s worth of wild hiking terrain, crystalline ribbon lakes, and snow-capped panoramas make the Wallowas the crown jewel of your eastern Oregon road trip.

Nature enthusiasts and thrill-seekers will fall in love with the rugged landscapes and never want to leave!

RECOMMENDED GEAR:

Who said you couldn’t have a beach day in the mountains? Bust out the bathing suit and go for a swim once the snow melts away for the summer!

The transparent waters of the lake are a snorkeling hot spot and cooling off with views of craggy peaks and lush forests cannot be matched.

Nestled within the heart of the Eagle Cap Wilderness, Eagle Cap is a treasure for adventurous trekkers. The iconic peak overlooks sweeping valleys, glacial lakes and vibrant fauna of the illustrious hiking trail.

Most choose to summit via the Mirror Lake to Eagle Cap trail which is 17 miles out and back.

Reaching the Eagle Cap summit is one of the most daring climbs you will encounter but it provides possibly the most exhilarating view in eastern Oregon.

If you fancy a high-octane ride in the water, then Eagle Creek must be towards the top of your list! Class III and IV rapids will make your pulse rate skyrocket as you maneuver around boulders downstream.

RELATED: A Comprehensive Guide to Visiting Wallowa Lake State Park—Adventures and Camping

This former gold rush haven is a blip off the radar that is brimming with adventurous activities.

Sumpter embraces its mining legacy and you will adore the old western vibe while searching for the next hiking path. Admire the stunning backdrop of the Elkhorn Mountains as the character of this charming community comes to life.

The cozy Sumpter Stockade Motel doubles as a blast from the past and your base for nonstop fun in the outdoors. The owners are so much fun, with a dash of wacky (in a good way!), who are knowledgable about the area (and are down to answer your questions) and they even have fire pits and a stage for a dressed up photoshoot (obviously we had to play there!).

Wake up to old western décor before hitting the hiking paths and fishing for the catch of the day. During winter, hop on a snowmobile and have a powdery adventure along the nearby trails.

Cruising through Sumpter on an ATV is hands down one of the coolest things to do in Eastern Oregon!

Head to the Sumpter Pines RV Park or the Blue Mountain OHV Trails for a four-wheel ride sure to get your adrenaline pumping. For easier access to the trails, spend the night underneath the stars at one of the neighboring campgrounds.

An iconic landmark of Sumpter’s gold mining history, the retired piece of machinery is now a gateway to some of the most picturesque hiking trails and peaceful fishing holes in eastern Oregon.

The enchanting Elkhorn Mountains tower over the valley and are a fairy tale for nature lovers!

→ Near Sumpter in Baker City, take this alpine stargazing photography and winetasting tour .

READ MORE: 7 Awesome Things To Do in Sumpter, Oregon

A trip to the charming, rustic settlement of Mitchell should be included in any eastern Oregon road trip.

Witness the rugged landscapes that surround the town and watch the magical history of eastern Oregon come to life. Colorful geologic formations, towering canyons, and enchanting forests make Mitchell the perfect spot for tons of outdoor adventures.

The mystical Ochoco National Forest has an activity for any type of nature lover in eastern Oregon.

Those who crave time on the water can kayak, canoe or fish along its peaceful lakes and rivers. Hikers and rockhounders will have a field day exploring the diverse geologic formations found within the forest.

Staring at the Painted Hills is like watching a canvas beautifully crafted by the hand of Mother Nature. Contrasting shades of red, orange and yellow decorate rolling hills that have evolved over millions of years.

Hiking trails and campgrounds dot the landscape and are the best ways to see this artistic masterpiece from every angle. Even if you’re on the move, most of the trails in the area are very easy and short and even the drive is beautiful!

Two other must-see natural wonders of the John Day Fossil Beds are the striations of Sheep Rock and the ancient fossils of the Clarno Unit. Numerous day hikes are available to get a closer look at volcanic landscapes and the remains of extinct species.

RELATED: Your Guide to Exploring the Painted Hills—Oregon’s Most Alien Landscape

Strawberry Mountains

The Strawberry Mountains are a less explored mountain range in eastern Oregon capped with alpine lakes, forested valleys, and snow-covered peaks. With over 120 miles worth of hiking trails, stunning wildflowers, and sweet strawberries, it is a trekker’s dream come true.

The largest alpine lake in the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness, Strawberry Lake is a pristine location to set up your campsite. Tranquil forests and jagged peaks surround the lake and there are numerous trailheads for hikers to explore.

Reel in some trout and cook a delicious meal by the fire while you spend the night under the stars.

Adventurous trekkers will be grinning ear to ear navigating this rugged terrain. Steep hills and switchbacks guide you to shimmering lakes, radiant flora, wildlife sightings and the misty Strawberry Falls.

The grand prize of this wilderness is the incredible 360° panorama from the top of Strawberry Mountain. No other mountaintop in the area boasts the same height and the heart-racing views along the horizon are a magnificent sight to behold.

Umatilla National Forest

Nestled in the Blue Mountains, Umatilla is guaranteed to have something for everyone in your group. Snaking rivers provide scenic trips on the water and the steep slopes are exhilarating any time of year.

Hikers and cyclists of all levels can enjoy the hundreds of miles worth of varied terrain cutting through the forest.

The vast wilderness of the Wenaha offers one of the most secluded hikes on your eastern Oregon road trip. Stretching roughly 30-miles through the eastern Oregon backcountry, this winding path offers spectacular views of rocky canyons and wildflowers in bloom.

Keep a watchful eye for rattlesnakes as they are known to frequent this isolated hiking trail.

Paddling downstream along the Grande Ronde is one of the most picturesque things to do in eastern Oregon. Sloped canyons, pine forests and a multitude of creatures make this a scenic trip of a lifetime.

The navigable class II rapids make the Grande Ronde a breathtaking ride without requiring a high level of skill.

Need a break from the summer heat? Head to the Jubilee Lake campground and jump in its refreshing waters for a swim. Surrounded by lush forest, the lake is a beautiful spot for a fishing or camping retreat.

Owyhee Canyonlands

Home to one of the last remaining untouched natural treasures of the United States, the Owyhee Canyonlands reveals a portrait only Mother Nature could create.

In fact, the towering canyons have earned this stretch of eastern Oregon landscape the nickname “Oregon’s Grand Canyon.” Once you discover the rugged scenery with your own eyes, you will know exactly why this might be the last American Western frontier.

Cutting through a craggy, red-rock canyon and surrounded by basalt columns and dramatic spires, the Owyhee River offers a paddling journey like no other.

The arid and unforgiving wilderness provides a sanctuary for those looking to escape it all. Complete with class III and IV rapids, a paddling trip through this geologic wonderland might be the most mind-blowing thing to do in eastern Oregon.

Remote and lonely are two fitting terms to describe the paths along this section of Owyhee. Scenic cliffs, sheer-canyon walls and jagged columns provide some of the most striking landscapes in eastern Oregon.

From the Lambert Rocks Trail to Louse Canyon, do not be surprised if there is not a single soul in sight!

With no major cities in sight, the Owyhee Canyonlands will be the best place to watch the night sky on your road trip through eastern Oregon.

Set up your campsite, rest your head, and be prepared for a show like never before!

RELATED: Exploring the Owyhee Canyonlands: Hiking, Rafting, & Camping

Steens Mountain

The surreal landscapes surrounding Steens Mountain are a true hidden gem of eastern Oregon. Steep canyons, barren deserts, cascading waterfalls and sapphire-blue lakes are among the incredible scenery you will witness.

Get ready to take your car places you never thought possible on this section of your eastern Oregon road trip.

Set your sights for the charming township of Frenchglen for this once in a lifetime drive. The near 60-mile route cruises past glacial gorges, craggy cliffs and the cracked surface of the Alvord Desert.

To quench your thirst, make a pit stop at Fields Station for one of their world-famous milkshakes.

Although not a lengthy trek, the path takes you past jaw-dropping panoramas on the way to Wildhorse Lake. Marvel at the steep valleys and rugged peaks as you gain a bird’s eye view of the canyon.

After soaking up the incredible scenery, go for a swim in the frigid waters of the lake for a rejuvenating experience.

For a little rest and recovery, head to Crystal Crane Hot Springs near Burns and soak in its enlightening pools. They have RV parking to tipis with hot tubs inside for accommodation.

