Join us every Wednesday from 4:30-7:00pm for our Supper Club and enjoy smoked meats along with homemade sides for an evening of delicious food, beer & wine and great company. Get it to go or dine-in!
Welcome to Baker County
We’re so glad you’re here, and encourage you to explore all that we have to offer.
If you’re looking for a road trip, we have several scenic byways that take you through spectacular scenery and many of our towns. Be sure to stop along the way to explore!
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A restoration of Main Street
It’s not possible to travel back in time, but Baker City’s Main Street is about as close as you can get.
Along the route of the Oregon Trail, the discovery of gold enticed people to stay in the 1860s. Baker City was incorporated in 1874.
Today, we have more than 100 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, and the vast majority date to the 1920s or earlier. Many maintain their original design, and owners have worked to restore facades since 1990. Since 2017, Baker City Downtown has helped owners secure nearly $1 million in grants for historic preservation and building facade restoration.
“Everything we’re able to do is 100% connected to grant programs at the state level,” said Ariel Reker, executive director of Baker City Downtown.
To see Baker City’s historic buildings, you can simply stroll down Main Street. Below are a few highlights to seek out as you tour — some are located a couple blocks off Main Street.
A walking tour brochure is available at Baker City Downtown, located in Baker City Hall, and the visitors center at 490 Campbell St.
Carnegie Library
2020 Auburn Ave.
Built around 1909, this building has been renovated and now is home to the Crossroads Carnegie Art Center. Regular events include art shows that open on the First Friday of each month, as well as art classes.
Bowen and Bamberger buildings
1809 Main St. and 1813 Main St.
The Bowen, which was built in 1886, survived a fire that destroyed most of the other buildings on the block. The Bamberger was built after the fire, in 1888. The facades of both were reconstructed in the 1990s.
The Mint and the Fox buildings
1828 Main St. and 1830 Main St.
Both were built in 1889. The Mint Building opened March 4, 1889, and, according to a local newspaper, was lit by the “glow of sparkling gas jets.” The Fox Building originally housed a cigar and tobacco store.
Geiser Grand Hotel
1996 Main St.
This grand hotel was built by Harry and Jake Warshauer and opened in 1889. It was a gathering place for business travelers from across the nation and the world. Local mine owner Al Geiser purchased the hotel at the turn of the 20th century. It later fell into disrepair, and was closed for nearly 30 years before it was restored and reopened by Barbara and Dwight Sidway. Learn more, book a room and check the schedule for special Maine lobster nights — a tribute to the original menu when lobsters arrived on the transcontinental railroad — at geisergrand.com.
St. Francis de Sales Cathedral
2000 Church St.
Started in 1903 and dedicated in 1908, the cathedral was constructed of volcanic tuffstone quarried near Baker City (you’ll see many buildings made of tuffstone in the historic district). The Catholic Diocese of Baker, established by the Pope in 1903, includes all of Oregon east of the Cascade Mountains. The Chancery Offices were moved to Central Oregon in the mid-1980s.
Baker City Downtown
Baker City Downtown (also known as BCD) is an organization that strives to preserve and enhance the vitality and character of our community through the beautification, promotion and development of downtown Baker City. Find out more at bakercitydowntown.com and on Facebook.
Step Back in Time
Get a lesson on local history at the Geiser Grand Hotel’s Step Back in Time tours offered at 2:30 p.m. every day. Cost is $5 and advance tickets are required by calling 541-523-1889.
Sculptures
Salt Lick
What other town can claim to have a bronze sculpture of a salt lick? Only Baker City, as far as we know.
The unique piece of public art is thanks to the efforts of Whit Deschner, founder of the Great Salt Lick art contest and auction that raises money for Parkinson’s disease research.
Be sure to visit the sculpture at Main and Court streets. Details: whitdeschner.com
Central Park sculpture
Central Park, just east of downtown along Powder River, has an interactive sculpture — twist the handle and fill the air with melodic sounds.
Sculpture by US Bank
A towering sculpture of spheres, cubes and triangles graces the sidewalk along US Bank in downtown Baker City. The work, created by Scotty and Tori Whiting, stands 13 feet tall. It is titled “Damhsa Geoiméadrach,” which is Gaelic for “Geometric Dance.”
Murals
The Public Art Commission is working on bringing more murals to downtown. You can see one of the first, created by local artist Andrew Gettle and a roster of residents, on Resort Street.
African animals
Every summer, downtown becomes a safari thanks to Art Roamers, who bring metal animal sculptures created by an African artist. You never know where you’ll find an elephant, giraffe or zebra peeking around a corner.
Art places
Anders Fine Art 1802 Main St., robertanders.com
Baker Floral & Botanicals 1719 Main St., Facebook
Cheese Fairy 1937 Main St., Facebook and Instagram
Crossroads Carnegie Art Center 2020 Auburn Ave., crossroads-arts.org, Facebook
Hall Pass Gallery
3451 Broadway St., churchillbaker.com, Facebook and Instagram
Peterson’s Chocolates
1925 Main St., Facebook and Instagram
Room 31 Sculpture Gallery
3451 Broadway St., churchillbaker.com, Facebook and Instagram
Royal Artisan 1912 Main St., Facebook
Ruffled Feathers Boutique 2015 First St., Facebook
Sunn Juice + Decor 1917 Main St., Facebook
Sweet Wife Baking 2028 Main St., Facebook
First Friday:
Art is part of our local culture. Each month on the first Friday, galleries and shops in Baker City stay open late to unveil a new featured artist
The Facebook page “First Friday Downtown Baker City, OR” posts updates each month.
Other art-related events:
We Like ‘Em Short
Held in August, this annual film festival accepts submissions that are less than 20 minutes in length. Details: welikeemshort.com and Facebook
Robyn Gold, “Nature’s Renaissance” Biophilia-Studio Art Quilt Associates Traveling Show
June 2025
Debra Otterstein, “Attitude Adjustor” Winner - 26th Annual September Open Regional Show
September 2025
Claire Remsberg, “Redfish Weave” Heart of the Wild Group Show
July 2025
Alethea Brewer, Carved Bowl Between Unwired Worlds: II November 2025
Crossroads Carnegie Art Center 2020 Auburn Avenue, Baker City, OR 97814 • 541-523-5369 • info@crossroads-arts.org Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm
Baker County Theater Scene
Theater
Eastern Oregon Regional Theatre
Community theater is alive and well in Baker City thanks to Eastern Oregon Regional Theatre, which puts on multiple plays throughout the year.
