CURRENT NEWS
experience the outdoors - safely!
Counties in Eastern Oregon have been approved for Phase 2 re-opening.
You can get outside and enjoy more outdoor recreational opportunities across Oregon and our amazing Greater Hells Canyon Region. It is good to note that outdoor exercise has always been viewed as "essential" and was always permitted if social distancing rules were maintained. Parks, recreation areas, outdoor activities and campgrounds did have restrictions placed on their use. Many restrictions are now lifted. See below.
Despite the re-opening level of your county, there are general guidelines that are supported by the government as well as by the outdoor recreation community. Recreating responsibly, is always important, and more so now as we seek to keep the public, our families, and those most at-risk safe.
Recreate Responsibly guidelines:
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Know before you go
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Plan ahead
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Practice physical distancing
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Play it safe
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Stay close to home
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Leave No Trace
State Parks
Most state parks in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho are open for day use, with some still restricting camping. Some State Parks on the coast are allowing camping through reservations only (ReserveAmerica.com). Check out each state's websites for the most current information:
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This website has a great map as well as links to specific State Parks.
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Most popular sites in the Columbia River Gorge are still closed. Check out Ready, Set Gorge more up-to-date details.
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Eastern Oregon State Parks (website here). Please visit the link for detailed information about the following State Parks and others.
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Catherine Creek, near Union
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Hilgard Junction, near La Grande
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Wallowa Lake, southeast of Enterprise
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Emigrant Springs, east of Pendleton
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Minam, north of La Grande
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Farewell Bend, southeast of Huntington
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Oregon State Forests & BLM lands
Both state forests and BLM lands have been kept open for hiking and recreation throughout the pandemic. Campgrounds on BLM lands have been closed and are gradually re-opening on a case-by-case basis.
La Grande City parks
Most parks, including Morgan Lake and Mount Emily Recreation Area (MERA) are open to day use. Campgrounds are still closed. Continue to follow social distancing guidelines.
iNaturalist Beaver Surveys
A fun activity for kids of all ages. The added bonus is that your participation helps our regional ecologists and land managers better protect and restore important riparian habitat. Check out more information here.
iNaturalist is a great citizen science app that can inspire and connect you to science projects in the region you live and around the world. It's just one way you can help connect, protect and restore our environment. Join, grab a friend, and help our regional environment!