How to Drive Oregon's Hells Canyon Scenic Byway
Hells Canyon Scenic Byway is located in northeastern Oregon. The byway follows a 218-mile route through the Umatilla National Forest and Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. Recreation opportunities abound with the Wallowa Mountains, Wallowa Lake and Wallowa River all located on the byway. Make the drive straight through in 6 hours or plan on spending a few days on the byway.
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Instructions
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Begin on Interstate 84 just north of Baker City. Take State Route 86 East to begin your drive on Hells Canyon Scenic Byway.
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Stop at the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center. Visit exhibits and watch presentations of the history of the Oregon Trail. Hike along some of the interpretive trails available around the center.
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Watch for the Hole-in-the-Wall Landslide located between mile markers 30 and 31. This area overlooks a 1984 landslide that dammed Powder River and blocked the original road.
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Stand at the 5,400-foot-high rim of Hells Canyon Overlook. Enjoy the views of the canyon, McGraw Creek and the Seven Devil's Mountains.
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Visit Wallowa Lake for numerous recreation opportunities. Fish, hike, ride horses or parasail while you are here. Ride the Wallowa Lake Tramway to the top of Mount Howard in the Wallowa Mountains.
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Take a ride on Eagle Cap Excursion Train located in Minam. Choose one of many round-trip rides, most lasting about 4 hours, to experience parts of this area not accessible to cars. Receive a train brochure by calling (800) 585-4121.
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End your drive on Oregon's Hells Canyon Scenic Byway in La Grande. Take a walk in the downtown shopping district. Visit Eastern Oregon State University.
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Tips & Warnings
Dress in layers due to various temperatures along the byway.
There are long stretches of the byway where gas is not available. Make sure to fill up when you reach towns.
Travel in the winter for winter recreation such as skiing.
A large section of the byway between Halfway and Joseph closes in the winter due to snow.
