Getting Oriented
The byway leaves Heppner in north-central Oregon, climbs onto the Blue Mountains' western flank through Morrow County, crosses the Umatilla National Forest from west to east, and ends at the North Fork John Day Campground on the Wallowa-Whitman boundary. From there, drivers continue south on US-395 toward Baker City or stay on Forest Road 73 north toward Ukiah and onto I-84 at Pendleton.
The Umatilla National Forest covers most of the central crossing through the Heppner and North Fork John Day ranger districts. The North Fork John Day Wilderness sits south of the byway's east end.
Trail Overview
130 miles of paved two-lane road, point-to-point. Anson Wright Pass at 5,124 feet is the high point. The Forest Service does not plow the central segments; they close from snow late November through May most years. Lower-elevation segments near both ends stay open year-round.
Most drivers run it as a long day or stage out of Ukiah for two days. The byway pairs naturally with Hells Canyon Scenic Byway and Elkhorn Drive for a multi-day northeast Oregon loop.
Points of Interest
- Anson Wright Memorial Park. Morrow County park on the byway's western climb.
- Penland Lake. Forest Service reservoir off a spur from the byway, with a small campground.
- Bull Prairie Reservoir. Forest Service reservoir with a campground and day-use area on the byway's central segment.
- Drift Fence Pass. Northern crossing of the Umatilla NF between Heppner and Ukiah.
- Ukiah. Small Forest Service town at the byway's eastern central segment.
- North Fork John Day Wilderness. Wilderness boundary south of Ukiah, foot-access only.
- North Fork John Day Campground. Forest Service campground at the byway's eastern terminus on the Wild and Scenic North Fork John Day River.
- Blue Mountain Byway East Interpretive Site. Forest Service interpretive site just south of the campground.
Where to Camp
Forest Service campgrounds along the byway include Anson Wright Memorial Park, Bull Prairie Lake, Penland Lake, Cutsforth Park, North Fork John Day, and Olive Lake. Most run reservations through Recreation.gov in summer. Dispersed camping is allowed on Umatilla National Forest land off most spur roads.
Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip
- Confirm the central crossing is open before driving in shoulder season. The Forest Service does not maintain the byway for snow.
- Plan fuel stops at Heppner, Ukiah, and Long Creek. The longest gap is the central crossing.
- The byway pairs naturally with Hells Canyon Scenic Byway and Elkhorn Drive for a multi-day northeast Oregon trip.
- Cell service is gone for long stretches. Carry a backup map and a full tank.
- Skyline Road (FR 31) leaves the byway at Drift Fence Pass for a 40-mile gravel detour to High Ridge — worth a day on its own.