Enjoy the alluring views of the night sky while you strengthen your muscles for another fun day of hiking the rugged landscapes of eastern Oregon.

Yes, that’s right, camp right in the middle of Oregon’s desert. For free!

Alvord Desert is at the base of the Steens Mountain which rises proudly in the dusty distance. Ride your car out on the desert and have a little fun, there’s literally nobody out here! Set up camp (on the Steens Mountainside would be best) and then head to Alvord Hot Springs for a quick soak.

Read our guide to camping on Alvord Desert .

Hart Mountain

Dotted with scenic canyons and sweeping valleys, Hart Mountain is one of the best things to do in eastern Oregon’s extensive desert.

Magnificent species roam the plateau and sightings of deer, antelope and eagles are a common occurrence. Whether you want to explore trails around canyon rims or admire the wildlife flocking the region, you will be living a nature enthusiast’s dream.

If you adore watching wild animals frolic in their natural habitat, the refuge should be a must-see sight on your road trip through eastern Oregon.

Pronghorns, bighorn sheep, coyotes, grouse, and rattlesnakes are just a handful of the hundreds of species you will find. Gain a closer connection with nature by photographing the animals or camping among them in the wilderness.

Exploring this portion of eastern Oregon can really make you want to take a hot shower! How about an invigorating natural hot tub overlooking the desert terrain to clean up after a sweaty day of hiking?

Whether you want to climb into the developed pool with rocky walls or the warmer natural spring, you are in for a treat. Here’s our guide to the Hart Mountain area and the hot springs .

One of the most interesting things to do in eastern Oregon is hiking to the mysterious rock art along the walls facing Petroglyph lake.

The near five-mile trek will take you along an incredible ridge, through grasslands and to the granite barriers beside the lake. Study these fascinating images before trekking back along the rim to complete the loop.

Summer Lake

Nestled in the Great Basin region, Summer Lake is a cozy destination for downtime in the outdoors or a gateway to stunning discoveries.

The wetlands of the lake are a fabulous place for bird watchers to meet tons of new species. Geothermal wonders and craggy structures crafted by Mother Nature make this a unique area to explore.

The rustic surroundings of these mineral springs offer a picturesque setting while you let all your troubles melt away. Located just off the shores of Summer Lake, you have gorgeous mountainous scenery overlooking the natural pools.

Head to the nearby Summer Lake Basin or winter rim for scenic hikes after you complete your session in the pool.

Rising out of nowhere in the wide-open terrain, Fort Rock is one of the most bizarre landmarks you will find in eastern Oregon.

The road leading to the rock appears to stretch forever and creates a spectacular vista at sunset. The circular shape creates a remarkable hiking path with unbelievable views of the volcanic rock.

If you fancy a round of bird watching, the refuge along the Summer Lake Basin is a great stop on your road trip through eastern Oregon.

Hosting over 200 species of birds, you will have infinite chances to watch their migration and behavior patterns while enjoying the surrounding landscapes.

Eastern Oregon Road Trip Itinerary

There are TONS of things to do in eastern Oregon and honestly, this post has only scratched the surface. We know most people are working with a matter of a few days or a week or so, so here’s how we’d organize our time if we were road tripping eastern Oregon and trying to get the most out of it.

Do keep in mind that driving takes quite a large chunk out of your day! Below, where we state the number of days, I’m talking about a full day of experiences without much driving place to place included. So one day equals an actual full day, not a driving day.

Factor in driving times and if you’re coming in the winter months, do note some roads will be closed altogether.

Of course, more time is always better but if you’re trying to squeeze things in and are trying to pack as much as possible in your time exploring eastern Oregon, here is the minimum amount of time you’d need for each area:

The summit hike and rafting would each take about a day! You could spend a single day just hanging out by the lake, doing some water sports, taking short walks (like the short 1-mile Wallowa Tramway Summit Trail) and call it day.

Where to Stay Nearby:

• Evans Farm Glamping
• Riverside Bunkhouse
• Wallowa Lake State Park

You could swing through Sumpter pretty quickly if you’re in a rush. The ATV trails are great, the Dredge is interesting, and staying at the Sumpter Stockade is an experience but if you’re on the move, just drive through it.

• Cozy Cottage With Cedar Sauna
• Peaceful A-Frame
• Sumpter Pines RV Park

Luckily the Painted Hills are quite easily accessible. Drive through Mitchell, skip Clarno and Sheep Rock if you have to, and just do a short trail or two through the Painted Hills.

• Cozy Cottage in The Hub
• Hollyhock Guest House
• Priest Hole Recreation Site

The Strawberry Mountains are a bit of a detour off the main road but if you have the time, come on down. You can spend your day at the lake and hiking around it or up to the summit. Perhaps set up camp for the night and then head back out in the morning.

• Dixie Creek Bungalow Tiny Home
• John Day Bungalow
• Strawberry Campground

If you’re biking or hiking you may want to take the whole day to enjoy the miles and miles of the beautiful Umatilla Forest. If you decide to raft, that could take at least half a day.

• Little House on Ladow
• Cozy Hillside Retreat
• Jubilee Lake Campground

The Owyhee region is an eastern Oregon highlight but the things to do can be a bit spread out. Rafting would take a good chunk of the day and the hiking trails would take another. Camping out here would be a great idea!

• Canyonlands 360 View Camp
• River and Vineyard View Campsite
• Succor Creek State Natural Area Campground

Considering you can drive up into the Steens Mountain and do some hiking while you’re up there, you could probably smash out a good chunk of this thing to do in eastern Oregon, then set up your tent on Alvord desert and soak in the hot springs at night.

• Grandpa’s House
• The Narrows Cabin
• Camp in the Alvord Desert

Just driving through and around Hart Mountain, doing a short hike and taking a soak in the hot springs will eat up a whole day! The roads here are mostly gravel too which will slow you down.

• Plush Bunkhouse
• Rustic Squirrelville Cabin
• Hart Mountain Hot Springs Campground

You can pass through quickly and just enjoy the drive and the hot springs if you only have a day in the area.

• Silver Rock Sky View Ranch
• Chalet on the River
• Summer Lake Hot Springs Campground

Well by car would be the obvious answer, no?

And really, there’s no other way to see Oregon, particularly eastern Oregon! You MUST have your own mode of transportation, there’s no way around it.

For those up for a more adventurous trip, you could grab yourself a dual-sport motorcycle and really see the things to do in eastern Oregon in style!

There are some gravel sections but in between those gravel and paved roads are off-road sections where you can take your dual-sport motorcycle (or a 4WD vehicle for that matter) and get a bit dirty on the dirt tracks.

You’ll ride through hidden forests and see areas normal vehicles wouldn’t have a chance of seeing!

Check out our friends at Ride Adventures for a motorcycle rental (or a 4WD) to road trip eastern Oregon!

More Road Trips

We hope this post helped you plan your eastern Oregon road trip! Check out more of what eastern Oregon has to offer and other fun adventures in Oregon .

Oregon native and explorer at heart. Loves tackling expeditions around the world and drinking a good beer at the end of the day. PNW obsessed, VW nerd, and surf or snow riding fanatic.

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The Perfect Eastern Oregon Road Trip Itinerary: 30 Stops & 3 Maps!

Post Summary: The Ultimate Oregon Road Trip Itinerary According To A PNW Local

Are you a Pacific Northwest local, looking to get your fix of the desert ? While someplace like Sedona hiking trails sounds awesome, you might be looking for something a little closer to home. 

Oh have we got the perfect west coast road trip for you!

May we present to you, Eastern Oregon.  Eastern Oregon is mostly known for the Alvord Desert, Pendleton, and the Painted Hills . However, there is so much more to explore here! That’s why we’re sharing with you some of our own favorite Eastern Oregon places to visit. 

By the end of this post, you’ll be able to connect these epic destinations in one complete road trip route. With our “secret” spots scattered in between, you’ll soon have the ultimate Eastern Oregon road trip itinerary. 

Let’s get started!

What Areas Are We Covering On This Eastern Oregon Road Trip?

Eastern Oregon is the largest region in Oregon state , covering pretty much the entire eastern half of all Oregon’s mass. 

The lonely, vast desert landscape covers the southeast. The northeast has deep gorges, semi-arid mountain regions, and quirky Western towns . All parts of Eastern Oregon have incredible geological features scattered across the area.

