Mount Emily Recreation Area - Oregon Blue Mountains

Located in the Blue Mountains of northeastern Oregon, Mount Emily is a prominent peak that towers over the city of La Grande on Interstate 84. Frequent travelers will also recognize the Mount Emily Road exit sign off Interstate 84. This is one of the possible access points. Although the highest point has antenna towers and trees, nearby viewpoints allow for some good views of the Grande Ronde Valley and the Eagle Cap Wilderness. This mountain holds the Mount Emily Recreation Area offering 3,669 acres of ATV and ORV use, mountain bike trails, horse trails, hiking, and in winter snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Mount Emily has roughly 1,690 feet of prominence.

WillhiteWeb.com - Oregon Hiking & Climbing

Take the La Grande Exit 261 and go into town to North 2nd St. Follow it north as it takes you over the freeway. It becomes Blackhawk Trail Lane which becomes Fox Hill Road. (See maps below). It is approximately 11.5 miles to the top. This is the best graded gravel road to the summit, possible in most vehicles.

From I-84 to the west, take the well signed Mount Emily Exit. Follow the road east for 6 miles passing Fox Prairie (a favorite camping spot I use when traveling between Seattle & Salt Lake). At roughly 18.5 miles reach the north ridge of Mount Emily. Now a rougher road heads south for 2.5 miles to Indian Rock. (A nice viewpoint with an interpretive display and picnic area). Another 2 miles gets you to the summit road that comes up from La Grande. Take a left on this better road for the final 0.5 mile climb to the top. .