You can find both sides of drama — serious plays with a small cast, or large productions featuring children from the community. But no matter the size of the play, every actor dedicates their time to memorizing lines and putting on the best performance possible. Be sure to check the theater’s website and social media pages for updates.
Where: 2101 Main St., Baker City
Website: easternoregonregionaltheatre.com Also on Facebook
Missoula Children’s Theatre
Every summer, something akin to a miracle happens in Baker City — two actor/directors from Missoula Children’s Theatre arrive in a little red truck, rehearse a cast of local children for just five days, and then present a full-scale musical.
Crossroads Carnegie Art Center has brought MCT to town for more than 10 years, providing an entire generation of youth with a chance to sing and dance on stage.
There is one production planned for 2025: “Red Riding Hood” (Aug. 11-16).
MCT takes traditional fairy tales and gives the stories new twists and catchy tunes. Each cast has parts for up to 60 youth, from first grade to seniors in high school.
Details: Visit crossroads-arts.org, stop by the center at 2020 Auburn Ave. in Baker City, or call 541-523-5369.
EORT continues the restoration of the Orpheum Theater in downtown Baker City.
The project began in May 2016 when David Burris donated $130,000 to purchase the 1889 building that housed a vaudeville stage that grew with silent films and “talkies” into the late 1950s.
The theater closed in 1956. In 1964 it was remodeled into a retail space.
Thanks to grants and community donations, the building will once again be home to live performances of theater, music and more. For details, visit thebakerorpheumtheatre.com.
LIVE, WORK & PLAY FOR ALL YOU NEED TO
Music
Since Baker City is conveniently located along Interstate 84, we often have the chance to hear bands traveling to and from large shows in Portland or Boise. And we have a lot of local talent as well that plays around town at different venues.
Here are the most common spots to catch live music:
AJ’s Corner Brick
1840 Main St. Facebook
Barley Brown’s Taphouse
2200 Main St. barleybrownsbeer.com, Facebook
Churchill School
3451 Broadway St. churchillbaker.com, Facebook and Instagram
The Ison House 1790 Washington Ave. theisonhouse.com, Facebook
Main Event Sports Bar
1929 Main St. Facebook
Veterans Memorial Club 2005 Valley Ave. Facebook
Powder River Music Revue
On Sundays in the summer, GeiserPollman Park becomes a concert hall thanks to Powder River Music Revue. The season starts June 22 with the Inland Northwest Musicians, and ends Sept. 7 with Terry Robb and his trio.
Concerts are 4-6 p.m. at the Powder River Pavilion in the park. Season memberships are available for $35, or support the music by purchasing raffle tickets at the concert ($5 each or five for $20).
Information: powderrivermusicrevue.org, Facebook
Weekly jam:
Powder River Music Revue jams are held every Wednesday evening, year-round, at the Veterans Memorial Club, 2005 Valley Ave in Baker City. The music starts at 6 p.m.
Baker County Heritage
Museums
Baker Heritage Museum
2480 Grove St., Baker City
The Baker Heritage Museum, housed in what was once a community swimming pool known as the Natatorium, unveils a special exhibit this July featuring the Armstrong nugget, an 80-ounce chunk of gold found in 1913 near Susanville, in Grant County. US Bank transferred ownership of the nugget, as well as nearly 250 other gold pieces, to Baker County in 2023.
Additional exhibits include “Pioneers to Pillars” about local Chinese history and heritage, and the extensive Cavin-Warfel Rock Collection (don’t miss the room with glow-in-the–dark rocks). The rest of the museum provides a walk through Baker County’s history and industries.
Season: April through October
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Hours expand to Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. in the summer.
Admission: $9 for ages 13+, $8 seniors/veterans, $5 ages 6-12, free for 5 and younger
This museum was for decades the home of Leo Adler, one of Baker City’s most famous philanthropists, who left his fortune of $20 million to benefit the town through grants and scholarships. The Leo Adler Foundation has distributed nearly $40 million since 1995.
Season: Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, although this schedule may be expanded to some weekdays
Hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday-Monday; also by appointment
Admission: $9 adults, $8 seniors, $5 ages 6-12, free for 5 and younger
A new exhibit this year is about Anthony Lakes and Champ Bond, who created a snow “thrower” to keep the road open to the cherished local ski area. Also, be sure to find the refreshed display with memorabilia from local schools (Rock Creek, Muddy Creek, Haines and North Powder).
Season: Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend; by appointment during the off-season (24-hour notice appreciated) Hours: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; also by appointment
Dale Taylor, 541-540-7194, Bill Schuhle, 541-742-7891
Frances Vaughan, 541-742-5152
Sumpter Municipal Museum
245 S. Mill St., Sumpter
Hours: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday-Monday (if volunteers are available), 3-6 p.m. Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday-Saturday
Admission: By donation
Information: Facebook (Sumpter Valley Museum Association), 541-894-2253
Huntington Museum
395 First St., Huntington
Season: Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend; also by appointment
Hours: 1-4 p.m. Saturdays
Admission: By donation
Information: Facebook (Huntington Oregon Historical Society & Museum), 208-249-5179
Chinese Cemetery Interpretive Site
Windmill Lane (east of Interstate 84), Baker City
This area was the site of 46 burials from 1894 to 1948. Many remains were returned to China before the 1930s, when the practice stopped after Japan invaded China. A gravestone marks the final resting place of Lee Chue, who died in 1938. The exact number of remaining burials is not known. The Baker County Historical Society began preservation of the cemetery in 1994. The site is owned by the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association in Portland.
Season: Accessible year-round
Admission: Free
The documentary that explores the history of Baker County’s richest mining district, is now available on DVD. The documentary includes photos from private collections that have never been shown in public, including scenes from Cornucopia the town and from the mines, in the Wallowa Mountains above, that produced an estimated $20 million in gold and silver from around 1880 until the mines were closed in 1942 by federal order due to America’s entry into World War II.