From the barren Alvord Desert,  to the colorful rocks of the Painted Hills , there is so much to see! Eastern Oregon will give you a new insight into the diversity of the Pacific Northwest. In this Eastern Oregon road trip itinerary, you will have a newfound appreciation for the desert…a surprising thing to discover in the PNW!

Great! So Where Do I Start My Eastern Oregon Road Trip?

The easiest place to start your Eastern Oregon road trip is in Bend, Oregon . Here, you can grab just about anything you need for your time out in the dry landscape. 

Bend, Oregon is an adventure town, known for its rock climbers, ski bums, and breweries. There are also tons of good places to grab food, or stock up on groceries for your road trip around Eastern Oregon. 

Here, you can also rent recreational vehicles if you want to drive something a little beefier than a regular sedan. We recommend looking for the perfect one to rent on Outdoorsy – it’s like Airbnb but for RVs. You can choose anything from giant Motorhomes to cute airstreams, and even Westfalias!

Preparing For Your Road Trip Around Eastern Oregon

Before you completely go out of cell service range, it’s important to download a few key navigation apps . Here are some tools we use on every road trip around the Pacific Northwest:

The Dyrt:   The Dyrt is the largest campground finding app on the market! You can filter camping spots to find the perfect one that fits all your preferences before you even visit. Pro members get access to offline browsing, trip planners, and our favorite – BLM and national forest boundary maps . Try their pro membership free for 30-days when using our code MANDAGIES !

Google Offline Maps: For navigation without cell service, it’s important to download maps offline so you can continue to find your way. Find out how to download offline maps and discover more useful road trip planner tools here !

Podcasts: In addition to the perfect road trip playlists, we like to arm ourselves with a plethora of road trip podcasts ! From mystery to comedy, news to gossip, we’re sharing all our favorites here.

The Perfect Eastern Oregon Road Trip Itinerary To Stoke Your Desert-Loving Spirit

• Day 1: Bend, Oregon to Painted Hills

Start off your Eastern Oregon road trip in Bend. This will allow you to get all the road trip essentials you will need for your journey. (Don’t forget to put together your roadside emergency tool kit too !)The city has everything from grocery stores to REI (for any last-minute gear purchases!), and even epic campervan rentals and local hikes! 

Spend some time exploring Bend before you head off on your trip. A great day trip from Bend would be the trail to Tumalo Falls . This 2.4-mile out and back trail is an easy, low elevation trail to one of Oregon’s best waterfalls . Snap a few pics of this 98-foot beauty to kick off your Eastern Oregon road trip!

Read More: The Ultimate 4 Day Bend Oregon Itinerary

Driving north from Bend to the Painted Hills, don’t forget to stop by Smith Rock State Park . This iconic area of Eastern Oregon is one of the most popular places for climbers, hikers, bikers, and dog walkers.

Try climbing to the top of Misery Ridge – a 0.9-mile trail to the top, with a brutal 1,000-foot elevation gain. It’s a tough climb, but absolutely worth it to watch the sunset at the top!

Finish your drive to the Painted Hills and camp in the nearby Ocho, Umatilla, and Malheur National Forests nearby. Get creative and make a camping tour of Oregon’s central wonders. (And don’t forget to use The Dyrt to find dispersed campsites nearby!)  

• Day 2: Painted Hills to Joseph, Oregon

One of the best times to visit the Painted Hills in Oregon is during sunrise and sunset ! There is little shade in the area, so these are the times of day that are the most pleasant for hiking, sightseeing, and photo-taking. 

If you are coming in the shoulder season (fall and spring) don’t forget to pack a jacket. Once the sun sets, the Painted Hills can get chilly – bundle up!

There are many photo opportunities to be had in the Painted Hills. One of the most popular attractions is the Painted Cove Trail. 

This is the iconic boardwalk with rich red soil , which makes you feel like you are walking on Mars! The Painted Cove Trail is located about a 20-minute drive into the park, with clear signs and a convenient parking lot.

Despite what you may expect, it’s a very short trail, curving in between the red hills just enough for you to pretend you are another planet .  That doesn’t take away from its beauty though – the color is as magnificent in real life as they are in pictures!

Spend the rest of the evening driving through this quiet part of Eastern Oregon. On the way to Joseph, you’ll be able to drive part of the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway . This road is a designated All-American Road located in Northeast Oregon.

For the night, check into the boutique Jennings Hotel , a co-op art project slash hotel fused into a beautiful and unique experience.

The Jennings Hotel is filled with relics from the early exploring days of Oregon State. They are carefully placed in their communal kitchen/gathering area for easy browsing.

You can explore all kinds of interesting books on their library wall! Topics include the area’s history, flora/fauna, hiking trails, and more. You can do this all while choosing from the massive selection of vintage records to play.

• Day 3: Joseph, Oregon to Owyhee Canyonlands

On Day 3 of your Eastern Oregon road trip, wake up early to catch a sunrise over Wallowa Lake . After sunrise, come back into town and have breakfast at Old Town Cafe , or grab a coffee to-go at Arrowhead Chocolates next door. 

To learn more about the history and geography of the area, drive a new section Hells Canyon Scenic Byway . On the way, you’ll stop by iconic views like Salt Creek Summit and Hells Canyon Overlook . Here, you can see panoramic vistas of the deep canyon below.  

Finally, end your night in the Owyhee Canyonlands . Here, there is plenty of free camping , hiking, and river rafting to be had! Some of our favorite spots in this area include Succor Creek State Natural Area, the Jordan Craters, and Leslie Gulch. Many of these remote Eastern Oregon places require high-clearance vehicles, so do your research before venturing out!

We stayed overnight at Leslie Gluch (read our full guide here ) at the free Slocum Creek Campsite . The sunrises and sunsets here were beautiful in this remote stop!

Day 4: Owyhee Canyonlands (Leslie Gulch) to Alvord Hot Springs

On your way out of the Owyhee Canyonlands, wake up early to catch a sunrise in the gulch! This is one of the most dreamy times to capture photos. You are most likely to have these spots all to yourself, too.

Continuing on your way southeast, stop by the tiny town of Jordan Valley to fill up with gas and pick up any last-minute items. There is a mini-mart next to the (only) gas station which has some good road trip basics. Right out of town, don’t forget to check out the Pillars of Rome !

At the end of your driving day, you can opt to camp in the nearby Steens Mountains (we find all of our favorite free campsites on an app called The Dyrt !). Alternatively, you can pay to camp at Alvord Hot Springs , a private natural springs near the Alvord Desert .

Overnight guests get unlimited and 24-hour access to the two pools . You can also opt to pay the $8 fee to get day-use access too if you’re not camping.

If you want to visit some more secluded natural hot springs in Oregon , consider taking the long and dusty road to Willow Creek Hot Springs . Located on BLM land, this little desert oasis is in the middle of a camping area.

Berty and I came to Willow Creek specifically for the hot springs, but many other campers were there to go hunting – during certain seasons, antelope are sought after in this area.

Day 5: Alvord Desert to Hart Mountain

Waking up in the desert brings its own special type of peace. This is why we recommend getting up early (even if it’s just for a moment!) to watch the sunrise over the Eastern Oregon horizon.

As you pack up, you have a few options for directions to go on your road trip in Eastern Oregon:

• Drive through the town of Fields, OR (a great all-in-one stop with the best milkshakes!) and take Highway 205 north to Burns. This brings you to Crane Hot Springs .
• Drive south into Nevada and take Highway 140 West back up into Adel, Oregon. This gives you convenient access to Hart Mountain National Elk Refuge .

Note: Google maps will try and take you up north of Fields, OR, and cut across what looks like an accessible road – it’s not! Plan to drive up to Burns and cut back down to Hart Mountain. You can also drive south through Nevada and back up through Adel, OR to access the National Antelope Refuge. 

Hart Mountain National Elk Refuge is a quiet part of Eastern Oregon, known for its many high-desert plant and animal species.

Hunting and fishing are the most popular activities, but we also really loved visiting the Hart Mountain Hot Springs . There are two hot spring pools to see in Hart Mountain. One is a structured one with stone walls, and the other is about 100 yards away, completely natural with mountains surrounding the area.

Day 6: Hart Mountain to East Cascade Mountain Attractions

Waking up in Hart Mountain, we suggest taking a dip in Hart Mountain hot springs to start your morning.

