Elkhorn Drive Byway partially opens

Oregon officials said on May 22 that the Elkhorn Drive Scenic Byway in northeastern Oregon had partially opened about a month earlier than usual, giving drivers access to lower-elevation stretches while keeping the highest sections closed for snow and repairs. Local coverage by the La Grande Observer, republished by the Baker City Herald and NewsBreak, said the paved route typically does not reopen until mid- to late June. The byway loops through Baker County west of Baker City and climbs into the Elkhorn Mountains. No date was given for reopening the full route. ### Which parts of the route are open now? May 22 was the date Oregon officials gave for the partial reopening, according to the La Grande Observer report. The opening applies to lower-elevation portions of the route, allowing limited vehicle access after winter closure, while upper sections remain shut. (newsbreak.com) Higher-elevation segments are still closed because of lingering snow and road-repair work, the report said. Officials did not specify in that report exactly when those sections would reopen. ### Why does this road usually open later? The Elkhorn Drive Scenic Byway runs through high country in the Elkhorn Mountains, including Forest Road 73 near Anthony Lakes, where snow can persist well into late spring. (newsbreak.com) Travel Oregon says the route is a 106-mile loop through mountains west of Baker City, and nearby Anthony Lake can remain frozen until mid-June, with snow possible into July at roughly 7,000 feet. The Wallowa-Whitman National Forest’s current-conditions page identifies Forest Road 73, the Elkhorn Drive Scenic Byway, as part of the recreation area south and west of La Grande and north of the Anthony Lake recreation area. That federal listing helps explain why seasonal access depends on snowpack and spring maintenance in the higher sections. (traveloregon.com) ### Where does the byway go? Travel Oregon describes the Elkhorn Drive Scenic Byway as a 106-mile loop that begins and ends in Baker City. The route passes through Baker Valley and the mountains west of the city, linking historic mining country, lakes and recreation areas in Baker County. The Oregon Department of Transportation lists Elkhorn Drive among Oregon’s designated scenic byways, part of a statewide network of routes promoted for scenery and access to natural and historic sites. (fs.usda.gov) ### What should drivers expect if they go now? Drivers can expect only partial access, not a fully open loop. The local report said vehicle travel is available on lower sections, but snow and repairs still block higher stretches, which means travelers should not assume the full mountain portion is passable. (traveloregon.com) (oregon.gov) TripCheck, Oregon’s state traveler-information service, remains the main source for road-condition updates, while the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest posts current recreation conditions for the broader area. Those two sources are the clearest places to watch for changes as spring work continues. ### What happens next before the whole loop reopens? Oregon officials have not published a full reopening date in the May 22 report. (newsbreak.com) The next change is expected to come when snow removal and repairs are complete on the upper-elevation sections of the byway. The Wallowa-Whitman National Forest and Oregon traveler-information pages are likely to carry the next public updates on access along Forest Road 73 and connected byway segments. (tripcheck.com) Until then, the route remains only partially open. (fs.usda.gov) (newsbreak.com)