Comprising more than half the state, Eastern Oregon features large, unfettered expanses of land that include ranches, farms and a rich history. The Oregon Trail led thousands of wagoneers west during the expansion of the United States, and many of these pioneers are commemorated in the communities that dot the landscape of Eastern Oregon. La Grande in Union County sits at the base of the Blue Mountains, an area that offers national forests, wild rivers and a wealth of outdoor activities. La Grande is also home to Eastern Oregon University, giving the town an aura of refinement among the much-revered local cowboy heritage. The celebration of wrangler traditions continues throughout this part of the state with Pendleton hosting the annual Pendleton Round-Up that brings visitors from across the state and beyond to witness the spectacle of man versus beast. A large number of parks and gardens pay testament to the vast outdoors available to this area of Oregon.