Morrow County: Blue Mountain Scenic Byway and Heritage

Explore Morrow County along a route through several communities, with outdoor activities and regional history. The Blue Mountain Scenic Byway puts the focus on the journey; trails and parks offer a range of activities. Museums, historic sites, and seasonal wildlife viewing round out the picture. As you plan your trip, consider whether driving, spending time outdoors, or culture will shape your stay.

Blue Mountain Scenic Byway and Planned Trails

The Blue Mountain Scenic Byway was designated an Oregon State Scenic Byway in 1997. The 130-mile route begins at the intersection of Willow Creek, Interstate 84, and State Highway 74, and passes through Ione, Lexington, and Heppner. From Heppner, it continues along Willow Creek Road until it leaves Morrow County in the direction of Umatilla County and Umatilla National Forest. Cutsforth Park is located on the Blue Mountain Scenic Byway and the Blue Mountain Century Scenic Bikeway. The park also borders U.S. Forest Service land and private land.

A different trail network is planned for northern Morrow County: the Columbia River Heritage Trail is intended to be a continuous 25-mile trail for pedestrians, cyclists, and other non-motorized users, connecting important historic sites, viewpoints, and nearby communities. Its planned status is a key difference from the Byway, whose route is described.

Outdoor Activities and Nature

The Morrow-Grant County OHV Park covers approximately 9,000 acres, 2,000 of which are in Grant County. Its trails are intended for ATVs, hiking, and cycling, and are rated by difficulty, from easy or beginner to difficult or expert. Recreational amenities also include horseshoe pits, a driving range, a playground, and fishing ponds. This means you can choose from trails with different difficulty levels as well as other recreational options, all in one park.

The Irrigon Wildlife Area offers opportunities for hunting and fishing, as well as an accessible viewpoint and trails. A parking permit is required. The pond pools offer seasonal opportunities to spot ducks, pelicans, herons, and painted turtles. The seasonal aspect is especially useful if you want to combine your trip with wildlife viewing.

History, Museums, and Regional Culture

In Heppner, Talking Rocks of Heppner takes visitors on a walking tour through the town's history and heritage. The Morrow County Courthouse in Heppner is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Morrow County Museum uses artifacts and murals to portray the lives and activities of Heppner's settlers. The Agricultural Resource Museum focuses on rural history and heritage.

The SAGE Center is an interactive visitor center about sustainable agriculture and energy. Visitors can also learn about local industries and related technology there; the center offers free educational tours. Admission to the Morrow Discovery Center is free for all visitors. The two centers therefore offer different themes for a day of cultural activities: one focuses on agriculture, energy, and technology, while the other is a free visitor attraction.

The Morrow County Fair is dedicated to preserving and promoting the county's agricultural traditions. It showcases the creative skills of people of all ages and exhibits the region's agricultural resources. Heppner hosts an annual St. Patrick's celebration in March. If you choose this celebration as a set occasion for your trip, check the date for your travel dates.

More Practical Information

Willow Creek Water Park offers summer activities in Heppner. If you want to include it in your plans, check the latest operating information before your visit. Morrow County Lexington Airport 9S9 serves general aviation, including recreational, business, agricultural, and charter traffic. It has 24-hour self-service 100LL aircraft fuel available by credit card.

Accommodation options beyond hotels are also available: Anson Wright Park offers primitive camping, full RV hookups, and a small cabin. Consider these options if you are weighing different types of lodging for your trip. Your day-trip plans can also be shaped by very different options: the Byway's 130-mile route, the planned 25-mile trail, and the OHV Park's activities with varying difficulty levels.

Explore more destinations: Boardman, Hood River, Union County, Klamath County, Washington, Jackson, Benton, Deschutes.

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