As stated above, there are two pools – one structure and the other natural. The natural one provides the most unobstructed view of the sunrise , so we woke up just before it rose over the mountains to start our day!

As you drive towards your next Eastern Oregon destinations, make sure to stop at the base of Hart Mountain . Here, you will find the Warner Wetlands and Hart Lake. Both are part of a 40-mile long chain of lakes separated by bow-shaped dunes. Truly, a unique feature to this part of Eastern Oregon!

This area is popular for birdwatching, hunting, boating and camping. Call ahead to the BLM (Bureau of Land Management) Office to check on the water levels to see if your favorite water activities are open for recreation. A lot of activities, like the Ten Mile Warner Valley Canoe Trail , depending on proper water levels.

Working your way back to Bend, Oregon, there are still so many potential stops to see on your Eastern Oregon road trip! We’ll list a few below, to help inspire you for this next leg of your trip:

Crack in the Ground: The Crack In The Ground is an ancient volcanic fissure , stretching over 2 miles and in some parts, 70 feet deep! There are primitive campsites nearby, so you can go hiking during the day and sleep nearby.

Lava River Cave: The Lava Cave is yet another cool place in Eastern Oregon that was created by volcanic activity. This 1-mile long lava tube can be explored all the way through. You can expect to find a combination of stairs, boardwalks, and some uneven surfaces. Bring warm clothes (the average cave temperature is 42 degrees!) and bring at least 2 light sources. Make sure to bring the proper Pacific Northwest forest pass for this site. They accept the NW Forest Pass and National Park Pass, among others.

Feeling adventurous? Send it all the way over to Crater Lake National Park ! In less than a 4-hour drive from Hart Mountain, you can check off this epic park from your Pacific Northwest bucket list . Take a Wizard Island boat tour , take a car tour of the Rim Drive , and watch the sunset from the Watchman Overlook . 

Day 7: East Cascades to Bend, Oregon

On the last day of your Eastern Oregon road trip, it’s time to make your way back to Bend . With plenty of stops along the way, there are so many choices of activities to do from hiking to sightseeing, hot springs to deserts. Here are some suggestions of places to stop on the last day of your road trip around Eastern Oregon:

Toketee Falls and Umpqua Hot Springs

Located 1 hour west on Highway 138 , these Umpqua National Forest attractions are absolutely worth the detour! Spend the morning soaking among the dreamy forest scene at Umpqua Hot Springs . Afterward, drive down to the Toketee parking lot and take this quick trail to the overlook. This is the safest way to see the Toketee Falls for yourself! You can easily enjoy both of these attractions in one trip because they are super close to one another.

Salt Creek Falls and Diamond Creek Falls

Salt Creek Falls is the second tallest waterfall in Oregon (the first one being Multnomah Falls near Portland, Oregon !). It is accessible by an easy hike off Highway 58 . If you’ve got a little extra time to spare, take the longer hike to Diamond Creek Falls . This is another spectacular falls accessed by the same parking lot. You won’t regret those views!

Other stops between Crater Lake and Bend, Oregon include:

• Annie Creek Campground
• Paulina Hot Springs / Paulina Lake
• Lava River Cave
• Lava Island Falls
• Oregon Badlands Wilderness
• Spending a weekend decompressing at FivePine Lodge in Sisters, Oregon !

Eastern Oregon Road Trip Itinerary Examples

Are you planning your epic route but don’t exactly have time to spend 7 days in Eastern Oregon? Below, we’re sharing three example itineraries for a modified Eastern Oregon road trip, and how you can reduce or extend your time in the desert.

Want this as a download? Sign up to our email list below and have a printable Oregon road trip planner sent right to your inbox!

One Week Eastern Oregon Road Trip

You can see a lot of Eastern Oregon in one week! This route is the full itinerary, with plenty of great stops along the way. 

• Day 4:  Owyhee Canyonlands to Alvord Desert
• Day 5: Alvord Hot Springs Hart Mountain
• Day 6: Hart Mountain to Eastern Cascades
• Day 7: Cascade Mountains back to Bend, Oregon

Eastern Oregon Road Trip in 5 Days

An Eastern Oregon road trip in 5 days will introduce you to Oregon’s vast and diverse landscape! From the Painted Hills to the Wallowas, this route will bring you to some of the best of Oregon photography locations in Eastern Oregon.

• Day 3: Joseph, Oregon to Alvord Hot Springs
• Day 4: Alvord Hot Springs to Bend, Oregon
• Day 5: Exploring Around Bend (Tumalo Falls, Smith Rock State Park )

10 Days In Eastern Oregon Itinerary

Are you looking to spend more time in the Oregon high desert? We’re sharing how you can extend your Eastern Oregon road trip to 10+ days, with more stops and hidden gems along the way!

• Day 1: Bend, Oregon to Smith Rock State Park
• Day 2: Smith Rock State Park to Painted Hills
• Day 3: Painted Hills to Joseph, Oregon
• Day 4: Day in Joseph (Wallowa Mountains)
• Day 5: Joseph to Owyhee Canyonlands (Jump Creek Falls)
• Day 6: Owyhee Canyonlands to Alvord Desert
• Day 7: Alvord Dessert to Burns, OR (Crystal Crane HS, Summer Lakes HS)
• Day 8: Burns to Crack In The Ground, Camping on BLM Land
• Day 9: Drive to Crater Lake National Park (Camping)
• Day 10: Drive back to Bend, Oregon

Eastern Oregon Map

Before you embark on your journey, save this map of Eastern Oregon on your phone!

Frequently Asked Questions About An Eastern Oregon Road Trip Itinerary

Where do I stay on my Eastern Oregon Road Trip?

Plan to go car camping. There are a lot of backcountry camping opportunities here ( read our guide to finding the best free camping spots here ) and you can really enjoy Eastern Oregon under the stars!

How Do I Get Around On An Eastern Oregon Road Trip?

Depending on the type of road trip you are hoping to experience, there are a few options for modes of transportation to consider. Here are our suggestions for your Oregon road trip:

Rental Cars: Rental cars are a great choice if you want to sleep mainly at resorts, hotels, or Airbnbs. They are small and compact and get great gas mileage to cover long expansive Oregon scenic byways without breaking the bank.

Camper Vans or RVs: Do you picture yourself driving around Oregon in a vintage VW van or fully-converted sprinter van? You CAN get a taste of that lusted-after van life by renting a recreational vehicle through Outdoorsy . Think of it like Airbnb but for cars – you get to borrow someone’s cool rig during your Oregon road trip, fully insured and everything! Browse Oregon RVs and van rentals here!

Looking to go camping during your Oregon Coast road trip? We did too! There are SO many places to go camping for free in Oregon, and we wrote a whole post about finding the best free camping spots here .

Have you ever experienced an Eastern Oregon road trip? What Eastern Oregon itinerary is your favorite? Tell us in the comments below!

More oregon adventures.

All the Best Stops On An Oregon Coast Road Trip

The 26 Best Oregon Coast Hiking Trails To Take Your Breath Away

Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint in Bandon, Oregon

10 Epic Things To Do In Coos Bay, Oregon

What To Expect On A Trip To Heceta Head Lighthouse On The Oregon Coast

Southeast Oregon

SOUTHEAST OREGON

From the amazing spectacle of mass avian migrations at the Malheur Refuge to the roiling waters of the Owyhee River canyon to Steens Mountain and its deep glacier-carved gorges, the region is a playground for adventurers and explorers. Grab hiking boots, binoculars and a camera. Bird watchers, hunters, anglers, explorers and hikers will all feel at home in this vast solitude of landscape that has changed little over the last millennia.