At peak production in the first few decades of the 20th century, the Cornucopia district was the sixth-largest gold-mining operation in the U.S., according to historical accounts, with about 700 men employed at times. Information: copiafilm.com
Makers
Take a stroll down Main Street to discover drinks and sweets crafted right here in Baker City.
Barley Brown’s Brewpub and Taphouse
2190 Main St. and 2200 Main St.
barleybrownsbeer.com
Facebook and Instagram
This award-winning brewery has earned more than 100 medals for its craft beers. Pallet Jack IPA is a local favorite and is served in bars and restaurants across the state. A full list of beers can be found on the brewery’s website. Enjoy a drink with a meal at the restaurant, or check out the taphouse just across the street (you might catch live music, or a trivia night).
North 7 Brewing Co.
1935 First St. north7brewing.com
Facebook and Instagram
This brewery and taproom, which opened in 2021, offers a variety of craft beer styles along with snacks. Check the website for the current beverages on tap. The taproom has monthly bingo and trivia nights, plus other special events. Check social media for updates.
Copper Belt Winery
1937 Main St.
copperbeltwinery.com
Facebook and Instagram
Winemaker Travis Cook crafts wines from grapes grown in Baker County vineyards on ground homesteaded by his family more than 100 years ago. Copper Belt wines are available at the downtown tasting room, which shares space with The Cheese Fairy, a cheese shop owned by Cody Cook.
Peterson’s Chocolates
1925 Main St.
Facebook and Instagram
Inside this renovated building, chocolatier Alyssa Peterson creates handcrafted chocolates and confections. Discover truffles, signature chocolate bars, brittles, caramels and drinking chocolate.
Local Maker photos by Travel Baker County
Glacier 45 Distillery
1901 Main St. glacier45.com
Facebook and Instagram
This all-natural distillery has earned 30 medals since opening in 2018. Their tagline says it best: “We didn’t invent vodka … we just made it better!” All spirits are made from non-GMO kosher corn. Varieties include regular, huckleberry, cucumber, coconut, pepper, hot cinnamon, blood orange and citrus mango. G45 also crafts gin, bourbon whiskey, and mandarin orange bourbon whiskey.
BELLA Main Street Market
2023 Main St. bigmerlot.com • rubydtonic.com
Facebook and Instagram
This kitchen and wine shop is where you’ll find Ruby D quinine tonic, which is brewed and bottled in small batches using whole cinchona bark, rosehips, hibiscus flowers and spices. Find it here, at BELLA in La Grande, and several places across Oregon.
Photo by Beverly Calder
Other stops
Be
A-Frame RV Park has a variety of resources
including 30amp and 50amp RV sites, tent sites, propane, a dog walk, souvenirs, showers, and a laundry facility
January through December
First Friday art walks
Celebrate art in Baker City during this monthly art walk on the first Friday of every month, 5:30-8 p.m. New exhibits open with a chance to meet the featured artists.
December through March
Snowmobile events
Baker County is a winter playground with more than 900 miles of snowmobile trails. If snowmobiling is your thing, check out the groomed trails near Sumpter, Unity and Halfway. Several local clubs have poker runs and other events. oregonsnow.org
March - November
Wine walks
Baker City Downtown sponsors a monthly wine walk on the third Thursday of each month from March through November. The months have a theme and a portion of the profits support local nonprofit organizations. bakercitydowntown.com and Facebook
May
Chautauqua Music Festival
May 16-18, 2025
This Americana music festival is held in Richland every May. The 2025 headliner is Dave Stamey. For details and tickets, chautauquamusicfestival.com or check the Facebook page.
Sumpter Flea Market
May 24-26, 2025
Sumpter’s population balloons three times a year when flea market vendors set up along the main streets and fairgrounds. sumpteroregon.com
Sumpter Valley Railroad
May through October
This historic steam train operates weekends on narrow-gauge tracks that run from McEwen Station to Sumpter. Special events include staged robberies, night trains and fall foliage events. sumptervalleyrailroad.org
Catfish Derby
May 24-26, 2025
Compete to catch the biggest catfish in the annual tournament over Memorial Day weekend on Brownlee Reservoir just east of Huntington. The weekend also includes food, music and other activities in town. Facebook (search for “Huntington Oregon Lions Catfish Derby”)
June
Powder River Music Revue
June through September
Named Oregon Best Music Festival in 2014, the Powder River Music Revue features concerts at 4 p.m. every Sunday from mid-June through August in Baker City’s Geiser-Pollman Park. Musical performers come from across Oregon and the Pacific Northwest. powderrivermusicrevue.org and Facebook
Oregon Trail Days
June 13-14, 2025
Celebrate Oregon Trail history with this gathering at Geiser-Pollman Park in Baker City with staff and special performers from the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center. oregontrail.blm.gov, NHOTIC.com
Baker City Cycling Classic
June 20-22, 2025
This three-day, four-stage bicycle race started in 2001. Racers are challenged with two road races, a time trial and a fast criterium raced on the streets in downtown Baker City, which is the best time for spectators to catch the action. bakercitycyclingclassic.com
Hells Canyon Junior Rodeo
June 21-22, 2025
Pine Valley Fairgrounds in Halfway. hellscanyonjrrodeo.com
July
Haines Stampede Rodeo and Fourth of July
July 3-4, 2025
Great, old-fashioned rodeo action on July 3-4 in Haines with quality stock and cowboys, traditional rodeo events including barrel racing, roping, mutton busting and rough stock events. The city’s Fourth of July celebration includes a parade, vendors in the park, and fireworks at dusk. hainesstampede.com
Renaissance Faire
July 4-6, 2025
This event, in its second year, includes Renaissance Faire activities (costumes encouraged!) on the town’s main street and flea market vendors.
