As sunny weather turns the corner here in eastern Oregon the EOU Outdoor Program has scheduled several events this Spring to get you outside! Listed below are some of the events we have planned (scroll down for more detailed descriptions). In addition to the events listed below, we are in the process of planning: an overnight hiking trip up Bear Creek, a fly fishing clinic, a Hells Canyon camping trip, and an orienteering clinic on the EOU campus. Also, remember Fun Fridays, our weekly Friday afternoon events that leave from the Outdoor Program at 1pm. Check with OP staff regarding the weekly activity.
Please note that all events require participants to sign-up ahead of time, either in person in the Outdoor Program (Hoke 102) or via email response to
gisaak@eou.edu.
Friday, May 18th - Ladd Marsh Exploration - (1pm - 5pm, Meet in Hoke 102)Saturday, May 19th - Introduction to Horseback riding - (1pm - 5pm, Meet at the fairgrounds at 1pm) May 20th - Rafting Day Trip (details TBA)
May 25-28 - City of Rocks (ID) Rock Climbing Club travel weekend (details TBA)June 1-3 - Elgin to Troy overnight rafting trip (
details TBA)
Friday, May 18th - Ladd Marsh Exploration - (1pm - 5pm, Meet in Hoke 102)
Join EOU Outdoor Program staff on an exploration of the
Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area.
The Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area is located in the southwest corner of the Grande Ronde Valley, about 7 miles south of La Grande, in Union County, Oregon. Administered by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, it lies at about 2,800 feet in elevation and is just over 6,000 acres in size. The wildlife area harbors some of the few remaining areas of undisturbed, native valley floor vegetation and constitutes a critical ecological enclave for biodiversity.
Do you want to learn how to cook with a
Dutch Oven? Want to learn new recipes from competition cooks? Looking for a way to spice up your backcountry horse trips or car camping this summer?
The Outdoor Program will be partnering with dutch oven competition cooks John and Kathryn Shorts to host a Dutch Oven cooking class and demonstration. This event will be part of Spring Fling and participants will have an opportunity for hands-on learning (and tasting!). All interested individuals are welcome to participate in the class.
Saturday, May 19th - Introduction to Horseback riding - (1pm - 5pm, Meet at the fairgrounds at 1pm)
This afternoon clinic will take place at the Union County Fairgrounds in La Grande and is jointly presented with the EOU Polo Club. If you are new to horses and want to have the opportunity to learn from experienced riders this clinic is for you. Grooming, saddling and entry-level riding techniques will be presented. There is no cost for this event, but we are limited to 12 participants.
May 20th - Rafting Day Trip (details TBA)
This one-day raft trip will be hosted by EOU Outdoor Program staff and will take place on a local river (water level dependent). Come along and discover the incomparable beauty of eastern Oregon from a new perspective. Places are limited. Sign-up will be available in the Hoke 102 and at the Outdoor Program booth during Spring Fling (May 19th). Find us in front of the 15' bright yellow raft!
May 25-28 - City of Rocks (ID) Rock Climbing Club travel weekend (details TBA)
The EOU Rock Climbing Club is headed east over Memorial Day Weekend to camp and climb at the
City of Rocks National Reserve in Idaho. This trip is open to all students, whether you are a beginner or expert climber, or even if you prefer to come along and camp and hike or mountain bike. Talk with Outdoor Program staff or members of the Climbing Club for further details.
June 1-3 - Elgin to Troy overnight rafting trip (
details TBA)
This overnight trip travels on the
Minam River from Elgin to Troy, a journey of around 50 miles. The trip will be hosted by Outdoor Program staff but will require "hands-on" participation from all participants. The Minam River is designated as a national wild and scenic river, and is one of the classic rafting journeys in the Pacific Northwest.
See you outside!
Winter is still hanging on in eastern Oregon, up above 7,000' anyway. Gunsight Couloir (photos) was in decent Spring conditions yesterday, May 23, 2012. 
