Troy: Outdoorsman’s paradise

The unincorporated town of Troy is in northernmost Wallowa County near the Washington state line at the confluence of the Grande Ronde and Wenaha rivers. 

Troy has long been a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, and at most times of the year the tourist population far exceeds the estimated 30 full-time residents. 

Excellent steelhead runs, fly-fishing, hunting, river rafting and views of wildlife and stunning scenery draw thousands of tourists to Troy every year.

Bill and Emma Wilson first homesteaded the site in 1898. The first post office opened in 1902 and the townsite was surveyed and platted in 1910. Troy became the towns official moniker in 1931 and thrived as a lumber mill site until 1954.

Since that time, Troy has been known for its visitor appeal and outdoor activities. There is no longer a post office and the services are limited to a small school district and the Shilo Troy Resort. The resort offers rooms, cabins, a riverfront RV park, restaurant and lounge and a bathhouse with landromat. For information: stay@troyresort.com, 541-828-7773.

The most popular routes from Enterprise to Troy both begin by heading north on Highway 3. To take the route through the town of Flora, continue approximately 34 miles from Enterprise and turn west. The road between Flora and Troy descends the Redmond grade approximately 13 miles along a narrow, unpaved road with no warning signs. A slow pace is a must on the route not only for safety, but also for frequent encounters with wild turkeys, deer, elk and other wildlife. Visitors should have their cameras ready along the entire route.

The Oasis route to Troy is paved all the way and goes north from Enterprise on Highway 3 to the foot of the Buford grade and then west for 18 miles on the Grande Ronde River Road. The road is paved and runs along the river canyon with steep cliffs above. The road is curvy and often becomes littered with fallen rocks and large boulders, especially during the winter. Motorists should use caution.