See Page 43 For Event Information - SCN Research

THIS MONTH
photo: courtesy Vist Baker County
We know you meant well. All
you East: could Baker talk about City at & that Union Memorial
It may Day seem barbecue counterintuitive were to all head the
summer into the dryer trips plains you of Eastern would Oregon take during
the You hottest even month reserved of the year, a but few with
this
year.
extra extreme vacation outdoor activities—rafting days to use during Hells
the Canyon, sunny mountain season. biking But down here high altitude is,
August inclines—and already, a handful and of eclectic, the farthest alternative
from events, Portland Baker Union you’ve Counties gotten are doing is to a
the damn Target fine job in of luring Clackamas. you in this Are month. you
really The going first thing to let you’ll the notice summer this far east
pass is the unmistakable you by without echo of at the least Wild West. one
out-of-town And you can’t visit adventure? Oregon’s eastern We borders love
Portland without checking as much out the as you do, but
National Historic
we’ll admit that other parts of the
Oregon Trail Interpretive Center in Baker
Northwest
City
are attractive as well.
(22267 Oregon Hwy 86, Baker City, 541-523-1843,
So
blm.gov/or/oregontrail),
we picked a
where
getaway
the pioneers
destination
at each end of the compass—
who
founded our state are remembered. The Center
recreates the Oregon Trail experience—in
North, South, East and West—and
searched out the most unique and
more vivid detail than the pixelated computer
memorable activities to get you
game you played in school—with interactive
exhibits, demonstrations and programs,
inspired to get outta town. And
remember—distance makes the
heart
as well as
grow
walkable
fonder,
historic
so
trails
you’ll
and
return
other
special events. “Typically, everyday we have
something new in the Center,” says Gary Koy,
the Center’s marketing director. “One special
event is the Oregon Trail Music Festival on August
19, which is an all-day event that features
traditional Oregon Trail music and dancing.”
With a light $5 admission, the Center is an affordable,
fascinating visit. Also, mark August
30 on the calendar because it’s Free Day at the
Center. And if you simply can’t get your fill
of Oregon Trail history and culture, then you
can also hit up the Oregon Trail Regional
Museum (2480 Grove St, Baker City, 541-523-9308,
bakercounty.org/Museum/museum.html).
If you prefer a wet trail to a dry one,
then take advantage of the nearby Snake
River in Hells Canyon, which boasts some
of the state’s best white-water rafting. Hop
on a variety of river tours with Hells Canyon
Adventures (4200 Hells Canyon Dam Rd, Oxbow,
541-785-3352, hellscanyonadventures.com) and explore
the breathtaking vistas from a fish-eye view.
If you prefer something smooth and scenic,
Hells Canyon Adventures offers two half-day
trips down the Snake; morning tours are
$20–$45 and afternoon tours run $15–$35
Elkhorns in Baker County
(we suggest the morning tour because it’s
longer and lunch is included!). “Basically, you
raft 20 miles into the wilderness,” says Hells
Canyon Adventures’ owner Mark Yates. “The
tour is laced with stops, like Native American
pictographs and other historic sites; our
guides are very knowledgeable of the canyon’s
history so it’s pretty informative.” If you fancy
something a little more thrilling, they also offer
more intense, full-day white-water rafting
trips for adults only.
Once back on land, you should explore
the rustic country on four wheels with a drive
north towards La Grande through Union
County. Along the way you’ll pass between
the Wallowa Mountains to the east and the
Blue Mountains to the west before coming to
a rest at the historic town of Union. Be sure
to swing by downtown Union the weekend of
August 11 & 12 for music, crafts and more at
the Grassroots Festival. Like Baker City, Union
has plenty of historic stops to check out.
As your trip winds down, don’t miss the
City
Lehman Hot Springs (Hwy 244, Ukiah, 541-427-
Snake River
photo: Marshall McComb (courtesy Vist Baker County)