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Eastern Oregon

Eastern Oregon is sure to amaze. Among its extensive farmlands and desert plateaus are stunning attractions: the gorgeous snowy peaks of the Wallowa Mountains; Hells Canyon, which dips deeper than the Grand Canyon; the John Day Fossil Beds, with their eerily colorful hills and rock formations; and the incredible glacier-carved valleys of the Steens Mountain range.

This slice of Oregon was the last arduous passage the pioneers traversed on their journey west; in some places you can see where their wagon ruts carved out the Oregon Trail. Gold was discovered in the region in the 1860s – making and breaking dozens of towns and cities – and there's also rich Native American history in towns like Joseph.

With a rodeo in every town and the Old West still palpable in spots, visiting Eastern Oregon is like a trip back in time – but forget the covered wagons and bring the digital camera instead.

Explore Eastern Oregon

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Eastern Oregon.

Guidebooks

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks

Get to the heart of Eastern Oregon with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.