Recreation
History and Culture
Built along the Oregon Trail, there are many historical places to explore. Visit the Rinehart Stone House in Vale, long used as a stopping place for travelers, or take a horse and buggy ride through town. The Oregon Trail Murals decorate buildings throughout town. These 25 historic murals present an outdoor historical gallery. The Four Rivers Cultural Center in Ontario celebrates the diverse history of our area in its interactive museum. Other events are held here throughout the year. Keeney Pass is an interpretive site 5 miles south of Vale where the Oregon Trail wagon ruts are still visible.
- The Rinehart Stone House is open March 1 to November 30, Tuesday through Saturday from 12 to 4 PM. Call (541) 473-2070 for more information.
- Wilcox Horse and Buggy offers narrated horse-drawn wagon rides through downtown Vale. Featured are the towns 25 murals depicting the history and growth of Vale. Tours run Friday evenings at 8 PM from June 1 through September 30. Call 888-879-8253 or see http://www.wilcoxhorsebuggy.com for more information.
- The Four Rivers Cultural Center's Museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 5PM. Call (541) 889-8191 or visit http://www.4rcc.com/ for more information.
Outdoor Recreation
Bully Creek Park is 10 miles west of Vale and offers opportunity for boating, fishing, water-skiing, hiking, picnicking and has a full service RV campground.
Lake Owyhee State Park is 30 miles south west of Vale. At 52 miles long, this large reservoir and canyon is one of Oregon's undiscovered treasures. This is a good place for boating, fishing, water-skiing, hiking, picnicking and offers a campground and RV facilities.
South of Vale, about 25 miles is Leslie Gulch and Succor Creek. This area is a beautiful place for hiking. The area is known mostly for it's amazing geology with towering cliffs but is also an excellent area for observing the natural plants and wildlife.
Hunting and Fishing
The Vale area is well known for its excellent hunting and fishing. Pheasants, elk, deer, sage hen and chuckar can all be hunted in the area around Vale. See the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife for regulations and license information.
Several locations around Vale offer specialized hunting trips for pheasant, chuckar, and quail. Call for more information.
- The Juntura Wildlife Ranch - (541) 277-3341
- The Hot Springs Hunting Preserve - (541) 358-2734
- Pheasant Valley Hunting Ranch - (541) 473-3867
More information about Vale and the surrounding area and brochures can be obtained through the Vale Chamber of Commerce, (541) 473-3800.