Oregon whitewater, Grande Ronde River Union county, Hilgard Junction State Park to Riverside City Park section whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling information.   CLASS II-IV     9 miles   The nature scenery of Oregon and the playfulness of the water are reasons enough to come here and paddle. The Hilgard Junction State Park to Riverside City Park stretch of Grande Ronde River in Union County is 9 miles long and is a class II-IV section of whitewater according to American Whitewater. The put-in location is a reasonable drive from La Grande, if you're not familiar with the area there's a road map further down the page. There     are plenty of hotels here if you want to spend a night, but do book a room before you come because it is a very popular destination. The Hilgard Junction State Park to Riverside City Park section is one of many paddling sections in this river system. Whether you're whitewater rafting or kayaking in this general area you'll find lots of paddling rivers. You can pitch a tent or park your RV at a nearby campground. A bit of exercise and a chance to spend some time outdoors are great reasons to come. Whitewater rafting and kayaking spots in this state tend to be more challenging than the national average, so don't forget that many runs in this state are not   easy. When you're paddling down a Blue Mountains river like this one you always get great scenery along the way too. This section is long enough to enjoy a good non stop paddle, it's perfect for a one day trip. Briefly about the general area: Everybody loves Hilgard Junction State Park, and you'll meet a lot of people from La Grande here. Just can't get enough of the Blue Mountains. While you're here at Grande Ronde River you can take a hike along the Evans Trail; Bear Canyon is also a delightful spot to look at. At this river you will always have a good time. On a splendid day at Grande Ronde River you can take a hike along the Summit Mount Emily Trail; you should positively stop by Devils Slide while you're here. Grande Ronde River, Hilgard Junction State Park to Riverside City Park road map Printable road map with the put-in and take-out locations clearly marked.     Map Detailed Map Stats Stats for this river stretch Weather Local weather forecast These outdoors activities are available near Grande Ronde River.   Whitewater Near Grande Ronde River: Grande Ronde River, Union County, 6 miles away       Class II-IV - 9 miles long (Hilgard Junction State Park to Riverside City Park) Grande Ronde River, Union County, 6 miles away       Class I - 32 miles long (Riverside City Park to Elgin) Grande Ronde River, Union County, 14 miles away       Class II - 8 miles long (Red Bridge State Park to Hilgard Junction State Park) Whitewater Outfitter - TRT Raft Rental & Sales, Union County, 18 miles away       Whitewater outfitter Grande Ronde River, Union County, 19 miles away       Class II-IV - 13 miles long (Elgin to Palmer Junction) Grande Ronde River, Union County, 20 miles away       Class II-IV - 17 miles long (Tony Vey Meadow to Red Bridge State Park) John Day River - North Fork, Grant/ Umatilla County, 27 miles away       Class II-III - 41 miles long (Route 52 Bridge to Dale)   Ski Areas Near Grande Ronde River: Anthony Lakes, Oregon , 19 miles away, 900 foot drop, 3 lifts, 21 runs Spout Springs, Oregon , 21 miles away, 600 foot drop, 2 lifts, 14 runs Bluewood, Washington , 41 miles away, 1125 foot drop, 3 lifts, 23 runs   Hotels Near Grande Ronde River: Rodeway Inn La Grande, La Grande , 3 miles away La Grande Travelodge, La Grande , 4 miles away Super 8 LaGrande, La Grande , 5 miles away Americas Best Value Sandman Inn, La Grande , 5 miles away Best Western Plus Rama Inn & Suites, La Grande , 5 miles away   Campgrounds Near Grande Ronde River: Broken Arrow Lodge, La Grande, 4 miles away La Grande Rendezvous RV Resort, La Grande, 5 miles away Rendezvous RV Park, La Grande, 5 miles away   Trails Near Grande Ronde River: Evans Trail, Union , 4 miles away, 4.7 hiking miles, 1956 feet elevation difference Summit Mount Emily Trail, Union , 6 miles away, 6.3 hiking miles, 1892 feet elevation difference Five Points Trail, Union , 6 miles away, 5.7 hiking miles, 2090 feet elevation difference Hale Spring Trail, Union , 8 miles away,  2.4 hiking miles, 1734 feet elevation difference Beatty Creek Trail, Union , 11 miles away, 4 hiking miles, 490 feet elevation difference Boulevard Trail, Union , 12 miles away, 6.1 hiking miles, 1596 feet elevation difference Marion Jordan Trail, Union , 12 miles away,  5.2 hiking miles, 1298 feet elevation difference   Public Lands Near Grande Ronde River: Hilgard Junction State Park, Oregon , 6 miles away Red Bridge State Park, Oregon , 13 miles away Catherine Creek State Park, Oregon , 29 miles away   Golf Courses Near Grande Ronde River: La Grande Country Club, La Grande , 4 miles away