[4] From there it flows generally east to meet the larger river near the city of North Powder.

[5] In 1988, the upper 6.4 miles (10.3 km) of the river, from the headwaters to the eastern boundary of the Wallowa–Whitman National Forest was named part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.

[4] About 30 miles (48 km) from Baker City, the scenic upper river flows through rugged territory.

Access by vehicle is limited to high-clearance types that use mainly the North Powder River Trail via Forest Road 7301.

Slightly upstream of North Powder, the river passes under Interstate 84.