1.
The Lowlands
Set out from the Byway’s western portal at Heppner Junction -- on I-84 between Arlington and Hermiston -- and prepare for a history lesson. Willow Creek, near the town of Cecil, was a popular stopping place along the Oregon Trail. Oregon Route 74 continues southeast along the creek, through wheat and canola fields and ranches, to the agricultural communities of Ione and Lexington. These towns, which began as sheep stations, still maintain classic examples of frontier architecture.
2.
Heppner to the Highlands
Nine miles beyond Lexington, Heppner is a commercial and recreational gateway to the Blue Mountains. Visit the Morrow County Museum to learn about the settlement days and the flood of 1903. A historic walking tour features a number of turn-of-the-century buildings, including the blue-stone courthouse. Willow Creek Lake offers boating and fishing about a one-mile walk from downtown.
3.
See the Forest for the Trees
From Heppner, the Byway follows Willow Creek Road, then Forest Service Road 53 as it climbs into the Umatilla National Forest. Within its 1.4 million acres of pine and fir trees, the forest has plenty to offer hikers and horseback riders. As you travel, notice how the forest is recovering from a wildfire and an insect epidemic. Just north of Cutsforth Park, a popular camping and picnic spot, the Coalmine Hill day-use area provides access to several hiking and horseback trails. Farther along the Byway, Potamus Point provides a dramatic view of the "Wild and Scenic" North Fork John Day River.
4.
Unique Ukiah
The Byway emerges from the forest and descends into an ancient lake basin that -- according to Indian legend -- was permanently emptied by an earthquake many moons ago. The basin is where you’ll find Ukiah, a little town surrounded by bright blue camas flowers in the spring.
5.
Farther into the Forest
After crossing U.S. Route 395 and the Camas River, the Byway continues southeast, climbing quickly into the forest again. Soon, you’ll come to the Bridge Creek Wildlife Area, a habitat for a variety of animals, including a herd of more than 16,000 Rocky Mountain elk. About nine miles east of here, the North Fork John Day Overlook presents a spectacular view of the John Day Wilderness to the north and the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness Area to the south. Also along this portion of the route are an abundance of campgrounds, hiking trails and great fishing sites on the North Fork John Day and Camas rivers.
6.
Finishing Touches
The Byway’s east portal is located at the North Fork John Day Campground, another popular fishing spot. From here, the Byway overlaps with the Elkhorn Drive Scenic Byway to provide a relaxing alternative to traveling I-84. Take Forest Service Road 73 east through Anthony Lakes to Haines, or south through the mining towns of Granite and Sumpter toward Baker City. You may also return to I-84 by heading north on Forest Service Road 51 and following the Grande Ronde River to La Grande.
For more information, contact the Umatilla National Forest Office at 541-278-3716.