Elgin is located in
Union County, 20 miles northeast of
La Grande, between
Wallowa and La Grande on Hwy 82. This community sits on the banks of the
Grande Ronde River, surrounded by timbered mountains and grassy ridges of the
Wallowa-Whitman National Forest &
Umatilla National Forest. A plentiful economy has fed the community's lush ranching, farming, and timber industries (Boise Cascade mill) and provides a huge assortment of
Outdoor Activities, including: Skiing and snowmobiling in winter, and rafting, fishing, camping, hiking, and hunting in friendlier weather. Other area points of interest: Historical Indian Fish Trap site, Fremont Trail,
Oregon Trail, Looking Glass fish hatchery, Big Canyon fish hatchery, Elgin Riverfest, Stampeder's Crab feed and November Night Light Parade.
Elgin was established as a trading area in 1882, named for a ballad commemorating the wreck of the "Lady ELgin" in Lake Michigan.
There is also an Elgin, North Dakota.