La Grande Area

Not many lake swimming opportunities exist in Union County, but Morgan Lake is only 2 miles outside of La Grande (or more accurately, above La Grande). The lake offers a good place to practice open water swimming that is owned by the City of La Grande and is free for the public to use. The lake usually doesn't see swimmers until May due to cold temperatures, but the water warms fairly quickly. Some people complain that the lake is dirty, but according to EOU biology professor and triathlete Dr. Cain, the lake is very clean. Read more