9 Destinations Way Out East In Oregon That Are So Worth The Drive
By Catherine Armstrong|Published December 07, 2018
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Catherine Armstrong
Author
Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.
When it comes to getting lots of love and attention, the Oregon Coast definitely soaks up the adoration, and larger cities like Portland, Salem, Eugene, and Bend are right up there too. It’s easy to forget the beautiful destinations in eastern Oregon; they just sit there, quietly being amazing, like the introvert in the family who’s accustomed to taking the back seat to a show-stealing older sibling.
We do cover eastern Oregon attractions quite often, and we’ve made a list of them here for you. These destination way out east in Oregon are definitely worth the drive!
Wallowa Lake is drop-dead gorgeous year-round. In the summer, you'll enjoy camping on its banks and hanging out on one of its two beaches. Don't forget to take a ride on the tram! In the winter, this spot is quiet and peaceful. Read our article about Wallowa Lake here to learn more about all that is offered here.
This national monument is one of Oregon's Seven Wonders, and you'll see why when you visit. The rich colors of the different layers of sediment are just stunning, and this beautiful place seems to have a lot fewer tourists than other spots around the state. Learn more about the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument in our previous feature article here.
The Alvord Desert is a dry lake bed that stretches for 12 miles and is seven miles long. It's a vast natural wonder that will take your breath away, and there's plenty of outdoor recreation here, too. Take a hike up Steens Mountain for a vista unlike any other and camp overnight to see a star-filled sky. Check out our full article about the Alvord Desert here.
We love to get a glimpse back into Oregon's history, and this round barn is well worth the drive to see. Cattle rancher Pete French built it in the late 1880s and it features a unique circular design with an indoor track that was perfect for breaking horses during the cold winter months. Don't forget to look up during your visit - the ceiling and its tall juniper posts and beam is stunning! Read more about it here.
The Pillars of Rome (a.k.a. Rome Cliffs) features geologic wonders unlike any other in the state. These towers stand up to 100 feet tall and served as a landmark for pioneers traveling on the Oregon Trail. You'll find this hidden gem near the town of Rome in the southeastern part of Oregon. Read our feature article for more details here.
The town of Pendleton has tons of attractions that draw Oregonians eastward, but there's a secret hiding underground that you'll definitely want to explore. There's a series of tunnels underneath the town that was once used for secret businesses - some of which wasn't exactly legal at the time. Learn more about the fascinating history of the Pendleton Underground here.
With more than 428,000 acres to explore, the Steens Mountain Wilderness Area is a vast playground in eastern Oregon. It's also home to several herds of wild horses, including the King Mustang herd. The ancestors of these horses were likely brought to Oregon by Spanish conquistadors way back in the 16th century! Read about this beautiful place in our article here.
We haven't featured Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort in the past, so this one’s a new addition to our bucket list - and it should be on yours too! With 1,100 acres of terrain, you'll certainly want to spend some time skiing in the winter and hiking or mountain biking here in the summer.
Most Oregonians don't know that the first son of Sacajawea is buried right here in Oregon. Jean Baptiste Charbonneau had a rich, interesting life as a trapper, scout, and gold prospector, but he died suddenly in 1866. He's buried in the little town of Danner, near the Oregon/Idaho border. You can find more details about this lonely gravesite here.
These nine attractions are just a few of the amazing places to explore in eastern Oregon. What’s your favorite eastern Oregon destination? Tell us in the comments – and don’t forget to share photos from your adventures in our Oregon Nature Lovers Facebook group!
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