PLAN YOUR ROAD TRIP

Collage of Cultures in Southeastern Oregon

Travelers looking for a remote adventure dotted with immersive and informative experiences need just head to southeastern Oregon.  From the awe-inducing spectacle of deep glacier-carved gorges of the Steens Mountain Region to the winding waters of the Owyhee River canyon, the landscape and solitude of southeastern […]

Motorcycle Tours & Events

It’s said that four wheels move the body, but two wheels move the soul. Whether Standard, Cruiser, Touring, Sport, or Dirt, motorcycles elicit a sense of adventure and even a little (or a lot) of rebellion from road warriors. The bond between machine and rider and […]

Road Trip Along Emigrants outposts with Farmers Markets Along the Way

Travel part of the Oregon Trail in reverse as you head east to the Oregon/Idaho border, finding outposts left behind by the emigrants along the way It’s easy to miss the little town of Juntura as you travel east or west at speeds that would shock […]

Road trip from Crystal Crane Hot Springs onwards to Leslie Gulch

Hopscotch through tiny towns in the remote desert to one of the most wild and scenic gorges in the west. Crane is home to Crystal Crane Hot Springs, an oasis for weary travelers that invites a soak in the natural mineral spring pools under expansive Eastern […]

Road Trip from Burns to the Alvord Desert

Burns, a friendly western outpost in the center of the state, is the jumping off point for your southeast Oregon adventure. Burns sits in the wide-open high desert in the heart of Harney County, Oregon’s largest and least populated county. Here you’ll find hotels, markets and […]

Rafting Oregon’s Majestic Owyhee

Southeast oregon cities.

Best Things to do in Eastern Oregon: 15 Great Places to See

The first time I saw what the best things to do in Eastern Oregon were, I was blown away by how incredible the nature there was. In fact, I couldn’t believe that this state had such amazing spots, but there are 15 places there that I highly recommend you visit which I’ll show you in this post (I’ll include a map to all these places below).

I think it’s safe to say that when people hear about Oregon and nature, 90% of them think of the Oregon Coast, which is indeed stunning and I have explored it numerous times, but when I started exploring central Oregon a bit more and started learning about what the eastern region of this state held, I just knew it was a new region I needed to explore.

Here are the 15 best things to do in Eastern Oregon:

• Explore Alvord Desert.
• Wallowa Whitman National Forest.
• Steens Mountain Wilderness (great hiking trails).
• See Painted Hills (John Day Fossil Bed National Monument).
• Smith Rock State Park.
• Cottonwood Canyon State Park.
• Leslie Gulch.
• See Malheur National Forest.
• Umatilla National Forest.
• Hike East Eagle Creek.
• Ochoco National Forest.
• Goose Lake (Oregon side).
• Newberry Volcano.
• Joseph Canyon.
• Owyhee Canyonlands.

Most of Eastern Oregon is a desert (especially the south eastern side), but a very beautiful kind of desert. While there are few towns and real major cities (other than Boise which is in Idaho), the best things to do there are to explore the nature areas and that’s exactly what the list here shows you.

The best way to explore these areas:

If you’re planning a visit by plane, land in Boise (Idaho), Reno (Nevada) or Portland (Oregon) and then drive to this area (you’re looking at 3-5 hours of driving from any of these airports to the closest destinations on this list but these are the “closest” cities with major airports where you can rent a car (ideally a 4×4) to do a road trip to these places in Eastern Oregon.

1) Alvord Desert:

Location: South eastern Oregon.

Description: If someone showed you a picture of Alvord Desert, you would probably guess that it was taken somewhere in Nevada, Arizona, Utah or another place with a desert landscape. Most people would have no idea, nor would they believe that this place is actually in Oregon. What makes Alvord Desert so amazing is that it’s a large desert plain which you can drive on, stay at (camping), and get amazing photos of sunsets from. There is one major campground there with even hot springs (and it happens to be one of the best hot springs in Oregon ).

2) Wallowa Whitman National Forest:

Location: North eastern Oregon.

Description: Wallowa Whitman National Forest is one of the largest forest regions in Oregon where you can find tons of amazing hikes (easy ones included), a lot of campgrounds, alpine lakes, and overall incredible mountain views at. My personal recommendation is that the best thing to see in this area (for a first time visit) is Wallowa State Park which in my opinion is one of the best state parks in Oregon . A good hike to try there is Wallowa Lake trail there.

3) Steen Mountain Wilderness:

Location: Eastern Oregon (central area of the state).

Description: Steen Mountain Wilderness came up very often for me when I was looking for the best places to see in Eastern Oregon and after seeing the reviews, the photos and descriptions, I absolutely agree that this place needs to be on this list.

This area has amazing mountain ranges, more alpine lakes like Wallowa National Forest above, but a great feature of this area is a long scenic drive you can do through the Steen Mountains (ideally bring a 4×4). And of course, it’s a great place to enjoy camping and hiking at.

4) Painted Hills:

Location: In a place called John Day Fossil Bed National Monument (central east Oregon).

Description: One can argue if this place is technically in Eastern Oregon or not, but it’s just so beautiful that even if it isn’t, I don’t care, it needs to be shared on this list! I learned about this place after doing research for the Wave hike alternatives which happens to be one of the best hikes in Arizona and in a completely different state.

Yet the beauty of Painted Hills deserves to be in a top spot to see not just in Eastern Oregon but the entire US (maybe the world too). It’s basically hills covered in different colors but the scenery is just incredible. There are amazing hikes like the Red Hill and Leaf Hill trails to explore this place from, but also easy to access spots in general like the Painted Hills Overlook to check out this place.

5) Smith Rock State Park (an east Oregon gem!):

Location: Also central east Oregon (close to Bend city).

Description: This is one of the parks I explored that made me want to see more of East Oregon. Smith Rock State Park is an incredible, yet small park with tons of activities you can do for a whole day, if not several days (2-3 is enough to see all the best places in this park and try all of the top activities). I personally did a walk around the park, hiked to the top and that was still nothing compared to all the other things I could have done in Smith Rock if I stayed longer and it is a park I will go back to one day. My goal is to see this place before sunset next time I go.

6) Cottonwood Canyon State Park:

Location: Not far from the Columbia River (eastern Oregon).

Description: In my opinion Cottonwood Canyon looks a lot like Capitol Reef National Park which is in Utah and just a quick note on that, that part is one of 5 other national parks in the state (the Mighty 5) and I’ve also done posts on how to plan a Utah Mighty 5 road trip itinerary on that. 

But getting back to Cottonwood Canyon, it’s like one of those parks but with more grass and trees. The reason I even mentioned Capitol Reef is because I found that park to be astounding and from the moment I first saw Cotton Canyon State Park, I couldn’t believe that it was actually in Oregon, and a state park at that! You can do a lot in this park include scenic drives, hikes (of course), kayaking on the John Day River (or hiking by it) and much more.

7) Leslie Gulch:

Location: Eastern Oregon (2 hours from Boise).

Description: If there is one place in all of Eastern Oregon I like more than anything else on this list, it’s Leslie Gulch. It’s a desert drive mixed with hiking trails all over and an incredible experience in general. Surprisingly Leslie Gulch, despite how beautiful it is, is actually not as well known because most people who visit Eastern Oregon typically see the more official spots (on this list included). Yet Leslie Gulch is just unbelievable and an area I mistook for places I saw in Utah and Arizona when I first saw it (like Alvord Desert, but this place is much more beautiful, with more to do).

8) Malheur National Forest:

Location: Desert area of Eastern Oregon.

Description: If you’re the sort of person who loves camping, remote drives and being very far from people, then Malheur National Forest is probably the best place for you to see in Eastern Oregon. And obviously on top of that you also get to be in an amazing nature area with many mountains, lakes, awesome hikes and much more. There are a lot of remote roads in this area so if you plan on coming here, absolutely make sure you know where to go, expect very bad phone reception and just know how to not get lost in the woods .

9) Umatilla National Forest:

Location: Not far from the La Grande Oregon.

Description: Umatilla is basically as good as the Malheur National Forest area in terms of hikes, camping and adventures, but it might be a bit easier to access than Malheur because it’s closer to more towns and main roads like Interstate 84 which I believe is one of the best Oregon scenic drives you can do.

It’s tough to find official trails in this area other than the Frazier trail (consider trying to use Alltrails for this). Another popular activity for exploring this spot is ATV and Dune Buggy riding and there are many miles of remote roads to explore in this national forest with them.

10) Explore East Eagle Creek:

Description: East Eagle Creek is a amazing hiking trail that is actually south east of the Wallowa Whitman National Forest but I had to include it separately because of how amazing this trail is to explore on it’s own. What you’re looking at here is an 8 mile trip which takes you through several Wallowa Mountains and to an alpine lake, and along the way incredible views, some of which make you think you’re in Yosemite National Park (because there are several mountains that have the same white rocks you see in Yosemite) and a few spots that look like you’re in Glacier National Park too (especially the lake area).

Note: There is another popular Eagle Creek trail in Oregon but it’s located in the Columbia River Gorge area.

11) Ochoco National Forest:

Location: East of a town called Prineville, Oregon.

