Eastern Oregon was made for farm trails, with scenic journeys past century farms, family-owned cattle companies, produce stands and purveyors of local goods around every bend.
The I-84 corridor leads east to west through some of the richest landscape in the state of Oregon. Along this route, detour off of the highway through established farm loops to fully experience the rich agriculture and delicious tastes that emerge in Eastern Oregon. At scenic small farms, U-pick orchards, family-owned cattle companies and honey stands, meet the growers, ranchers and purveyors of fresh, natural foods on the grounds of the very land they work and nurture.
River to Hills Farm Trail
Stretching from Boardman on I-84 to Hermiston, Echo then on to Heppner, the River to Hills Farm Loop travels from the magnificent Columbia River to the rolling foothills of the Blue Mountains. Follow the historic paths of Lewis and Clark and the Oregon Trail while discovering farm stands, gardens and ranches that provide food for the table as well as a boost to the spirit. Breweries, wineries, museums and flower growers are on the route, too. Spend a day or more eating blueberries, drinking goat milk, gazing at lavender fields and dining at farm-to-table restaurants.
Whisky & Rocks Farm Loop
Begin in Pendleton and tour to Milton-Freewater, taking in abundant farms, orchards and wineries on the Whisky & Rocks Farm Loop. Meet artisan producers who make fresh delicious food, hand-crafted beverages and fine heritage crafts. Oenophiles and craft beer connoisseurs will delight in the wineries, breweries, and distilleries. Also on this route, find cheesemakers, chocolatiers, woolen mills and nurseries. Travel Oregon State Route 11, which continues on to Walla Walla, Washington, experiencing the artisans and food makers of the Rocks AVA and these classic cowboy communities.
Grande Ronde Farm Trail
Jumping off of I-84 at La Grande, the 55-mile Union County Farm Loop is a beautiful drive full of lush farmland framed by mountains and endless sky. Pass more than two dozen backyard farm stands, greenhouses, pastures and orchards on the self-guided Grande Ronde Farm Loop tour. The loop is in the heart of the Grande Ronde Valley and provides ample access to fresh, locally grown produce, meat and flowers near Cove, Union and La Grande. Cove is the land of big prize cherries and the home of apple pies. Over 500 acres of orchards grace this landscape, some with sweeping views of the valley. Union is home to one of the earliest nurseries in the Grande Ronde Valley, with both apple and pear trees planted as early as 1862.
The Four Rivers Farm and Garden Trail
In and around Ontario, the Payette, Malheur and Owyhee Rivers join the Snake River in a lush valley of fertile land. A variety of crops are grown here. Begin at the crossroads of Highways 26 and 201, between Ontario and Vale. Explore farms, orchards and farm stands along this journey past modern farms and artisan producers of fresh, delicious food. Travel this route through Ontario, Vale and Nyssa and visit farmers markets, flower stands, bistros and produce stands.
Barn Loop: The Wallowa Barn Tour
Off the beaten path in Wallowa County, explore working barns from the past and present.
Wallowa County is rugged and beautiful, with a deeply seated pioneer spirit. The Wallowa Barn Tour extends from south of Joseph to the Grande Ronde River Canyon. Along the way, see thirty-one well preserved barns, three historic schools, and plenty of little towns with stunning views of high mountain peaks and dramatic river canyons. This self-guided road-trip attracts photographers, historians and cyclists. Take your time and include stops at farms, breweries and restaurants along the way in this remarkable county.
