4. HEPPNER (45 miles)

Heppner, the county seat for Morrow County, is known for their Irish heritage and its notable 1902 vintage Courthouse.  Heppner is the gateway to the western portion of the Blue Mountains and provides easy access to nearby mountain recreation areas.  Agriculture and forestry provide the base economy for this community of 1,400 residents.  The Morrow County Museum and Agricultural Collections contain historic displays of pioneer life.

5. HARDMAN (65 miles)

This ghost town is a short 40-mile round-trip off the byway.  It was once a favorite stopover for freighters and stage drivers in the late 1800s.  The community thrived until the 1920s when the railroad was built to Heppner rather than to Hardman.  Today, the town's buildings remain, and along with the renovated dance hall, give tourists an insight into the town, just as it was at the beginning of the 20th century.

6. WILLOW CREEK DAM & LAKE (47 miles)

The Willow Creek Dam is the first entirely roller-compacted concrete dam in the world.  You pass right by it as you travel on toward the Blue Mountains.  This structure, built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1983, created a 125-acre lake with year-round fishing, swimming, camping, and boating.  The lake includes a day park, RV Park, boat launch, docking facilities, and handicapped parking and restroom.  For reservations call Heppner City Hall at (541) 676-5618.

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