Save
You must be signed in to save park lists.
Your Park Lists
add New List
Add Photo
You must be signed in to add photos.
state route ranger badge
Oregon
26

Oregon State Parks

responsive menu icon
USA Parks
Oregon
Central & Eastern Region
Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area
start slideshow
Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area © Chris Light / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area, 65068 Old Oregon Trail, Meacham, Oregon.
Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area © Decumanus at en.wikipedia / CC-BY-SA-3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Emigrant Springs State Park in eastern Oregon, showing the location of the Oregon Trail commemoration by Warren G. Harding on July 3, 1923 taken Oct. 20, 2004 2004 Matthew Trump
Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area © Bobjgalindo / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area amphitheater along Interstate 84 near the summit of Oregons Blue Mountains.
Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area © Chris Light / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area, 65068 Old Oregon Trail, Meacham, Oregon.
Search
Availability
Calendars
Availability Search
EMIGRANT SPRINGS STATE HERITAGE AREA
EMIGRANT SPRINGS STATE HERITAGE AREA
65068 Old Oregon Trail
Meacham, Oregon   97859
(lat:45.5411 lon:-118.4652) map location

Phone: 800-551-6949
Reservations: 541-983-2277
Perched near the summit of the Blue Mountains, Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area offers visitors an opportunity to camp and explore a popular pioneer stop over along the Oregon Trail. The park is nestled in an old-growth forest.

Camp in the campground, or bring your horse and camp in the reservable horse camp (be aware there are limited horse trails actually in the park; most of the trail riding is on adjacent property). The horse camp is closed in winter.

Picnic among towering trees or bring your group for overnight or daytime activities in our community building. For those that are not fully equipped for traditional camping, rent one of our cabins for a warm, dry and comfortable stay. We have both rustic 1-room cabins (sleep five on two full beds and one single), and Totem cabins Side A sleeps four on two bunkbeds. Side B sleeps three on a bunkbed (double on the bottom and a single on the top).

Visit the Oregon Trail display in the park, take a stroll along the nature trail. Get your friends together and have a game at our full-size basketball court or partake in an evening program at our amphitheater (get the current schedule when you arrive at the campground). Bring your innertube for fun in the snow and enjoy a winter outing. Cabins are available year-round, but larger groups may want to rent the community building.

Use Emigrant Springs as a base camp to explore nearby attractions such as the Blue Mountain Crossing Oregon Trail interpretive park or the Pendleton Woolen Mills. Experience the life of Chinese emigrants of the 1800s in the Pendleton underground tours. Other destinations within easy driving distance of the park include the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center near Baker City, the Union County Museum in Union, the Baker County Museum in Baker City, Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, the Pendleton Roundup and Lehman Hot Springs. Enjoy winter recreation at the Blue Mountain Crossing Nordic Ski park or bring your snowmobile and visit one of the many sno-parks which give you access to hundreds of miles of trails on two National Forests.
History of the Area
Located in the Blue Mountains of northeastern Oregon, Emigrant Springs has a rich history dating back to pioneer times. The area was originally used by Native American tribes for hunting and gathering before it became an important stopover point on the historic Oregon Trail during westward expansion.

In 1843, pioneers began using this location as a rest spot due to its abundant water supply from natural springs. It quickly gained popularity among travelers who were making their way across North America towards fertile lands in western regions like California and Washington State.

The site's significance led to its designation as one state park within the larger system managed by Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD). In 1954, OPRD acquired land around these historical emigration routes with plans for preservation efforts that would honor past generations' journeys through educational exhibits about life along the trail.

Today visitors can explore remnants of wagon ruts left behind from those early settlers or take part in interpretive programs designed specifically for school groups studying local heritage topics such as native flora/fauna species found throughout region's diverse ecosystems.

FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
CampingPrimitiveyes
 Electric Sitesyes
 Water/Electric Sitesyes
 Full Hookup Sitesyes
Camping
1. Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area Campground: This campground offers a variety of camping options including RV sites, tent campsites and even rustic cabins for rent. The facilities include restrooms with hot showers, picnic tables at each site and fire pits.

2. Meacham Divide Nordic Ski Area: While not traditionally a campsite, this area allows dispersed camping during the summer months when it's not being used as a ski trail system in winter.

3. Ukiah-Dale Forest State Scenic Corridor: Located about an hour away from Emigrant Springs is another state park that provides both primitive and developed campsites along Camas Creek amidst beautiful pine forests.

4. North Fork John Day Wilderness Camping Grounds: About 90 minutes drive from Emigrant springs lies one of Oregon's largest wilderness areas where you can enjoy backcountry or car-camping experiences surrounded by stunning natural beauty.

