Mount Emily Recreation Area

The Mount Emily Recreation Area, or MERA, has been owned by Union County since 2008. The main goal of MERA is to provide ongoing public access to the property’s wide-ranging recreational resources. It is also managed to protect and enhance natural, cultural, and visual resources.

Some of the community benefits that this property provides include:

  1. 45 miles of motorized trails and 45 miles of nonmotorized trails, used for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, cross country skiing, and off-road vehicles.

  2. A free campground and world-class archery range, used by both locals and visitors to the area.

  3. Sustainable income to maintain the property through timber harvest.

A trail sign in the foreground bears the text "724 MERA loop, intersection 1" and an icon featuring a white squiggly line across a blue square. The background is out of focus but shows two trails coming together, an open gate, and green trees.

MERA’s large and well-marked trail system is maintained by dedicated volunteers

Photo provided by Sustainable Northwest

Additional Property Facts:

  1. MERA is managed by the Union County Parks Department with input from the MERA Advisory Committee.

  2. Elevation of the property ranges from 2900 to 5600 feet.

  3. A full Forest Stewardship Plan for MERA was developed in 2012. Management activities include forest thinning, timber harvest, mulching, tree planting, weed management, slash burning, and road improvements.

  4. MERA has been utilized for cattle grazing since before it was acquired by the county. Today, grazing lease fees help cover property taxes and fund fire patrols.

The Mount Emily Recreation Area is a great example of a multi-use public resource that has been protected through public ownership. The ongoing work of Union County Parks Department and many dedicated volunteers will help maintain and improve this property for decades to come.

Right: MERA’s mountain bike trails offer sweeping views of the Grande Ronde valley

This image shows two riders in an ATV on a dirt path, with a view of an agricultural valley in the background.

Left: MERA offers extensive motorized recreation options, separate from the non-motorized trails

Photos: Sustainable Northwest

This document is supported in part by financial assistance from the Forest Service. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.