Haines Junior Rodeo
July 5-6, 2025
Rodeo events for age 18 and younger. hainesstampede.com
Baker City Motorcycle Rally
July 11-13, 2025
Founded as the Hells Canyon Motorcycle Rally more than 25 years ago, a local business took over this event in 2022 — and renamed it — to ensure it continued. Motorcyclists come for three days of exploring the highways and byways, and to visit local shops and restaurants. Facebook
2025 Baker County Festivals & Events
Miners Jubilee
and Baker Broncs and Bulls
July 18-20, 2025
Baker City’s signature summer event, Miners Jubilee is a three-day celebration with a parade, vendors in the park, mining demonstrations, kids’ activities and bronc and bull riding at the fairgrounds. minersjubilee.com www.bakerbroncsandbulls.com
Shrine Game
July 26, 2025
One of Baker City’s most festive weekends to celebrate the East-West All-Star Shrine Game, which raises money for the Shriners Children’s Hospital. Prior to the big game, check out the Gridiron Tailgate in Geiser-Pollman Park and the parade on Main Street. www.eastwestshrinefootball.com
August
Baker County Fair
Aug. 5-8, 2025
The first full week of August brings the Baker County Fair with livestock exhibits, music, games and more. bakerfair.com
We Like ‘Em Short film festival
Aug. 21-23, 2025
The We Like ‘Em Short film festival celebrates the art of the short film and provides a platform for independent filmmakers to showcase their talent. Entries come from around the world, and all must be shorter than 20 minutes (some are less than 60 seconds!). www.welikeemshort.com
Baker County Summer Jam
Aug. 22-23, 2025
Two full days of music are coming to the Baker County fairgrounds for the inaugural Summer Jam. Tickets are on sale now at bakerfair.com.
Show-n-Shine, Memory Cruise, Durkee Steak Feed
Aug. 16, 2025
Held in late August, enjoy a walk through vehicle history as restored cars line up at Geiser-Pollman Park during the day. In late afternoon, head to Quail Ridge Golf Course for the annual Durkee Steak Feed featuring steak (of course), veggies and the famous pan-fried bread. After dinner, head downtown where classic cars will cruise Main Street. Facebook (Baker City Memory Cruise and Durkee Community Corp.)
Baker County Fair and Panhandle Rodeo
Aug. 30-Sept. 1, 2025
Held over Labor Day weekend, the Baker County Fair in Halfway celebrates the region’s agricultural heritage with a livestock show, PRCA rodeo, parade, music and craft exhibits. halfwayfairandrodeo.com
Sumpter Flea Market
Aug. 30-Sept. 1, 2025
The last flea market of the season is held during Labor Day weekend. sumpteroregon.com
September
Pine Fest
Sept. 5-6, 2025
October
Taste of Baker
Oct. 4, 2025
Celebrate the flavors of Baker County during this annual event in downtown Baker City. Participating restaurants offer tastes of their popular fare — and maybe some new items — for diners to enjoy at tables set up along Main Street. bakercitydowntown.com/taste-of-baker
Trick-or-Treat
Oct. 31, 2025
Costumed youngsters head to Main Street for this annual trick-or-treat event organized by the Baker City Kiwanis Club. Downtown businesses pass out candy and treats to hundreds of participants.
November
Turkey Trot
Nov. 27, 2025
Start Thanksgiving morning with a brisk walk or run at the annual Turkey Trot, which benefits the Northeast Oregon Compassion Center. Facebook
December
Twinkle in Time
Dec. 4-6, 2025
Baker City kicks off the holiday season with a Festival of Trees (Thursday-Saturday), a Cookie Crawl (Saturday) and Twilight Parade and tree lighting (Saturday). Also, be sure to get a start on gifts at the 4-H Christmas Bazaar held at the Baker County fairgrounds (Friday and Saturday). bakercitydowntown.com, visitbaker.com, bakerfair.com
Tree lightings
Tree lighting ceremonies and parades are also held in Sumpter, Halfway and Richland.
Skiing at Anthony Lakes
December through early April
Located in Baker County along the Elkhorn Scenic Byway, this mountain riders’ hideaway is home to some of the best powder skiing in Oregon with 21 runs and over 900 vertical feet. There’s also 30 kilometers of nordic trails. anthonylakes.com Visit GoEasternOregon.com for a full
This annual music festival features an eclectic mix of musical styles with bands and musicians from throughout the Northwest at the Pine Valley Fairgrounds in Halfway. pinefest.org and Facebook
Anthony Lakes
Boasting the highest base elevation in Oregon at 7,100 feet, Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort is known for its powder snow and opens most years by early to mid December. The area is open Thursday through Sunday, plus holidays and spring break, through early April.
Winter
In 2023, the ski area celebrated its 60th anniversary. It has 21 alpine runs and 30 kilometers of groomed Nordic trails.
Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort is 35 miles from Baker City and 40 miles from La Grande. From Baker City, take Highway 30 out of Baker City to Haines. At Haines, turn left onto the Anthony Lake Highway (look for the sign). The highway winds through Baker Valley before heading up the mountain. From La Grande, take Interstate 84 to North Powder, exit 285. Turn right onto River Lane, and follow signs for the ski area.
An Oregon Sno-Park pass is required Nov. 1 through April 30.
Rentals include alpine and nordic skiing, snowboarding and snowshoes.
Anthony Lakes also offers skiing on terrain on the back side of the mountain, accessed by snowcat. Reservations open Nov. 1 for the upcoming season.
In addition to the powder snow, Anthony Lakes welcomes visiting bands to rock the lodge’s Starbottle Saloon during the winter. Find a schedule at anthonylakes.com.
There are several overnight options — two yurts, the guard station and limited RV spaces. Check the website for details.
Summer
After the snow melts — which can take a while with an elevation of 7,100 feet — the mountain turns into a summer playground with trails for hiking and mountain biking and several lakes for fishing. Campgrounds offer a place to extend your stay and food is available at the lodge Friday through Sunday, early July through mid-September.
Information
anthonylakescampgrounds.com or email alcampgrounds@anthonylakes.com
The Trailhead, 1828 Main St., in Baker City, is also a resource for bike repairs and maps of the area. The phone number is 541-523-1668.
Information: 541-856-3277 or info@anthonylakes.com
Website: anthonylakes.com
Sumpter Valley Railroad
The Sumpter Valley Railroad is steaming ahead with a season of rides and events, including staged robberies, night trains and short runs for those who have limited time.