Description: Ochoco National Forest is pretty popular for camping and also doing ATV riding, but there are more known about hiking trails here that are stunning including the Lookout Mountain trail (very popular) and the Baneberry Trail (easier, but still very scenic) to explore and get some great experiences from. At the same time this place is great to check out if you’re planning to see Painted Hills and it’s only about 1 hour away (north east of this area) so you can tie in a day visit to this forest and then check out Painted Hills (I’d recommend seeing that after since it’s more beautiful).

12) Goose Lake (currently dried up):

Location: South east Oregon.

Description: This lake divides Oregon and California and while a large section of it is in California, you can see a lot on the Oregon side of this. There’s cliff diving, camping and stargazing which is actually a very popular activity here. There are also good attractions nearby including Crane Mountain which you can drive or hike up to see a great view of Goose Lake, the town of Lakeview to stay at and the Warner Canyon skiing area.

Note: Goose Lake is known to be completely dry certain seasons (after summer usually). The point is before you go here, check the conditions (if you’re aiming to swim there). Either way, it’s still a beautiful place to visit even it’s dried up.

13) Newberry Volcano:

Location: Basically in between west and east Oregon (more on the eastern side).

Description: I had no idea that you can find this kind of volcano in Oregon (it’s actually a caldera) and on top of that, this place is amazing for things like:

• Hot springs exploration (Paulina Hot springs).
• Great hikes (Paulina Peak and Big Obsidian Flow trail).
• Boating (2 lakes).
• Staying at resorts (East Lake Resort).
• Amazing waterfall hikes (including water slides). I’m even going to include this place in my list of the best Oregon waterfall hikes .

14) Joseph Canyon:

Location: North Eastern Oregon, close to Enterprise.

Description: Joseph Canyon is mostly good for driving past as it has an amazing overlook right on the road (route 3). It’s good to check out if you’re visiting from Enterprise and going to Washington but if you’re coming from WA and you’re looking for more spots to see, then first stop at this overlook, then head to Enterprise, then west to Portland so you can see Columbia River Gorge. Aside from this being an amazing overlook, you can also do hikes there, but there are very remote drives involved to do that, so again, 4×4 vehicles are recommended and of course knowing how to navigate!

15) Owyhee Canyonlands:

Location: Eastern Oregon, same region as Leslie Gulch (closest city is Marsing Oregon).

Description: I originally thought that Owyhee Canyonlands and Leslie Gulch were in the same area and while they are in the same region , they are 2 different spots (3 hour drive from each area) and both are incredibly beautiful. For Owyhee Canyonlands, you are looking at an amazing place to camp, fish, hike, find waterfalls, trail run through and boat on and with similar experiences you’d have in other beautiful places on this list like Cottonwood Canyon State Park.

If you plan to explore Leslie Gulch, I think you would be missing out if you didn’t add Owyhee Canyonlands to your itinerary too! And since I mentioned earlier how one of these Eastern Oregon locations reminded me of a park in Utah, I also want to mention that Owyhee Canyonlands reminds me of a place called Canyonlands National Park too, which is also in Utah.

Popular questions about exploring these best places in eastern Oregon:

What is the best time of year to visit Eastern Oregon?

Anytime after May through October is generally the best time to check out Eastern Oregon.

Is Eastern Oregon pretty?

Yes, there are many places in Eastern Oregon that are incredible beautiful including Owyhee Canyonlands, Smith Rock State Park and Painted Hills.

What is Eastern Oregon known for?

Eastern Oregon is mostly known for having beautiful desert areas that are as good as the nature you see in the southwest states.

Other things to explore in Oregon:

• Aside from the above things to do in Eastern Oregon, I would obviously recommend you see my post on the best places to visit on the Oregon Coast .
• Another major area that is close to Portland I recommend seeing is Columbia River Gorge .

I have also included other spots above that I’ve written posts on for more ways to explore this amazing state and if you have any personal recommendations on what to see in Eastern Oregon, please share the locations below if you don’t mind!

Hi I'm Vitaliy, I love nature travel and this blog encapsulates all of my adventures and top recommendations of what to see (and what to avoid).

Learn More Here

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Goose Lake is dry. If you cliff dive there it would only be once.

Isn’t it seasonal Jim? I’ve read that Goose Lake usually fills up after winter and spring (depending on weather conditions of course) but it has had periods when it was completely dry. I added an extra note on that above.

It’s called John “Day”, not John “Jay”

Ah you’re right Seren. I mistyped it, now it properly says John Day Fossil Beds 🙂

If you get off the main trails, are your Salomon Speedcross shoes cactus proof? Of course the best thing to do is just stay aware of your surroundings and avoid them. That said, I have known people who stepped on them and were surprised how easily they can penetrate a shoe.

Hi Clint, I’ve done a lot of hiking in places with many cactus’s with the Salomon Speedcross 5 shoes but pretty much all of those experiences were when they were around my legs and waist.

I’ve don’t think I’ve ever stepped on them with those shoes and even in areas (like Sedona) where there are a lot of them, I’ve never seen the cactus needles on the ground and if I ever did step on them, I never noticed it. The bottom part of those shoes are very resilient overall and I’m pretty sure that it would withstand most situations including stepping on a cactus, but if the cactus needle is too long or if you step on something like a deep, sharp spike, then I doubt most shoes could withstand that type of thing. I would suggest avoiding those kinds of areas if possible.

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America From The Road

15 Wonderful Things To Do In Eastern Oregon

Eastern Oregon is the epitome of the road less travelled. If you are looking for off-the-beaten-path type adventures, then this list of things to do in Oregon’s remote east is for you!

While most folks consider the state of Oregon to be a land filled with lush forests, snow-capped mountains, rugged coastlines, and miles of vineyards, they fail to acknowledge that this is only true for the western half of the state.

It’s not their fault. Eastern Oregon is seldom promoted and rarely visited. Does this mean it has nothing to offer visitors? Hell no!

Over on the eastern side of Oregon you’ll enjoy big blue skies, vast views, quiet country towns, and down to earth people. Not to mention some spectacular destinations that are more than worthy of your time to seek out.

This article will show you that there are many hidden gems here that include desolate deserts, gorgeous granite peaks, and soothing hot springs that need to be on your Oregon bucket list .

So Where Is Eastern Oregon?

First, let’s consider where is Eastern Oregon and how to define the border between Central and Eastern Oregon.

Some say anywhere east of the Cascade Mountain Range is considered Eastern Oregon. However, others would argue that places that are in the vicinity of the Cascades such as Bend, Madras, and Crater Lake National Park are actually Central Oregon.

For the purposes of this article, we will only be considering destinations that are east of Highway 97 as part of Eastern Oregon. This highway which divides the state begins at Biggs Junction in the Columbia River Gorge, and travels all the way down to Klamath Falls which is on the border of Oregon and California.

Cities in Eastern Oregon that are most popular with visitors include Pendleton, Baker City, Joseph, and Prineville. The counties that make up Eastern Oregon are Sherman County, Gilliam County, Morrow County, Wheeler County, Crook County, Lake County, Umatilla County, Grant County, Harney County, Union County, Wallowa County, Baker County, and Malheur County.

Alright. Let’s get to this list of the best things to do in Eastern Oregon!

Things To Do In Eastern Oregon

Visit the wallowa mountains.

The Wallowa Mountains are a mountain range located in the northeast corner of Oregon. Most of the mountain range is designated as the Eagle Cap Wilderness and contains dozens of bare granite peaks, wildflower-filled meadows, and mesmerizing glacial lakes.

This stunning destination is fondly known as the ‘Swiss Alps of the USA’ and there is even a mountain here called the Matterhorn. Even though the Wallowas are one of Oregon’s ‘Seven Wonders’, the area is still a well-kept secret.

Some of the allure of the Wallowa Mountains is due to the fact that this destination is off-the-beaten path and it isn’t difficult at all to find solitude here. There are countless hiking trails that will take you up to alpine paradise whether you are looking for a short day hike or a multi-day backpacking trip.

There is a large campground at the foot of the mountains which is situated on the shores of Wallowa Lake near Joseph. This is a good place to base yourself to explore the Eagle Cap Wilderness.

Take A Hike To Ice Lake In The Fall

Ice Lake is a popular hiking trail in the Wallowas. The trail is relentlessly steep but worth the challenge to explore one of the only parts of Eastern Oregon that is mountainous and forested.

