Baker City, Oregon

In 1861, Henry Griffin found gold near the Powder River, and the rush was on. Boomtowns like Sumpter, Bourne, and Auburn sprouted overnight. Within 20 years Baker City developed into the commerce and cultural hub of the region. By 1900, elegant hotels, an opera house, trolleys, electricity and telephone service had transformed Baker City into the largest town between Salt Lake City and Portland.

Currently in Baker City 43° RAIN Humidity: 75 Visibility: 6 Wind: CLM 10-day forecast

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Area Attractions Hells Canyon Scenic Byway Leave the fast pace and fenced-in views of Interstate 84 and follow the contours of the land into slower times and wilder places.. Elkhorn Scenic Byway This 106-mile loop takes you through the Elkhorn Mountains, gold-mining ghost-towns and along elegant lakes and rivers. Hike the Steens Mountains Explore the Steens Mountain with this easy hike. There are three short paths that lead to viewpoints of Kiger Gorge, the East Rim, and Steens Summit. Hike Anthony Lake Just as beautiful, but more accessible than the more famous Wallowa Mountains nearby, the Elkhorn Range boasts craggy granite peaks and high alpine lakes surrounded by wildflowers. Climbing Eagle Cap This 9,572-foot hike to the hub of the Wallowa Mountains is not for the weary. This is a great two-day hike to the summit or a beautiful, shorter day hike, if you prefer.world.

Nearby Lodging The Historic Union Hotel Experience one of our 16 themed rooms, each uniquely decorated to beautifully depict the character of it's name and the lifestyle of it's design. Relaxation is our key goal at the Union Hotel. Best Western Ontario Inn & Suites The beautiful Snake River within walking distance of the hotel has some of the best fishing in the entire United States. Just minutes away are the spectacular scenic Lakes of Owyhee, Bully Creek and Malheur. Best Western Sunridge Inn in Baker City What does Eastern Oregon have to offer you? Discover Historic Baker City, Oregon located in a valley surrounded by magnificent mountain ranges. Best Western Rama Inn & Suites in Enterprise Nestled in one of the most spectacular areas of the Northwest, the Best Western Rama Inn & Suites is located in northeast Oregon in the town of Enterprise, overlooking the magnificent Wallowa Mountains. Best Western Rama Inn & Suites in La Grande 100% non-smoking hotel. Discover the Best Western Rama Inn & Suites in beautiful Eastern Oregon. Located in La Grande, we offer hiking, skiing, Oregon Trail exhibits and shopping in our quiet little town.

Access to the vast natural resources, made possible by construction of the narrow-gauge Sumpter Valley Railroad in 1896 and the Transatlantic Railway in 1897, helped the mining and budding timber industry flourish through the 1930s. Agriculture, primarily cattle ranching, also became increasingly important during this period. Over the next 50 years, the key industries of mining, timber and agriculture have remained largely unchanged as foundations of the economy.

Recently, the community has collectively taken steps to protect and capitalize on the area's rich heritage and develop the tourism industry around this resource. In 1992, public and private leaders joined forces to establish the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center to act as the focal point for development of the visitor industry. Results of the project have been a resounding success, attracting more than one million recorded visitors since 1993 and generating state, regional and national interest in Baker County beyond expectations.

Since that time, significant private and public investment in historic restoration has occurred countywide. In downtown Baker City, building owners and local development leaders have received state and national recognition for their efforts and financial investments to enhance the grandeur of the "crown jewel" of the Inland Empire.