EPIC Eastern Oregon Road Trip Itinerary
There are TONS of things to do in eastern Oregon and honestly, this post has only scratched the surface.
We know most people are working with a matter of a few days or a week or so, so here’s how we’d organize our time if we were road tripping eastern Oregon and trying to get the most out of it.
Do keep in mind that driving takes quite a large chunk out of your day!
Below, where we state the number of days, I’m talking about a full day of experiences without much driving from place to place included. So one day equals an actual full day, not a driving day.
📍 GET THE ULTIMATE PNW MAP 🗺️
Get our curated list of the best adventures, things to do, and places to grab a brew loaded onto your maps with just two clicks!
✅ Waterfalls ✅ Hikes ✅ Viewpoints
✅ Craft breweries ✅ National Parks ✅ 1400+ Pins
Factor in driving times and if you’re coming in the winter months, do note some roads will be closed altogether.
Of course, more time is always better but if you’re trying to squeeze things in and are trying to pack as much as possible in your time exploring eastern Oregon, here is the minimum amount of time you’d need for each area:
Table of Contents
Wallowa: 1-2 Days
The summit hike and rafting would each take about a day! You could spend a single day just hanging out by the lake, doing some water sports, taking short walks (like the short 1-mile Wallowa Tramway Summit Trail) and call it day.
Where to Stay Nearby:
- Evans Farm Glamping
- Riverside Bunkhouse
- Wallowa Lake State Park
READ MORE: Wallowa Guide
Sumpter: 1 Day
You could swing through Sumpter pretty quickly if you’re in a rush. The ATV trails are great, the Dredge is interesting, and staying at the Sumpter Stockade is an experience but if you’re on the move, just drive through it.
Where to Stay Nearby:
- Cozy Cottage With Cedar Sauna
- Peaceful A-Frame
- Sumpter Pines RV Park
READ MORE: Sumpter Guide
Mitchell: 1 Day
Luckily the Painted Hills are quite easily accessible. Drive through Mitchell, skip Clarno and Sheep Rock if you have to, and just do a short trail or two through the Painted Hills.
Where to Stay Nearby:
- Cozy Cottage in The Hub
- Hollyhock Guest House
- Priest Hole Recreation Site
READ MORE: Painted Hills Guide
Strawberry Mountains: 1 Day
The Strawberry Mountains are a bit of a detour off the main road but if you have the time, come on down. You can spend your day at the lake and hiking around it or up to the summit. Perhaps set up camp for the night and then head back out in the morning.
Where to Stay Nearby:
- Dixie Creek Bungalow Tiny Home
- John Day Bungalow
- Strawberry Campground
READ MORE: Guide to Strawberry Mountains
Umatilla: 1-2 Days
If you’re biking or hiking you may want to take the whole day to enjoy the miles and miles of the beautiful Umatilla Forest. If you decide to raft, that could take at least half a day.
Where to Stay Nearby:
- Little House on Ladow
- Cozy Hillside Retreat
- Jubilee Lake Campground
Owyhee: 2 Days
The Owyhee region is an eastern Oregon highlight but the things to do can be a bit spread out. Rafting would take a good chunk of the day and the hiking trails would take another. Camping out here would be a great idea!
Where to Stay Nearby:
- Canyonlands 360 View Camp
- River and Vineyard View Campsite
- Succor Creek State Natural Area Campground
READ MORE: Owyhee Guide | Leslie Gulch Guide
Steens: 1 Day
Considering you can drive up into the Steens Mountain and do some hiking while you’re up there, you could probably smash out a good chunk of this thing to do in eastern Oregon, then set up your tent on Alvord desert and soak in the hot springs at night.
Where to Stay Nearby:
READ MORE: Steens Mountain Guide
Hart Mountain: 1 Day
Just driving through and around Hart Mountain, doing a short hike and taking a soak in the hot springs will eat up a whole day! The roads here are mostly gravel too which will slow you down.
Where to Stay Nearby:
- Plush Bunkhouse
- Rustic Squirrelville Cabin
- Hart Mountain Hot Springs Campground
READ MORE: Guide to Hart Mountain
Summer Lake: 1 Day
You can pass through quickly and just enjoy the drive and the hot springs if you only have a day in the area.
Where to Stay Nearby:
- Silver Rock Sky View Ranch
- Chalet on the River
- Summer Lake Hot Springs Campground
READ MORE: Guide to Summer Lake
MORE ON THE WEST COAST:
READ MORE: The Best of Oregon
READ MORE: The Best of Washington
READ MORE: The Best of California
*GRAB THE BEST WEST COAST ADVENTURE MAP FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP!*
