For some 30 years in the early 20th century, Oregonian Jean Birnie led a trailblazing group of horsewomen called the Hen Party on annual horse packing trips in northeastern Oregon’s Wallowa Mountains. Inspired by their legacy, a group of Hen Party descendents retraced the steps of their foremothers on an adventure into the Wallowas of their own, almost a century later.

OPB “Oregon Field Guide” producer Jule Gilfillan went along to document their journey. She joins us to share the family story of the Hen Party, and how, in the Oregon wilderness, its members found friendship, empowerment, solace and more.

Find more “Oregon Field Guide” stories about the natural wonders of the Pacific Northwest here.

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