While this trail is most popular in the summer, especially with backpackers heading up to overnight camp by the lake, we recommend doing the Ice Lake hiking trail in the fall.

The colors are out of this world spectacular in terms of fall foliage. It will completely surprise you to see such magnificent yellows, oranges, and reds within the desert landscape of Eastern Oregon.

The hike is 15.4 miles return trip so you will need to dedicate an entire day to this adventure. See what the hike to Ice Lake in the fall looks like here .

Hike To The Matterhorn

If you are going to hike to Ice Lake, you may as well keep going to one of the highest peaks in the Wallowa Mountains, the Matterhorn. It is an epic hike with fantastic views from the top where you can see other mountain peaks in all directions for miles.

The Matterhorn stands at 9,826 feet and was once thought to have been the highest peak in the Wallowas. That title was eventually given to Sacajawea upon re-measurement of the mountains which is only a few feet taller at 9,838 feet.

The hike up to the Matterhorn begins at the Wallowa Lake Trailhead and is 19 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 5,360 feet. Needless to say this hike is for those who are in good physical shape, have a lot of persistence and time to dedicate an entire day to reach the summit.

Spend A Weekend In Joseph

Nestled in the midst of some of the most spectacular geography you’ll ever see is a little gem of a town with enormous charm called Joseph. This mountain town is surrounded by the breathtaking Wallowa Mountain Range which is why the area is often referred to as the ‘Little Switzerland of America’.

Joseph is the perfect place for a relaxing weekend getaway because the town is filled with cozy motels, cute bed and breakfasts, and plenty of great cafes and restaurants.

There are also several boutique shops if you enjoy shopping for one-of-a-kind type treasures. One of the best stores in town is Simply Sandy’s which sells a collection of shabby chic and country style clothing, kitchenware, gifts, architectural salvage items, and more. You could easily spend two hours exploring all the one-of-a-kind pieces on display here and more than likely you won’t leave empty handed.

Take A Road Trip To Hells Canyon

Hells Canyon National Recreation Area is the deepest river gorge in North America! This wild and scenic destination includes 215,000 acres of wilderness waiting for you to explore.

Take a drive out to the Hells Canyon Overlook for some of the best views which you can get to along a road 33 miles north of the town Halfway .

Most of the Hells Canyon Recreation Area is not easily accessed by road. For an alternative way to explore the canyon, organize a jet boat tour with Hells Canyon Adventures who offer two to four hour trips through the whitewater leaving from Hells Canyon Dam.

Attend The Pendleton Round-Up

The Pendleton Round-Up is a week long celebration of western heritage that includes parades, concerts, and competitions.

The event begins with a dress up parade held on the Saturday before Round-Up week begins followed by an outdoor concert. Some of the past artists have included Reba McEntire, George Strait, and Scotty McCreery.

Events during Round Up week include bareback bronc riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, steer roping, steer wrestling, team roping and tie-down roping. The All-Around Cowboy award goes to the competitor who earns the most prize money in more than one event.

This is the biggest annual event held in Eastern Oregon and attracts thousands of visitors. It is held in the second week of September so if you are in this part of Oregon when the festivities are taking place be sure to get yourself a ticket!

Relax At The Wildhorse Resort & Casino

Wildhorse Resort & Casino is a premier destination for family getaways, couples, and road-trippers traveling along the I-84 between Pendleton in Oregon and Idaho.

The Resort features a 24-hour casino, hotel, RV Park, nine restaurants, cinema, 18-hole championship golf course, and tribal museum.

But it doesn’t stop there because the resort also features a 24 lane bowling alley, food court, and arcade. Are you excited to visit yet?!

The resort sits beneath the Blue Mountains of Eastern Oregon on the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. It’s the perfect place to plan a fun weekend getaway, especially during the summer when you can take advantage of their outdoor pool.

Catch A Movie At The Drive-In In Milton Freewater

If you’re in the Pendleton area or visiting Walla Walla and looking for something unique to do in the evening, head to the Drive-In in Milton-Freewater.

Movies are screened here every Friday through Tuesday night with a rotating playlist. The screenings start at dusk so times will change depending on the season. In summer screenings start around 8.30pm but in winter will commence much earlier. Find out what movies are playing  here .

John Day Fossil Beds National Monument

Sheep rock unit.

The Sheep Rock Unit of John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is actually one of three geographically separate units that make up the monument. The others include the Clarno Unit and the more well-known Painted Hills.

All of the units feature colorful rock formations and preserve layers of fossil plants and mammals that lived in the region between the late Eocene and the late Miocene era.

The Sheep Rock Unit stands out from the other parts of the monument with its strikingly green colored claystone which was caused by chemical weathering of a mineral called celadonite. 

This part of the park is located on Highway 19 between the towns of Kimberly and Dayville, Oregon. Visit the Sheep Rock Unit and other interesting places nearby on this road trip along the Journey Through Time Scenic Byway.

Painted Hills

No doubt you’ve heard of the Painted Hills before or have seen the unbelievable shades or red splashed across these hills on Instagram. The Painted Hills are probably one of Oregon’s most famous natural landmarks.

The unique colors of the Painted Hills formed over thirty-five million years ago. Different volcanic eruptions and changing climate patterns mixed with different soils, mineral, and plant matter over the ages resulting in what you see today. The differing layers represent different geological eras in the Central Oregon time line.

Like the Sheep Rock Unit mentioned above, the Painted Hills are part of the John Day National Monument. The closest place to find lodging near the Painted Hills is in Prineville.

Summit Rock Creek Butte

Rock Creek Butte is a 9,106-foot summit in Baker County located about ten miles northeast of Sumpter. This is the highest peak in the Elkhorn Mountain Range and also the highest point in Oregon’s Blue Mountains.

For those of you who consider yourselves to be ‘peak baggers’, you can hike to the summit of Rock Creek Butte which is the 26th highest summit in the state of Oregon.

The hike up to Rock Creek Butte can be done as a day hike. There is no trail to Rock Creek Butte’s summit, but the Elkhorn Crest trail crosses its southwestern slope and the final half mile is an easy scramble.

The Elkhorn Crest Trail can be accessed from either Marble Pass, or via the Twin Lakes trail. Marble pass is a gentler trail, but getting there requires high clearance and possibly 4-wheel drive. The Twin Lakes trail is steeper, but is much easier on your car. The round trip distance via Twin Lakes is about eleven miles with an elevation gain of 3,700 feet.

From the top of Rock Creek Butte you’ll see expansive views that include the Wallowas in the east, the Strawberry Mountains to the west, and the agricultural North Powder valley to the north. You may encounter mountain goats on the mountain or by Twin Lakes.

Elkhorn Peak , the second highest peak in the Elkhorn Mountains, is an easy side trip that is well worth doing and is also an easy scramble. Why not attempt to do both?

Coffeepot Crater

Coffeepot Crater lies on the edge of a twenty-seven square mile lava flow, one of the most recent volcanic flows in Oregon. It is so recent that locals claim that you can still see boot prints in places. 

The crater is within the Jordan Craters Wilderness Study Area (WSA) located fifteen miles west of U.S. Highway 95 and approximately twenty miles northwest of Jordan Valley.

Visitors can drive out to Coffeepot which is the only feature there is vehicle access to in the Jordan Crater area. There is a short trail that skirts around the well preserved and steep-sided crater. One of the most interesting features in the vicinity of Coffeepot is a sequence of roughly aligned spatter cones. They consist of blocks of lava, probably ejected in a semi-molten state that have welded together, forming cones.

Other cool features here include pahoehoe, a ‘pillowy’ or rope-like lava flow like the kinds you see on the big island of Hawaii.

To get there, take Highway 95 and drive eight miles north of Jordan Valley. Turn west at the Jordan Craters sign onto Cow Creek Road. Follow the BLM Jordan Crater access signs for twenty-five miles until you reach the site. Beware, the last three miles of the dirt road to the parking lot are very rough. A high clearance vehicle is recommended.

Visit Birch Creek Historic Ranch

Nestled among cream and chocolate colored hills, barren red cliffs, and towering rock spires lies a secret oasis – the Birch Creek Historic Ranch. The ranch was constructed in the early 1900s out of stone following common Basque design techniques.

