The Blue Mountain Scenic Byway is known for its diversity. As you travel the route, enjoy its charming towns, majestic national forests, rocky peaks, and wild rivers. After climbing from the striking Wallowa-Whitman National Forest replete with hiking, snowmobiling, camping, and horseback riding opportunities, the byway winds north through agricultural hills and small towns to the border of Washington and the stately Columbia River.
The Blue Mountain Scenic Byway offers historical stops and beautiful scenery, including the Oregon Trail, one of the more popular areas to visit. As you walk the same path as pioneer ancestors look at a piece of history carved into the land from the many ruts from wagons traveling over muddy ground. As you travel further south, visit Heppner and its most notable landmark, a 1902 vintage courthouse. With a sordid history of clients murdering their lawyers and the laughter of ghost children lingering around the courthouse steps, this survivor of the 1903 Heppner flood is one of the most haunted buildings in town. Peek inside to catch a glimpse of one of the numerous spirits storied to walk its creaky floors.
The area is full of ghost towns left behind as railroads changed or mines dried up. While not completely abandoned, the communities are no longer what they used to be and only a few shadows remain. Take a short side trip to Hardman for a glimpse of small town life in late 19th Century Oregon. Many of the old buildings remain in Hardman and a newly renovated dance hall invites you to step into the past. Another popular mining town was Granite, but only a handful of people remain. A dance hall, general store and a one-room school building are a few visible remainders of a once booming town.
Regardless of season, Willow Creek Dam and Lake's 125 acres promise a good day on the water, whether you enjoy fishing, swimming or boating. Take your picnic basket and family to Cutsforth Park and let the children head to the playground while you catch a fresh meal of fish at a nearby stream. Hike up to Potamus Point for an extensive view of Potamus Canyon and watch wintering deer and elk drink at the mountain ponds and forage in the meadows. North Fork John Day Overlook provides another spectacular overlook, with clear days presenting a view all the way to Bridge Creek Flats and the Strawberry Mountains.
Stretch your legs as you head out to the nearby campground and enjoy a wide variety of activities such as fishing, horseback riding, or hunting. The Wild and Scenic North Fork John Day River supports a thriving trout population for avid fishermen and is a popular camping sight for hunters during fall. Explore the area on horseback or foot to fully enjoy the area.
With ghosts wandering the halls of justice and sparkling rivers to splash your feet in, the byway offers a variety of scenery along with historical sites and numerous outdoor opportunities. With wildlife areas and remnants of historical mining towns and settlements, the Blue Mountain Scenic Byway paints a clear picture of the 'wild west.'
