HILGARD JUNCTION STATE PARK
Hilgard Junction State Park is next to Interstate 84 at its intersection with Highway 244 near the Grande Ronde River. The park offers camping and daytime activities amongst the cottonwood and ponderosa pine. The Grande Ronde River flows through the park, enticing anglers, rafters and swimmers. Beaver, mink, deer and a variety of birds inhabit the park area and can be viewed throughout the year.
Fall frosts gives birth to brightly colored fall foliage along the river corridor, and winter snows bring herds of elk and deer to the banks of the river. While camping at the park, you can see ruts of the historic Oregon Trail at the nearby Blue Mountain Crossing Interpretive park, explore miles of open road in the national forest, or hop over to LaGrande and stock up on groceries, have a meal or partake in community events.
If you're going to be traveling Interstate 84, be sure to stop at Hilgard Junction and spend a night or two and explore the natural beauty of eastern Oregon.
Located in Eastern Oregon, near the city of La Grande, this natural reserve was established as a state park in 1953. The area is named after Eugene Woldemar Hilgard, an esteemed geologist who studied soils across America during the late 19th century.
The land where it sits has been shaped by various geological events over millions of years and holds significant historical importance due to its location along the historic Oregon Trail. Pioneers traveling westward often stopped at what would later become known as Blue Mountain Crossing - now part of the park's territory.
In addition to being a resting point for pioneers on their journey towards new opportunities out West, Native American tribes also used these lands long before European settlers arrived. It served them both as hunting grounds and seasonal campsites.
Over time with increased development around transportation routes like highways and railroads intersecting nearby; there came about more recognition for preserving such areas rich in history & biodiversity leading up to its official designation into State Park status under management from Oregon Parks & Recreation Department (OPRD).
Today it offers visitors camping facilities alongside access points onto hiking trails that lead through diverse landscapes including forests filled with ponderosa pines or down riverbanks lined by cottonwood trees while providing educational insights regarding local flora/fauna plus cultural heritage aspects related back toward early pioneer days or indigenous tribal life periods prior.