Eastern Oregon, Oregon

Oregon's vast interior — ranching, frontier history, the Wallowa Mountains (Oregon's Alps), Steens Mountain, the Painted Hills, and some of the darkest skies in the lower 48. Half of Oregon's land, a fraction of its people.

Eastern Oregon offers some of the most affordable housing in the state, wide open spaces, and a ranching and agricultural economy. Pendleton is the largest city and a regional hub with healthcare services (CHI St. Anthony). La Grande (Eastern Oregon University) and Baker City (remarkably preserved Victorian downtown) are appealing smaller cities. Ontario serves as a regional commercial center on the Idaho border. Remote communities may have limited healthcare access. Most of Eastern Oregon observes Pacific Time, but Malheur County observes Mountain Time.

The Wallowa Mountains and Eagle Cap Wilderness offer world-class backpacking, horse packing, and skiing at Ferguson Ridge. Steens Mountain (9,773 ft) rises abruptly from the Alvord Desert playa — one of Oregon's most dramatic landscapes. The Painted Hills unit of John Day Fossil Beds offers vivid red-and-gold striped hillsides. Pendleton Round-Up (September) is one of the West's largest rodeos. The Oregon Trail Historic Route runs the length of the region.