About this campground
The Indian Rock Overlook is situated at a viewpoint overlooks the beautiful Grande Ronde Valley. The overlook structure was built by the combined efforts of USDA Forest Service and Army National Guard 1249th Engineering Battalion personnel. The Overlook is located near a major route traditionally used by Native Americans while transiting the Blue Mountains into the Grande Ronde Valley. Awe aptly describes the feeling when considering the length of supply and mail wagon routes as well as herds of pig, cattle and sheep, which regularly traveled the length of the valley from the ranches, orchards and settlements once scattered about upon the valley floor. Visitors will enjoy inspiring views of crop fields set in a patchwork quilt pattern. The fields below are growing bearing mint, wheat, barley, alfalfa, sugar beets, safflower, grapes, and lavender. Across the valley towers the majestic Eagle Cap Wilderness. Let your imagination soar as you enjoy a picnic inside or outside of the shelter.
Getting there
From La Grande, Oregon travel northwest on Adams Ave./ State Highway 30 to Second St; Turn right on Second Street and go 1.2 miles to Blackhawk Trail Lane; Turn right on Blackhawk Trail Lane and go 0.2 miles to Owsley Canyon Road; Turn left on Owsley Canyon Road and go 3.0 miles to Mt. Emily Road; Turn left on Mt. Emily Road and go about 7 miles (it turns into Forest Road 500); Follow Forest Road 500 to Forest Road 3120; Turn right on Forest Road 3120 and go about 3 miles to Indian Rock Viewpoint. From La Grande, Oregon you can also go from Interstate 84; Travel north from La Grande on Interstate 84 for about 16 miles to exit 243 at Mt. Emily Summit Road (will become Forest Road 31); Stay on Forest Road 31 for 19 miles to Forest Road 3120; Turn right on Forest Road 3120 and go 2.6 miles to the overlook. This route is 39 miles from La Grande.
Activities
- PICNICKING
Nearby federal campgrounds
- SUMMIT GUARD STATION BUNKHOUSEUmatilla National Forest5 mi
- Blue Mtns North/Grande Ronde River Basin AreaWallowa Whitman National Forest12 mi
- Bird Track Interpretive SiteWallowa Whitman National Forest15 mi
- Horseshoe Prairie TrailheadUmatilla National Forest17 mi
- Buck Creek TrailheadUmatilla National Forest18 mi
- Coyote Ridge TrailheadUmatilla National Forest20 mi
Explore more Oregon camping
Indian Rock Overlook doesn't take campsite reservations — but plenty of nearby Oregon campgrounds do, and we'll alert you the moment a sold-out site opens up.
Browse Oregon camping →Details from Recreation.gov's official RIDB catalog. Conditions change — confirm with the managing office before you go. Not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.