The railroad served a dual purpose in the early 1900s — it provided transportation for people, and it hauled lumber to mills. The railroad shut down in the late 1940s, but was revived in 1971 with the Sumpter Valley Railroad Restoration nonprofit organization.
Over the years, original engines and cars have returned to the Sumpter Valley, where the steam train once again rides the rails between McEwen Station and Sumpter. Sometimes, the steam engine is swapped for a diesel version — be sure to check the schedule if you have a preference.
The season in 2025 starts May 24. Special events include bandit weekends with the High Country Outlaws, Fall Foliage trains to see the autumn splendor of Eastern Oregon, Halloween trains and Christmas runs. Right now, no rides are scheduled in August due to the high fire danger.
Length of rides vary by weekend. Fares depend on the ride and vary for special events. For a calendar, excursion descriptions and departure times, go to sumptervalleyrailroad.org.
Those who want a more personal experience can inquire about cab passes, Engineer for a Day or Engineer for an Afternoon. For information, send an email to info@sumptervalleyrailroad.org.
Round-trip fares
Adult: $27 steam, $21 diesel
Seniors and military: $24 steam, $17 diesel Children age 3-17: $18 steam, $15 diesel
Get away from your crazy busy life to a place that is staged in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Where everyone waves and the rooms are themed. Listen to old fashioned country music and sit by an open fire. Our rooms are filled with old fashioned items and photos.
are open all year long!! It’s time to make new family traditions. Each room is themed and we even take old west photos on the property. Super festive,
Elkhorn Scenic Byway
This paved, two-lane byway is 106 miles and can take up to seven hours to drive. Start in Baker City, then either head northwest to Haines or southwest toward Sumpter. You’ll pass through the towns of Haines, Granite and Sumpter.
Attractions include:
Anthony Lakes Recreation Area: In summer, you can camp, hike, ride mountain bikes, and fish. In winter, the ski resort boasts powdery snow to attract skiers, snowboarders and snowshoers. Or simply enjoy the scenery, which is beautiful every season of the year. For information, visit anthonylakes.com. (In winter, the byway is closed just past the ski area.)
Chinese Walls: Marvel at rock walls created by Chinese miners in the early 1900s (a few miles north of Granite).
Sumpter Dredge State Heritage Area and Sumpter Valley Railroad: Sumpter’s golden past is preserved at these two attractions. Learn more at sumptervalleyrailroad.org and by searching for the dredge at stateparks.oregon.gov.
Fill up before you go
Be sure to head out with a full tank of gas — Sumpter is the only place to fill up on the loop. You can find food in Sumpter and Haines.
Winter closure
During winter, the 25-mile section between Granite and Anthony Lakes is closed due to snow. The entire byway may not be open until late June due to lingering drifts. To find out, call the U.S. Forest Service at 541-523-1205.
Sumpter Valley Dredge State Heritage Area
Now silent, the Sumpter Valley Dredge is the centerpiece of this park that pays homage to the gold mining days. Miles of tailings line the banks of Powder River, and the dredge left much of the rocky footprint. Built in 1935, it ran until 1954 and dug up more than $4 million worth of gold.
The park is adjacent to the SVRR station and is open May 1 through Oct. 31. Explore the dredge, visit the gift shop, and walk the trails that weave through tailings. Learn more at stateparks.oregon.gov
Hells Canyon Scenic Byway
The Hells Canyon Scenic Byway is a loop that encircles the Wallowa Mountains, intersecting with Interstate 84 at La Grande and Baker City.
Small towns along the drive offer visitor services, but plan ahead — from Baker City to Hells Canyon there are four opportunities to fill up with gas: Richland, Halfway (two stations) and Oxbow.
Closures
The entire route is fully open only from late spring to fall because a segment between Joseph and Halfway — Forest Road 39 — closes due to snow in winter. Tourists are encouraged to check road conditions on www.hellscanyonbyway.com.
The byway circles the Wallowa Mountains through 11 communities, offering visitors a taste of life in rural Northeastern Oregon.
Summer recreation options along the way include a tramway at Wallowa Lake, fishing in cold rivers, hiking the canyon country or alpine forests, camping in parks or the wilderness, or playing in the water for a refreshing dip on a hot day.
In the winter, there are places to ski or ride a snowmobile on a section of the byway that closes to automobiles after the snow falls.
The route
The 218-mile trip can start in Baker City and travels through Richland, Halfway, Joseph, Enterprise, Elgin, Imbler and La Grande — plus other small communities.
If you’d rather not tackle the entire byway, we have some suggestions for a nice day trip to the edge of Baker County, starting in Baker City.
Richland
This small town, 41 miles east of Baker City, offers a gateway to Brownlee Reservoir and two county parks — Hewitt and Holcomb — for camping, fishing and picnicking.
Halfway
The Wallowa Mountains tower over this town and the Pine Valley, which means you can access hiking and backpacking. While you’re there, find 18 quilt blocks on the Quilt Block Trail with a short drive around Halfway and Pine Valley. In winter, the Panhandle Snowmobile Club maintains approximately 260 miles of groomed trails. Halfway is about 55 miles east of Baker City.
Oxbow
A series of dams on the Snake River creates three reservoirs and various camping opportunities. Idaho Power maintains five parks within the Hells Canyon Complex: Woodhead Park, McCormick Park, Carters Landing, Copperfield Park and Hells Canyon Park. For details and reservations, go to idahopower.com and click on “Community and Recreation.”
Hells Canyon Adventures offers jet boat tours, white water rafting trips, fishing charters and jet boat shuttle services in the wild section of the Snake River. All tours start and end at the Hells Canyon Creek Visitor Center and launch site, located 1 mile north of the Hells Canyon Dam. Reservations are required –for information, visit hellscanyonadventures.com or call 800-422-3568 or 208-257-4564.
Wallo wa Mountain Loop
Pine Valley to Baker Valley
Hells Canyon Overlook el. 5100
SIDE TRIPS
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Tributary Whitewater Tours - Snake River Outpost, formerly Canyon Outfitters, has rafting trips for all ages, families and ability levels. Experience North America’s deepest river canyon — yes, even deeper than the Grand Canyon! Offerings are multi-day trips that vary depending on the time of year. For information, visit https://whitewatertours.com or call 503-626-7385.