There are nineteen other buildings and structures at the ranch that contribute to the property’s designation as a historical rural landscape on the Department of the Interior’s National Register of Historic Places. It was purchased by the BLM in 1988 to preserve the remarkable site along the wild and scenic Owyhee River.

The trip out to Birch Creek Ranch is for the truly adventurous. This destination is extremely remote and requires dedication. Located in Jordan Valley, the road to the ranch is totally unpaved, steep and bumpy in places, and involves three rocky creek crossings along Birch Creek Road. See a map here .

Steens Mountain

Steens Mountain stretches about fifty miles alongside the Alvord Desert in remote southeast Oregon. This mountain is often mistaken for being a mountain range when it in fact is a single stand-alone mountain.

Motorists can drive to the top of Steens Mountain on a road that almost reaches the summit of 9,733 feet, which is the highest road in Oregon.

The fifty-two mile long road called Steens Mountain Backcountry Byway offers several magnificent viewpoints of Kiger Gorge on the way up, and sweeping vistas of the Alvord Desert to the east.

Alvord Desert

The Alvord Desert was once a lake extending over 100 miles but has since completely dried up. This desert landscape is now known as what is called a playa and is approximately twenty miles long and seven miles wide.

The Steens Mountain Range runs alongside the playa towering 5,000 feet above providing a spectacular backdrop.

Alvord is located on the east side of the Steens Mountain Range at an elevation of 4,000 feet. This unique land formation is located in one of the most isolated parts of Oregon therefore receives very little visitors.

If you are looking for solitude, this is the place for you! Witness phenomenal sunrises and enjoy silent nights in this desolate and hauntingly beautiful landscape.

Oregon Guide Books

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• Weekend In Walla Walla: A Guide To Visiting Washington’s Wine Region
• Steamboat Rock State Park: A Fantastic Summer Destination
• Sun Lakes Dry Falls State Park: Hiking, Water Activities & Camping!
• Coulee Corridor Scenic Byway: Highlights Between Tri-Cities and Omak

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Eastern Oregon

Here Are The 10 Most Beautiful Hidden Gems In Eastern Oregon

Tessa Metcalf

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Outside of the Beaver State, few know about the plethora of gorgeous natural wonders sprinkled throughout the eastern side of Oregon. From crystal clear alpine lakes to otherworldly deserts, here are some of the most stunning hidden gems in Eastern Oregon :

1. Leslie Gulch

2. Owyhee Canyonlands

3. Strawberry Lake

4. Hells Canyon and the Snake River

5. Journey Through Time Scenic Byway

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6. eagle cap wilderness.

7. Painted Hills

8. Alvord Desert

9. Steens Mountain

10. Wallowa Lake

Have you visited any of the above destinations? What did you think? Feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments below — we would love to hear from you! Before planning your trip to any one of these unique natural wonders, be sure to check out our ultimate hiking essentials list .

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Hidden gems in oregon.

What are some of the most stunning places to visit in Oregon?

Oregon is truly a treasure trove of natural beauty. For proof of this, look no further than the following list of the most stunning places to visit in Oregon:

• Columbia River Gorge
• Hells Canyon
• Oneonta Gorge
• Oregon Caves National Monument
• Sea Lion Caves
• Steelhead Falls
• Multnomah Falls
• Toketee Falls
• Samuel Boardman State Scenic Corridor
• Painted Hills
• Oregon Coast
• Smith Rock State Park
• Thor's Well
• Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
• Crater Lake

Curious to learn more? Check out our ultimate guide to exploring the most breathtaking natural wonders in Oregon . There's something on this list for everyone!

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In 2021, visitors spent $409 million in Eastern Oregon which led to the direct employment of 6,130 locals.

Eastern Oregon’s got a little bit of everything: wide-open skies, sagebrush plains, remote ski slopes, rivers teeming with steelhead and don’t forget the craft beer. History buffs will delight in wagon ruts from the Oregon Trail, vibrant prehistoric fossil beds and eerie ghost towns. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg in Oregon’s “wild west.”

Additional Resources:

• Learn more about the updated Regional Cooperative Tourism Program & Guidelines .
• If you’re uncertain which tourism region your town falls under,  search with your zip code .

The following highlights catalytic and impactful programming and investments associated with the 2019-2021 biennium of the Regional Cooperative Tourism Program in Eastern Oregon.

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Eastern Oregon Visitor Guide

The Eastern Oregon Visitors Guide brings the very best of Eastern Oregon to a broad audience of adventure-minded travelers eager to explore the living history of this diverse region. From bike tours to the region’s quickly developing wine scene, and everything in between, the visitor guide is packed with ideas and inspiration to help visitors explore this dynamic area where life moves a little slower by design.

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EASTERN OREGON

OREGON DISCOVERY TRAILS

The accomplishments of Lewis and Clark and the Corps of Discovery amazes people even today. For today’s travelers, discovering the wonders of Lewis & Clark makes for a great adventure. Lewis and Clark and the Corps of Discovery arrived at the Columbia River in their dugout canoes on October 17, 1805. It was their final challenge to fulfill President Thomas Jefferson’s vision to discover and map out an all-water route to the Pacific Ocean. The swift current rocketed their dugouts downriver. On October 18th Co-Captain William Clark climbed the river bank and saw far off the snow-capped summit of Mount Hood. On the 19th, the canoes passed by the rugged outcropping formation Clark called Hat Rock. It is now a State Park. That same day they passed by the site of McNary Dam, which today provides navigable waters up to the Snake River.

The Oregon Trail pioneers entered Oregon south of Ontario after crossing the treacherous Snake River. Today, directional signs and interpretive visitor centers at I-84 Rest Areas at Ontario, Farewell Bend State Park, and Weatherby prepare visitors for their detailed visit at the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center in Baker City. Inspiring exhibits, special events, and films provide insight into life on the Trail. At the Umatilla Valley pioneers could camp and rest or go to the Whitman Mission, now a National Historic Sitie managed by the Nez Perce National Historical Park, where they could buy provisions and trasde with the Cayuse, Umatilla and Walla Walla tribes liveing there. Today the tribes tells their story at the Tamastalikt Cultural Institute near Pendleton. The trail-weary pioneers had many challenges still ahead, crossing rivers and steep canyons to reach The Dalles, where they could board rafts or bateaus to ride the wild waters of the Columbia while the men and boys drove their oxen and horses along the narrow cliffs of the river. When Sam Barlow’s wagon train arrived at The Dalles in 1845, he knew there had to be a better way so he built a toll road around Mount Hood. The route he blazed is part of the Oregon National Historic Trail.

Eastern Oregon

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So different is eastern Oregon from the wet west side of the Cascades that it is often difficult to remember that it is still the same state. Indeed, the dry eastern ranch lands, deserts, canyons, and mountain ranges of this region have more in common with the landscapes of neighboring Idaho and Nevada. Yet Oregon it is, and though it is remote, the fascinating geography makes it an interesting region to explore.

With huge cattle ranches sprawling across the countryside (cattle greatly outnumber people in these parts), the arts community of Joseph casting western-art bronze statues, and the Pendleton Round-Up attracting cowboys and cowgirls from around the country, eastern Oregon is the state's Wild West. This part of the state is also steeped in the history of the Oregon Trail, and although it was to the Willamette Valley that most wagon trains were heading, it is here that signs of their passing 150 years ago still abound. All across this region, wagon ruts can still be seen, and the history of the Oregon Trail is chronicled at several regional museums. Although the first pioneers never thought to stop and put down roots in this region, when gold was discovered in the Blue Mountains in the 1860s, fortune seekers flocked to the area. Boom towns flourished and just as quickly disappeared, leaving the land to the cattle ranchers and wheat farmers who still call this area home.

Today, however, the region also attracts outdoors enthusiasts. They come to hike and horseback ride in the Eagle Cap Wilderness of the Wallowa Mountains, to bird-watch in the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, to ski in the Blue Mountains, to explore the deepest canyon in the United States, and to raft and fish the Snake, Owyhee, and Grande Ronde rivers.

Because this region is so far from the state's population centers, it is little visited by west-siders, who rarely venture farther east than the resorts of central Oregon. Eastern Oregon is also so vast, and the road distances so great, that it does not lend itself to quick weekend trips. At the very least, it takes a 3-day weekend to get out to Joseph and the Wallowa Mountains or the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. Should you travel to this part of the state, leave yourself plenty of time for getting from point A to point B.

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