Mount Emily Recreation Area: Union County's Year-Round Outdoor Hub

Mount Emily Recreation Area (MERA) is Union County’s primary local recreation area for hiking, mountain biking, picnicking and winter recreation close to La Grande. Per county materials, MERA sits on the western edge of La Grande’s foothills and offers trails that open onto viewpoints of the Grande Ronde Valley, picnic sites and limited trailhead parking. Its proximity makes MERA a regular reference in county board and Public Works planning content.

Access and safety considerations shape visitor experience. The area is reached via narrow county roads from La Grande, and heavy snow can reduce services and access. Visitors should plan for limited winter maintenance, constrained parking at trailheads, and sections of single‑lane road. Trail users report a mix of singletrack and multiuse routes; mountain biking is a major draw, and equestrian use is permitted where posted. Those planning group outings or hauling trailers should account for tight parking and reduced winter services.

Union County maintains ongoing maintenance and stewardship programs for MERA through Public Works and Parks pages. The county lists volunteer opportunities and holds occasional planning meetings addressing trail and infrastructure improvements. MERA’s inclusion in routine county meeting materials means its future and funding are tied to local government agenda setting and public input. That connection matters for neighborhood residents, trail users and small businesses that rely on outdoor recreation traffic.

For day-to-day users the practical implications are straightforward: check conditions before you go, expect limited winter services during heavy snow, and arrive early to secure parking. For residents who care about trail standards, safety improvements or expanded amenities, MERA presents direct avenues for civic engagement. Volunteer stewardship can augment county maintenance budgets, and attending or following Public Works planning meetings allows neighbors to weigh in on priorities and tradeoffs.

Union County encourages visitors and stakeholders to consult official channels for the latest information on closures, events and road conditions. Visit union-county.org or call Union County Public Works to learn current trail status and to sign up for county emergency and notification lists. That notification infrastructure is the primary channel county officials use to alert the public about weather-related closures and planned maintenance.

MERA remains a local asset with community and economic value; its condition reflects both county capacity and resident involvement. Check the county’s pages before visiting, consider volunteering if you use the trails, and follow Public Works planning notices to stay informed about proposed changes that will affect access and recreation in the Grande Ronde foothills.