HomeOregonLa Grande › Mount Emily Recreation Area

Mount Emily Recreation Area

4.8 ★★★★★ 189 Google reviews · Running trail in La Grande, Oregon · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Mount Emily Recreation Area's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

ScenicHillyTrailhead parking

Woodland park featuring hiking and biking trails, camping, and pond access for family outings.

What runners say about Mount Emily Recreation Area

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (189 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 6 mentions

“Gorgeous place with miles of trails to explore.”

This is a great hike! The trails would also be great for mountain biking. There is an actual mountain bike track area next to the trails. I did the Mera trail. It was about 8.8 miles out and back. There are some beautiful views of the valley. The trail winds through thick trees.

★★★★★ — Pacific , Apr 2022

Really a nice area.... When it is not covered in snow! I hiked up there a few times, it really is a great place to have that outdoor experience you expect. You can camp for free here with a tent for 14 days at the Fox Hill campground, however I wouldn't attempt to drive a RV up the really steep hill.

★★★★★ — Scott , Apr 2019

Outstanding mountain biking and hiking area. Free dry camping at Fox Hill.

★★★★★ — Robert , Jun 2024

Great views and fun trails. Jeep, atv, sxs, mtb and dirt bike. Whatever you ride or drive, there’s a trail for you. We followed mainline to the look out, then took Mt. Emily road down the backside. There’s a connector trail that brings you back up and around. (422 I think...

★★★★★ — Darin , May 2021

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 189 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 8 mentions

“Clean, the views are unmatched, picnic tables and fire rings, and free for up to 5 days.”

More trails like this →

⛰️ Hills / elevation 5 mentions

“You can camp for free here with a tent for 14 days at the Fox Hill campground, however I wouldn't attempt to drive a RV up the really steep hill.”

More trails like this →

🅿️ Trailhead parking

“The bike trails are awsome, plenty of kid friendly trails right out of the parking lot.”

More trails like this →

Plan your run at Mount Emily Recreation Area

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
  • Websitemeetmera.org
  • Social Facebook

Hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday Closed
Thursday Closed
Friday Closed
Saturday Open 24 hours
Sunday Open 24 hours

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Mount Emily Recreation Area

63571 Owsley Canyon Rd, La Grande, OR 97850

Get directions

Running trails near La Grande

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Historic Birnie Park

4.4 ★★★★☆ 220 reviews

La Grande, OR

PavedDog-friendly

Clean public space for kids featuring play structures, swings and picnic tables.

4.9 miles away

Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area - Headquarters

4.3 ★★★★☆ 6 reviews

La Grande, OR

9.3 miles away

Ladd Marsh Nature Trail

5 ★★★★★ 3 reviews

La Grande, OR

9.8 miles away

Umatilla National Forest

4.7 ★★★★★ 1,511 reviews

Pendleton, OR

Natural surfaceScenic

Recreation at this sprawling forest includes canoeing, camping, fishing & cross-country skiing.

30.7 miles away

River Parkway

4.3 ★★★★☆ 3 reviews

Pendleton, OR

38.1 miles away

Kiwanis Park

4.2 ★★★★☆ 53 reviews

Pendleton, OR

Park featuring a playground for children, along with picnic tables and a basketball court.

38.3 miles away

All running trails in La Grande, OR →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.