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Blue Mountains North/Grande Ronde River Basin Area

The Blue Mountain North/Grande Ronde River Basin Area is situated north of the Anthony Lakes Highway (Forest Road 73) to the Mount Emily area. It includes all of the developed recreation sites and trails in the northern Blue Mountains and those found in the Grande Ronde River Basin west of La Grande, Oregon. This area is mainly administered by the La Grande Ranger District although some of the area north of the Anthony Lakes Highway is administered by the Whitman Ranger District.

Popular recreation areas include the Oregon Trail Interpretive Park at Blue Mountain Crossing, Mt. Emily, Spring Creek Recreation Area, Ladd Canyon, and Beaver Creek.

Local communities that have a variety of services (i.e. fuel, lodging, stores and/or restaurants) are LaGrande, Island City, Elgin, Imbler, Cove, Richland, and Baker City.  These communities are within one hour of this area.

Recreation Sites

Showing: 1 - 10 of 11 results

Bird Track Interpretive Site
Site Closed
Outdoor Science and Learning Hiking
The Bird Track Interpretive Site is located along the Grande Ronde River off Oregon Highway 244 directly across from the Bird Track Springs Campground. It is popular with birders, photographers, and…

Bird Track Springs Campground
Picnicking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Outdoor Science and Learning
If a campground with riverside trails and bird watching opportunities sound appealing, but you don’t want to wander too far off of the beaten path, Bird Track Springs Campground may be the place…

Frog Heaven Forest Camp
Site Closed
No facilities are provided nor is this area maintained.  It is truly for the camper wanting to rough it. Check with La Grande Ranger District office for more ponds to fish in the Blue Mountains. 

Indian Rock Overlook
Site Closed
Outdoor Science and Learning Picnicking
The Indian Rock Overlook is situated at a viewpoint overlooks the beautiful Grande Ronde Valley.  The overlook structure was built by the combined efforts of USDA Forest Service and Army National…

Oregon Trail Interpretive Park Trailhead
Site Closed
Hiking Outdoor Science and Learning
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…

Sawtooth Crater
Hiking Outdoor Science and Learning
The Sawtooth Crater and Ridge were formed by a shield volcano. Shield volcanos are usually built by fluid magma flows, and are named for their large size and low profile, resembling a warrior's…

Spool Cart Campground
Picnicking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
Spool Cart Campground is nestled in the forest on the banks of the Grande Ronde River. This is a developed campground with paved roads and accessible toilets.Historically, trains stopped here and…

Spring Creek Campground
Picnicking
Spring Creek Campground is located in an open pine forest near a small meadow. Just a short drive from Interstate 84, this small campground offers 4 campsites which are occassionally used for family…

Umapine Campground
Picnicking Off Highway Vehicles (OHV)
The Umapine Campground is located west of Vey Meadows between Cuuyem and Umapine Creeks in a ponderosa pine forest. It offers 3 group sites (including one pull through site) and 5 single…

Umapine OHV Trailhead
Off Highway Vehicles (OHV)
The Umapine OHV Trailhead sits adjacent to the Umapine Campground. Located in a scenic ponderosa pine forest west of Vey Meadows between Cuuyem and Umapine Creeks, the trailhead serves as a…

Last updated April 15th, 2025

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