The Southern Blue Mountain Scenic Loop

140 Miles

Heading South from Pendleton you will go through the lumber mill city of Pilot Rock up over Battle Mountain and then drop down into a beautiful valley where the small town of Ukiah sits. Heading east from Ukiah you will go through some of the most beautiful sections of the Umatilla National Forest and hit I-84 just NW of LaGrande, OR as you head NW back towards Pendleton past the town of Meacham and down the infamous Cabbage Hill where the views seem to go on forever! On a really clear day you can see Mt. Hood.
Suggested Stops…

Battle Mountain State Park – Amenities include, picnic tables, fire pits, restrooms, forest of ponderosa pine, larch, Douglas fir and spruce. It provides prime habitat for all kinds of wildlife. The name commemorates one of the last battles between native Americans and settlers in eastern Oregon. This confrontation took place near the park.

Ukiah – The small Eastern Oregon town of Ukiah is a great resource for hunters, birders, snowmobile enthusiasts and mushroom pickers. Amenities include an RV park, Motel, restaurant and store.

Hilgard Junction State Park – Amenities include, restrooms, overnight camping and picnic tables, amongst the cottonwood and ponderosa pine. The Grande Ronde River flows through the park, enticing anglers, rafters and swimmers. Beaver, mink, deer and a variety of birds inhabit the park area and can be viewed throughout the year.

Meacham – A former station on the Union Pacific Railroad near the summit of the Blue Mountains. Amenities small store/restaurant.

Emigrant Springs State Park – Offers visitors an opportunity to camp and explore a popular pioneer stop over along the Oregon Trail. The park is nestled in an old-growth forest. Amenities include, camping with full hookups, yurts, cabins, teepee’s, picnic facilities, restrooms, showers, horse trails and historic hiking trails.