2 Hat Point Lookout el. 6982 1
3 Snake River
Know before you go
US Highway
Oregon State Route
ta, County Road
• Forest Road - Pr
The Hells Canyon Byway’s section on Forest Road 39 (shown in yellow on the map) is open to over-snow vehicles only through April 15. After that, it’s up to Mother Nature as to when the snow melts and the road is passable for vehicles. It is not maintained until around June 15.
3965 Forest Road - Secondary
Divided Highway
-- Paved Surfac e
The Wallowa Mountain Loop Road and Forest Road 66 are often closed by snow from late October through late May or early June and are not passable by automobiles during this time period. Both Roads 66 and 39 are snowmobile routes
--- Gravel Surface,
Paved, Seasonal,
For information and updates, call the WallowaWhitman National Forest office in Baker City, 541-523-6391, or the Joseph office, 541-426-5546. Information about the Hells Canyon Byway can be found at hellscanyonbyway.com and fs.usda.gov/ wallowa-whitman.
US Forest Service
Wayside
and/or
B B AY SEG ENTS
Grande Ronde Valley to Wallowa
Wallo wa Mountain Loop
Pine Valley to Baker Valley
Hells Canyon Overlook el. 5100 1
AY SIDE TRIPS
1 lm naha Co untry
2 Hat Point Lookout el. 6982
3 Snake River
US Highway
I' Oregon State Route ta, County Road
• Forest Road - Pr
3965 Forest Road - Secondary Divided Highway
-- Paved Surfac e
--- Gravel Surface, may be impassable in winter
----- Paved, Seasonal, may be impassable in winter
US Forest Service Office
National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center
Walk in the footsteps of pioneers
The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center, overlooking Baker Valley from Flagstaff Hill, tells the story of Oregon Trail pioneers, explorers, miners and settlers of the frontier West, as well as the Native American perspective designed with regional tribal input.
The 500-acre site, which is managed by the Bureau of Land Management, includes remnants of the historic Flagstaff gold mine, ruts carved by pioneer wagons, and vistas of the historic trail route. You can even take a stroll on the system of trails and see the wagon ruts for yourself.
Visitors can also see a replica 1800s blacksmith shop with authentic tools, a replica of a 1860s mine shaft, and a stamp mill from the Rabbit Mine in Greenhorn that dates to the turn of the century.
Also, be sure to check out the Lone Pine Mercantile, managed by Crossroads Carnegie Art Center and the Friends of NHOTIC, which offers local art and keepsakes as well as food options.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
Summer admission: $8 age 16 and older, $6 seniors (good for two days)
Winter admission: $5 age 16 and older, $4 seniors (good for two days)
Free fee days: June 14, June 19, July 16, Sept. 27, Oct. 25 and Dec. 2025
Interpretive programs: Fridays and Saturdays at 1 p.m.
How to get there:
The center is located 5 miles east of Baker City just north of Oregon Highway 86 (take exit 302 from Interstate 84). In addition to the indoor exhibits, the center is surrounded by a trail system that takes visitors to the actual Oregon Trail ruts. An access point is located along the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway, about half a mile before the center’s main entrance.
Oregon Trail Days
The Interpretive Center brings the experience into Baker City for Oregon Trail Days on June 13-14 at Geiser-Pollman Park with activities, storytelling and music.
Haunting on the Hill
On the last Saturday in October, the center turns a bit spooky for Haunting on the Hill, a festive event with activities, a not-so-scary haunted house and treats.
Information: oregontrail.blm.gov, NHOTIC.com
County
Ghost Towns
Two state highways — 7 and 86 — are the access routes to most of Northeastern Oregon’s ghost towns. Both begin at Baker City.
Henry Griffin’s discovery of gold on Oct. 23, 1861, in a stream a few miles southwest of present-day Baker City sparked this region’s gold rush.
By the spring of 1862 the first town, Auburn, was sprouting from the wilderness like spring wildflowers.
With each successive cry of “Eureka,” another camp was hewn from the ponderosa pine forests.
Some never contained anything more solid than a few tents. Others became true frontier cities with newspapers, hotels, fancy women and — always more numerous than any other type of establishment — saloons.
A few survived the inevitable boom-and-bust cycles of the mining trade and persist today. Many did not.
Northeastern Oregon Ghost Towns
Griffin Gulch
Follow Main Street south out of Baker City. The street becomes Dewey Avenue, then Highway 7. Griffin made his historic discovery in a gulch that’s a few miles west of the highway. There’s no site to commemorate Griffin’s find, but the gulch and a gravel road bear his name.
Auburn
About seven miles south of Baker City, Old Auburn Road leads west (right) from the highway. Auburn, the first Baker County seat and once the second-largest town in Oregon (only Oregon City had more than Auburn’s 6,000 residents), has disappeared. All that remains are a few scraps of weather-worn wood on private property.
Clarksville
About a mile and a half south of Old Auburn Road, state Highway 245 leads south over Dooley Mountain to Bridgeport. Clarksville sprouted in the area in the 19th century, and a floating dredge mined Clarks Creek between 1917 and the 1930s. The only traces left are photographs.
McEwen/Sumpter
Continue southwest on Highway 7, passing Phillips Reservoir to McEwen, once a station on the Sumpter Valley Railroad. A few old buildings still stand near a church. A few miles beyond McEwen, turn right at a sign for Sumpter. Once one of the largest mining towns in the region with 5,000 residents (and three dozen saloons), much of Sumpter was destroyed by a fire in August 1917. Today, ghost town is something of a misnomer for Sumpter, whose population is about 210. There are a few restaurants, motels and a gas station.
Bourne
Continue northwest through Sumpter on the paved Granite highway and, just after crossing Cracker Creek, turn right on a gravel road. It follows Cracker Creek six miles to Bourne, which was named for Jonathon Bourne, a U.S. senator from Oregon. The town’s post office had been closed for a decade when a flash flood destroyed much of Bourne in 1937. Today, only a few old buildings remain.
Granite
This town 15 miles northwest of Sumpter was founded as Independence on July 4, 1862. The town’s name was changed to Granite in 1874, when its residents, upon applying for a post office, learned a western Oregon town had already claimed the patriotic title. Granite features several well-preserved buildings from the mining period.
