The Grande Tour
'Grande' is French for 'big'; this term elucidates the mountains, farms, and history that compose this byway's valley. The route sits between the Hells Canyon and Elkhorn byways and can easily be caught when you explore the other two.
1.
The Start of Something Big
"Grande" is French for "big," which describes the mountains, the farms and the history that make the Grande Ronde Valley what it is today. It's a landscape that has the power to make you feel small. From the Visitors Center in downtown La Grande, follow the Tour Route signs to Birnie Park, where Oregon Trail travelers camped before climbing over the Blue Mountains. The Route heads south along the base of the Blues to a viewpoint overlooking the Ladd Marsh Wildlife Refuge with the snow-capped Wallowa Mountains in the background.
2.
A More Perfect Union
After passing the ruins of Hot Lake Resort, a spa/hospital that was the Mayo Clinic of the West in the early 1900s, a short gravel road connects with Oregon Route 203 to Union. From Union, the Route heads south on Oregon Route 237, then east on 15 miles of gravel road before looping back to Union via Oregon Route 203.
3.
Catherine Creek and Cove
Oregon Route 203 climbs through pine and fir forests to the Catherine Creek Summit and Sno-Park, then follows the tumbling creek down to Union. Take Oregon Route 237 north from Union to the little town of Cove nestled at the base of Mount Fanny. Cove is noted for its Ascension Chapel, an Episcopal church built in 1869 that has been visited by the likes of Desmond Tutu. From Cove, the twisty Grande Ronde River escorts you along paved and gravel backroads through cherry orchards and mint fields at the base of the Wallowa Mountains. After crossing the lush Grande Ronde Valley and Oregon Route 82, it's a straight shot south back to La Grande.
For more information, call the La Grande/ Union County Visitors & Convention Bureau at 800-848-9969.