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Oregon Trail Interpretive Park Trailhead
Experience the Oregon Trail as the pioneers did! Some of the best-preserved traces of the Historic Oregon Trail await you on this forested ridge. Walk among stately Ponderosa pines that still bear the scars made by passing wagons over 150 years ago. Meander on a gentle footpath next to wagon-wide depressions. Enjoy the sweeping view that met the emigrant’s eyes so long ago. Choose a Discovery Trail and literally walk in the footsteps of the pioneers.
The Oregon Trail Interpretive Park at Blue Mountain Crossing includes an interpretive trailhead and picnic area. Facilities include a large parking areas, paved accessible trails, drinking water restrooms and interpretation panels. History living re-encampments are periodically available on holidays. The site may be staffed on summer weekends or holidays.
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | Current Conditions |
|---|---|
| Operational Hours: | Open Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend, on Thursdays through Sundays, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. |
| Reservations: | The site is not reservable. |
| Area Amenities: | Interpretive Site, Accessible, Picnic tables, Toilets, Drinking water, Parking |
| Fees: | $5/vehicle/day, or Northwest Forest Pass, or any form of the America the Beautiful National Pass |
| Open Season: | Memorial Day |
| Usage: | Medium |
| Restrictions: | General rules of use and restrictions apply for this developed recreation site. Pets in designated areas only. |
| Closest Towns: | La Grande, Oregon (16 miles) |
| Water: | Potable Water |
| Restroom: | Flush Toilets |
| Passes: | Recreation Passes may be used as a form of fee payment. |
| Operated By: | Forest Service |
| Information Center: | La Grande Ranger District |
General Information
Directions:From La Grande, Oregon travel north on Interstate 84 for 10.5 miles to exit 248; Turn at exit 248 onto the Spring Creek Road/Kamela and go 0.2 miles; Turn right on Old Emigrant Hill Scenic Frontage Road (Highway 30) and go 0.7 miles; take first right follow signs and go 2.4 miles to Park on Forest Road 1843.
NOTE: There is a 12' 9" clearance limit where Forest Road #1843 passes under the Interstate to enter the Park.
General Notes:
Click here for printable brochure.
Activities
Day Hiking
A majority of the lower trails are paved and accessible. Some of the upper trails are native surface and not advisable for persons with disabilities.
The site has several main interpretive trails; California Gulch Trails (2.2 miles including short spurs and loops), Blue Mtn Crossing Trail (0.4 miles), Independence Loop Trail (0.5 miles), and Oregon City Loop Trail (0.2 miles). Total miles = 3.3 miles.
Interpretive Areas
Several interpretive panels about the Oregon Trail and local history are adjacent to the trails.
Amenities
| Interpretive Site: | Display panels at the trailhead and along the trail |
|---|---|
| Picnic tables: | |
| Parking: | Large accessible lots for RVs, trailers and busses |
| Toilets: | Flush, accessible toilets |
| Accessible: | Restroom, parking, trails, picnic area |
| Drinking water: | Seasonally available |
Related Information
Location