Whitney
Return to Highway 7 and continue southwest to the Whitney Valley, along the North Fork of the Burnt River. Unlike most ghost towns, Whitney was a logging and railroad center, not a mining town. A few weathered buildings remain south of Highway 7.
Bonanza
A gravel road leads north from Whitney along Camp Creek to this site, which was founded in 1877 near a mine of the same name.
Greenhorn
Continue on Highway 7 beyond Whitney. Where the highway descends to the North Fork Burnt River, turn right on a gravel road. Greenhorn has been called the highest and smallest incorporated town in Oregon. Its population has been as low as one, and its elevation is 6,200 feet. No one lives there year-round. The state granted the city a unique franchise that makes it officially incorporated.
Austin/Bates
Both are near where Highway 7 ends at U.S. Highway 26. Like Whitney, Austin was a supply center rather than a mining town.
Sparta
Follow Highway 86 east from Baker City, following signs to Richland, Halfway and Hells Canyon. Just past Milepost 22, turn left at a sign for Sparta. A well-maintained gravel road passes Sparta, which was founded in 1863 and earlier known as Eagle City and Gem.
Cornucopia
The richest mines in Northeastern Oregon were clustered around this town about 10 miles north of Halfway. To get there, follow Halfway’s Main Street out of town, passing Jimtown and Carson. Mines around Cornucopia produced an estimated $10 million in gold.
Baker County Rodeos
Hells Canyon Junior Rodeo
June 21-22, 2025 • Pine Valley Fairgrounds, Halfway hellscanyonjrrodeo.com
This event, in its 65th year, kicks off rodeo season in Baker County with events for youth up to age 18. Includes rodeo events plus a parade.
Haines Stampede
July 3-4, 2025 • Haines Stampede Rodeo Arena hainesstampede.com
Haines is the place to be for Fourth of July festivities. The rodeo starts July 3 with slack at 9 a.m. and rodeo action at 5 p.m. On July 4, the rodeo begins at 1:30 p.m. amid a day full of activities in Haines, including a parade and art in the park. The day concludes with fireworks at dusk, set off from the rodeo grounds.
Haines Junior Rodeo
July 5-6, 2025 • Haines Stampede Rodeo Arena hainesstampede.com
Rodeo events for youth up to age 18. Saturday starts at 1 p.m.; Sunday at 10 a.m.
Broncs and Bulls
July 18-19, 2025 • Baker County Fairgrounds, Baker City bakerbroncsandbulls.com Facebook: Baker Bronc and Bull Riding
Part of the Challenge of Champions Tour, this event has been a July mainstay in Baker City along with Miners Jubilee. Friday’s event is at 7 p.m.; Saturday’s starts at 6 p.m.
Panhandle Rodeo
Aug. 30-Sept. 1, 2025 • Pine Valley Fairgrounds, Halfway www.halfwayfairandrodeo.com
Held concurrently with the Baker County Fair in Halfway, this rodeo always happens during Labor Day weekend. The rodeo begins at 7 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, and at 2:30 p.m. Monday. The ranchstyle bronc riding is a favorite, as well as the mule races. In addition to the rodeo, check out events at the fairgrounds and the parade, which is at 12:30 p.m. Monday.
Oregon State Parks
Baker County boasts two state parks where you can camp and fish or just play in the water on a hot summer day. For fishing regulations and other information, check with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife at myodfw.com/articles/warmwater-fishing-northeast-oregon.
Unity Lake State Recreation Site
This park, a couple miles north of Unity and about 45 miles southwest of Baker City, is described as “an oasis of green in Oregon’s high desert.” Attractions include boating and fishing. Or use the park as a basecamp to explore nearby wilderness areas. This area includes a boat ramp, boat trailer parking, restrooms and water.
The site is open year-round, and camping is allowed April 1 through Oct. 31. There are 35 electrical sites with water, two cabins and hot showers.
Historic Farewell Bend State Recreation Area
This park is located on the Oregon/Idaho border about 50 miles southeast of Baker City along Interstate 84, near Huntington along the banks of Snake River’s Brownlee Reservoir.
Historic markers and interpretive displays at the park provide visitors with information on Farewell Bend’s significance on the Oregon Trail. Farewell Bend was the last location where travelers on their way west departed from their route along the Snake River after following the river for hundreds of miles.
Brownlee Reservoir offers fishing, water-skiing and boating. The park is open for day-use year-round. Camping is open from March through November. Reservations
Reservable sites at both Unity Lake and Farewell Bend can be booked up to six months in advance at oregonstateparks.reserveamerica.com.
Go Explore Baker County
Oregon film trail
Take a tour through Oregon’s film history
Oregon is featured in hundreds of films, and a project by the state film office is marking movie locations with informational signs.
Baker County has three signs installed for the 1969 musical “Paint Your Wagon,” which was filmed in 1968. A fourth will soon be on display in Richland near the playground.
The project is called The Oregon Film Trail, and is the first of its kind in the country.
“The trail stitches together communities, locations and films,” said Jane Ridley, the director of strategic initiatives and community projects for the Governor’s Office of Film & TV (Oregon Film Office, for short). “It’s a very rich history.”
Each sign has two parts. The top is the movie title, its release year and a synopsis. The bottom panel has “Did you know?” information.
More than 700 movies have been filmed in Oregon.
The first sign was placed in 2018 at Gleneden Beach State Recreation Site near Newport in honor of “Sometimes a Great Notion,” named for Oregonian Ken Kesey’s book of the same title, and shortly after that three were added in Astoria.
Many of the trail signs feature famous films, such as “Kindergarten Cop” and “The Goonies” — both filmed in Astoria — “Twilight,” “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” (celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025) and the 1991 movie “Point Break” filmed near Cannon Beach.
There’s even a sign for an animated movie — “Coraline,” the first stop-motion film by Laika Studios, which was inspired by Ashland.
The Oregon Film Office has partnered with an app called SetJetters, which allows a user to search for a movie and find out where it was filmed. It’s called the “Reel to Real Experience.”
