Savor the Journey: Discover Eastern Oregon’s Best Self-Guided Farm Trails
Discover the delights of eastern Oregon this summer and indulge in the local flavors, craft beverages, events, and enriching experiences that celebrate our vibrant working landscape. Explore our region’s bounty through a self-guided farm trail — see you on the farm trail!
Grande Ronde Farm Trail
A perfect way to enjoy the scenery and explore some of the abundant farms and ranches that are the heart and soul of the Grande Ronde Valley. This self-guided tour of farms, dairies, ranches, orchards, gardens and self-serve farm stands highlights traditional and modern farming methods. Once a year, most are open for the Union County Farm Crawl, a one-day event celebrating nature’s bounty.
Where the Payette, Malheur and Owyhee Rivers join the Snake River in what is called the Four Rivers area in and around Ontario, Oregon. Water from these rivers nourishes the highly fertile land, producing a variety of crops that help feed and color the world. The winding Snake River forms the border between Oregon and Idaho and eventually joins the Columbia. Explore this self-guided tour in pieces or take a full day to seek out its many treasures.
Not just a pretty place, the area surrounding Kimberly has an excellent micro-climate, rich soil and plentiful water from the John Day River, making this a prime area for growing fruit and vegetables, raising livestock, and recreating. The climate is dry and the smiles warm and genuine. Take time on the curves and watch the sides of the road – wildlife is common (especially mule deer) and cattle have the right-of-way in “free range” country.
Explore abundant farms, orchards and wineries and meet artisan producers who make fresh, delicious food, hand-crafted beverages and fine heritage crafts. Start the self-guided wander in Pendleton, home to the famous Pendleton Round Up, or in the charming town of Milton-Freewater, and plan to experience both cities. Oregon State Route 11 connects the two communities and continues north across the state line to Walla Walla.
Century Farms, produce stands and tasting rooms line the scenic routes of the River to Hills Farm Trail. Take time to talk to the farmers and ranchers who are proud stewards of this land and love to share their stories of where our food comes from. Miles of wide-open beauty, plus craft brews, wineries and small friendly towns await on this fun driving tour.