5. Camp Elkanah: A Christian retreat center located near La Grande offering cabin rentals which could be considered if looking to stay within close proximity but prefer more comfortable accommodations than traditional camping.

6. Wildhorse Resort & Casino RV Park: For those who want some entertainment alongside their outdoor adventure might consider staying here; they offer full hook-up RV spots plus access to resort amenities like restaurants, golf course etc., just half-hour drive away from heritage area.


Location
Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area is located near Pendleton

Picnicking
Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area offers picnic tables, barbecue grills and shelters. It's perfect for family gatherings or quiet lunches alike.
Trails
1. Emigrant Springs Trail: This is a short, easy trail that takes you around the park's campground and picnic area.

2. Oregon Trail Interpretive Loop: A 0.5-mile loop with interpretative signs about the history of pioneers who traveled through this region on their way to western Oregon in covered wagons during mid-1800s.

3. Summit Ridge Hike: An intermediate level hike offering panoramic views of Blue Mountains from its summit ridge; it's approximately two miles long round trip.

4. Old Growth Forest Walk: A self-guided nature walk showcasing old-growth Ponderosa pines and other native flora within an ancient forest setting; roughly one mile long.

5. Pioneer Wagon Train Route Traceback Pathway: Follows part of original route taken by pioneer wagon trains along Meacham Creek Valley, providing historical insights into early settler life.

6. Wildflower Meadow Stroll: Ideal for spring or summer hikes when wildflowers are blooming across meadows adjacent to campgrounds ; less than half a mile but offers stunning floral displays.

7. Snowshoeing Trails (Winter Only): During winter months, several trails become snow-shoers' paradise due to heavy snowfall transforming landscape into white wonderland.

8. Birdwatcher's Delight Track: Known for diverse bird species inhabiting surrounding forests making it perfect spot for avid bird watchers ; length varies depending upon chosen path.

9. Mountain Biking Paths: Several multi:use paths suitable both hiking & mountain biking crisscross throughout heritage site giving visitors chance explore different areas at own pace.

10. Creekside Saunter: Easy walking track running alongside babbling brook ideal families small children looking gentle stroll amidst natural beauty without strenuous effort required longer treks.
Bicycling
While biking, one must be careful of the steep terrain and sudden weather changes in this Oregon location.

The park offers a 2-mile bike trail that's moderately challenging due to its elevation.

Mountain bikers should note there are no dedicated trails for their use here.

Biking on campgrounds is allowed but caution is advised as it can get crowded during peak season.

Remember, helmets are mandatory when cycling within state parks in Oregon for safety reasons.

Be aware that wildlife encounters may occur while bicycling; stay alert at all times.

Road cyclists will find limited options with only main roads available which have traffic considerations.

Ensure your bicycle has proper lighting if you plan to ride after dark or before dawn.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
August 17 Watch out for dogs not leashed
park review stars; one to five While walking our small dogs a pitbull not on leash ran out and tried to attack my Chihuahua my husband grabbed him up in his arms to protect him and the dog was still lunging at my husband. people need to take care of their animals because the outcome here could have been tragic and the ranger that we spoke to was not very caring.
May 27 by Cliff
park review stars; one to five It is a wonderful little park. We stop there as often as possible. We have seen a bear there and deer. Can reservations be made?
September 28 Bring your ear plugs by jglabrown
park review stars; one to five This is a lovely State Park which is situated, unfortunately, very close to I84. Everything about the campground is very nice, except that it is also very noisy
write a review
Share On

Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
1. Start by heading east on Interstate 84 from Pendleton or west if coming from La Grande.
2. Take Exit 248 towards Emigrant Springs State Park.
3. Merge onto Old Highway 30 and continue for about half a mile until you see signs directing you to turn left into the park entrance.

Alternatively, if traveling along Historic Columbia River Highway (Highway 30), follow these steps:

1. Head southeast on Historic Columbia River Hwy/US:30 E toward Dodson Way/Crown Point Hwy.
2. Continue following US:30 E as it winds through beautiful scenic areas such as Multnomah Falls and Bonneville Dam.
3. After approximately 70 miles, look for signs indicating the entrance to Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area on your right:hand side.

Once inside the heritage area:
4a: If arriving during peak season when staffed entry booths are open (typically May - September), proceed directly ahead after entering where an attendant will collect any applicable fees before providing further instructions regarding parking locations within the park grounds.

OR

4b: During off-season months or times without staffing at entry booths, visitors can self-register using envelopes provided near kiosks found throughout designated parking lots within Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area's boundaries; be sure to enclose appropriate payment with completed registration form while retaining proof of fee payment visible in vehicle windshield upon return visit(s).

state route ranger badge
Oregon
26

Oregon State Parks

X