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Explore Eastern Oregon
If a picture is worth a thousand words, Eastern Oregon’s stunning landscapes give amazing impressions. Just the scenery alone makes it a great place to live. Delightfully uncrowded in nature, there is something to do for all ages and tastes. We’ve compiled an overview list of Eastern Oregon’s top attractions, but there is always more to explore!
Exciting Family-Friendly Experiences
Tamastslikt Cultural Institute | Pendleton
Immerse yourself in the history, culture and hospitality of the people who have lived on this land for more than 10,000 years. Come to Tamástslikt Cultural Institute and experience the storied past, rich present, and bright future of our tribes through interactive exhibits, special events and informative programs.
Pendleton Center for the Arts | Pendleton
Pendleton Center for the Arts is an arts center housed in the historic former Umatilla County Library building, also known as Pendleton Public Library. A great place to express your creative self and enjoy the creative work of others.
Four Rivers Cultural Center | Ontario
501(c)3 nonprofit that offers a broad program of music, humanities, civic discourse, art & theater, educational and historical curation and local and world culture events. Community events and programs are scheduled year-round.
Celebrations Of Culture | Hermiston
Eastern Oregon is home to diverse communities with exciting events and festivals honoring culture and identity. Just a few examples are Cinco de Mayo in Hermiston, Pride events in Pendleton, cultural/historical events led by the tribes, and others.
Outdoor Recreation
Travel eastward and discover a very different side of Oregon; one with clear air, vast landscape, folded hills and mountains, evergreen forests, pristine rivers, and an unconstrained spirit. There are many national forests, bodies of water, and wilderness areas waiting to be explored.
Hiking
There is no shortage of areas great for hiking in Eastern Oregon, from the Columbia Plateau to Cottonwood Canyon State park, the Crooked River Country, Bend Area, Ochoco Mountains, Central Blue Mountains, and everywhere in between. Hikes range between easy, moderate, and difficult terrain, and all boast amazing landscape views that are worth it once you get to the peak.
Hot Springs
Go for some scenic soaking in one of the many hot springs nestled around Eastern Oregon. The less-famous hot springs located in this area provide solitude and incredible beauty, reminding us how diverse the landscape of Oregon can be, and how refreshing it can be to get off the well-trodden path. Venture over to Snively Hot Springs, Echo Rock Hot Springs, Hart Mountain Hot Springs, Barnes Warm Springs, and more.
Boating
One of the things you’ll come to know about Oregon is Oregonians love to get out on the water. Boaters, kayakers, and canoeists will find vast uncrowded waterways to row through, including the marshlands around Owyhee Reservoir, and Lake Owyhee State Park, the latter being well known to locals and travelers new to Oregon alike. Tucked away in the Wallowa Mountains is Wallowa Lake, a crystal clear lake also perfect for anglers and bird watching.
Fishing
The Pacific Northwest has always been a top spot for fishing in the United States. There are many rainbow trout fishing spots in Eastern Oregon, including the Donner and Blitzen River in Harney County as well as the Grande Ronde, Imnaha and Wallowa rivers in Wallowa County. The John Day River Basin offers smallmouth bass fishing.
Snowmobiling
Snowmobiling is a great way to see the beauty of Eastern Oregon in the winter. The trails wind through forests, meadows, and mountains, and there are plenty of places to stop and take in the views. As with skiing and snowboarding, you’ll want to be aware of the altitude and take it easy if you are not used to high altitudes.
Camping
Bust out your tent or RV for some solitude in Eastern Oregon. Enjoy the serene solitude of the region. Whether you prefer a tent or an RV, Eastern Oregon offers plenty of scenic campsites to choose from. In Eastern Oregon, late summer and early fall are the ideal times to camp.
Skiing/Snowboarding
Eastern Oregon is a great place to go skiing in the winter. There are several ski resorts in the area, each with its own unique offerings. They have a variety of terrain for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. Be aware of the altitude and take it easy if you are not used to high altitudes.
Dynamic Restaurants
Even though Eastern Oregon is a beautiful off-the-beaten track destination, the area is packed with rich farm-to-fork cuisine, ice creameries, brewpubs, and more. Whatever county you reside in, from Pendleton to Baker City, Joseph, La Grande, Enterprise, and more, there is a fare for all tastes. Just ask the locals and they’ll be happy to share top spots, or take a look at this list of Eastern Oregon restaurants. Below are a few local favorites.
Barley Brown’s Brewpub | Baker City
While Barley Brown's is a frequent winner at the American beer festival, their food is just as popular in the area. The hand-cut fries are baked with Baker County potatoes, and hormone-free beef makes the burgers and other dishes delicious.
Ogawa’s Sushi | Ontario
Ogawa's is a family owned Japanese, American restaurant offering a wide selection of Sushi, Teriyaki Bowls, and Gourmet style Burgers, as well as other well prepared Asian and American dishes.
Bella Java & Bistro | Burns
The café is located in a historic downtown storefront with high ceilings and eclectic decor. The small menu features pastries, sandwiches, and homemade soups. Espresso lovers stop in for their fix, and there's local beer and wine behind the counter.
Eagles Nest Food & Spirits | Lakeview
Eagles Nest Food & Spirits features some of the best steak, shrimp, and chicken dishes in the area. Caesar salads or burgers are good alternatives to a full dinner entrée, which comes with soup, salad, potatoes, bread, and sorbet.
1188 Brewing Company | John Day
Find dynamic cuisine, 7 microbrews, and a hard cider on tap at 1188 Brewing Company, a brewery and pub located in the center of Downtown John Day.
Stubborn Mule Saloon & Steakhouse | Joseph
Stubborn Mule Saloon & Steakhouse is a family-friendly, casual dining restaurant that offers a relaxed atmosphere and an exceptional menu. Offering a wide variety of steaks, burgers, pasta and salads.
Visit the website for the Eastern Oregon Chamber of Commerce for more happenings around the community.