Across Oregon
An interactive map of the 43 signs can be found at historicoregonfilmtrail.com. This map includes a sample of the many scenes shot in Oregon as well — see many more on the app.
In Eastern Oregon, Ridley pointed out a 350-mile loop that goes from Pendleton to La Grande to Baker City (with an Anthony Lakes side trip) then to Richland, Halfway, Wallowa Lake, Joseph, Athena and Pendleton. For a longer trip, travel to Hines and Burns to complete the 746-mile trip.
Travelers can find 10 signs — and lots of scenery — along that road trip. Here are the highlighted movies:
• “Paint Your Wagon” (1969) — Anthony Lakes, Baker City (Baker Heritage Museum and Geiser Grand Hotel) and Richland.
• “Breakup Season” (2024) — La Grande.
• “Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey” (1993), “Winds of Chance” (1925) and “The Shack” (2017) — Wallowa Lake and Joseph.
• “Lean on Pete” (2017) and “Meek’s Cutoff” (2010) — Burns and Hines.
• “City Girl” (1930) — Athena.
The Oregon Film Office welcomes suggestions of other movie sites — send information to makeit@oregonmade.org or load scene suggestions directly into the SetJetters app. Updates are posted on Instagram, facebook.com/ OregonFilmTrail and historicoregonfilmtrail.com.
Winter in Baker County
Snowshoe
This winter sport doesn’t have a learning curve — other than strapping the snowshoes onto your boots.
Where: Anywhere with snow, preferably six inches to a foot. Anthony Lakes may be the most obvious place for snow, but Phillips Reservoir is also a good spot, as is the Sumpter Valley Dredge State Heritage Area.
Rent: If you don’t have your own gear, you can rent snowshoes in Baker City at the Geiser Grand Hotel or at the Anthony Lakes Nordic Center.
Information: Geiser Grand, 1996 Main St., 541-523-1889; Anthony Lakes Nordic Center.
Snowmobile
Baker County boasts nearly 1,000 miles of snowmobile trails, and clubs keep paths groomed in the Sumpter, Halfway and Burnt River/Unity areas.
Sumpter: Access hundreds of miles of groomed trails in the Elkhorn Mountains.
Halfway: The main trail heads right up into the Wallowa Mountains north of town and ends at Twin Lakes in the Wallowa-Whitman. Unity: Explore Burnt River Canyon, and the Elkhorn Mountains
Information: Wallowa-Whitman National Forest: https:// www.fs.usda.gov/activity/wallowa-whitman/recreation/ wintersports/?recid=51353&actid=92
Oregon State Snowmobile Association: https://oregonsnow.org
Take the dirt path
Virtue Flat
Dirt trails criss-cross the sagebrush hills to beckon adventurers to the Virtue Flat OHV Area.
About eight miles east of Baker City, the publicly owned area offers more than 30 miles of trails for all classes of OHVs including motorcycles, four-wheel drives, and quads.
The trails are also popular with mountain bikes and hikers.
The Virtue Flat OHV Area is open year-round and offers panoramic views of the Elkhorn and Wallowa mountains. One section is closed seasonally to protect sage grouse habitat.
Directions:
Take exit 302 off of Interstate 84 in Baker City and follow Highway 86 eastbound toward the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center. Turn right on Ruckles Creek Road and proceed up the gravel road for approximately 2.5 miles to a gravel parking area on the left. This is the main staging area. For a map of the area, go to https://flic.kr/p/25BdfZ9
Blue Mountains
If the forest is more your speed, check out more than 100 miles of trails in the Sumpter area, about 28 miles west of Baker City. To access maps, visit www.fs.usda.gov/detail/ wallowa-whitman/recreation/ohv/?cid=stelprdb5292558
OHV Best Practices
The following list of tips should help OHV users and other recreationists appreciate and enjoy the use of public lands.
• OHV riders should wear protective helmets.
• Observe posted signs. Fenced areas mark sensitive wildlife and plant habitat, and are “closed” to vehicle use. The “open” riding areas are also posted and those on foot should be aware of their locations.
• All vehicles must be registered with the appropriate state agency where required.
• Motorcycles should be equipped with an approved spark arrester and muffler that meets state-regulated standards.
• Tall flags on the vehicle is a best for visibility and safety.
• Please respect private property.
1 Sunridge Lane, Baker City www.tesla.com/supercharger
This site offers eight charging stations. The Baker County Visitors Center is right across the parking lot with information and brochures.
Opening my very own Grocery Outlet has been one of the most rewarding — and humbling — experiences of my life. Grocery Outlet is a reflection of everything I care about: family, community, helping others grow and helping people see their potential and the belief that everyone deserves access to quality food at affordable prices.
I’ve always had a strong work ethic and a desire to build something meaningful. Coming from Forest Grove I spent my younger years working with my dad, uncle, and grandpa on various construction projects. My only pay those days was a good lunch and quality time with my family, Which was more than enough. I’ve spent 10 years in Grocery Outlet, learning what it means to be hungry humble and smart — all of which prepared me for this journey. I’ve spent the last year working in Grocery Outlets “AOT” (Aspiring Operator in Training) program learning the ins and outs of how to run a successful Grocery Outlet. I also have experience in car sales, warehouse work, fast food, and of course construction. All of these skills have proven useful in me making it this far in my career.
When I discovered the opportunity to own and operate a Grocery Outlet, I knew it was the perfect fit. This business lets me combine smart retail practices with heart — helping people save money without compromising on quality. Every day, I get to bring in exciting products, meet new customers, and provide a shopping experience that’s not just affordable, but genuinely enjoyable.
What makes Grocery Outlet special is that it’s independently owned, which means I get to run it with a personal touch. I’m here on the floor, talking with shoppers, getting to know their stories, and sharing in the rhythm of the community. That’s the part I love the most. Not just some guy who signs off on paychecks. I’m here through it all for this community and my employees.
Since coming to Baker City, I’ve watched families find their weekly groceries here, neighbors stop to chat in the aisles, and first-time visitors become regulars. I don’t take that lightly. I’m committed to making sure this store remains a place where people feel welcome and leave with both great deals and a great experience.
Even after 10 years this is just the beginning of my Grocery Outlet journey — and I’m so grateful to be walking it with you.
