Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 541-742-2238; www.clearcreekinn.com ; 48212 Clear Creek Rd; d $95-150; ) This gor-
geous inn, 4 miles northwest of Halfway, is also a working cattle ranch. It offers six eleg-
ant rooms, including a family suite; meals (except for the included breakfast) are extra.
No shoes are allowed inside, so bring your slippers!
THE BLUE MOUNTAINS
Rising to the west from ranch land near Baker City, the Blue Mountains were re-
sponsible for the 1860s gold strikes that established towns such as Sumpter, Gran-
ite and Baker City. Ghost-town enthusiasts will find the Blue Mountains dotted with
old mining camps, but there are also high mountain lakes, river canyons and hiking
trails. And if you're crazy about trains, don't miss the narrow-gauge Sumpter Val-
ley Railroad ( 800-523-1235; www.sumptervalleyrailroad.org ) . The railroad is open for
train rides (two hours round-trip) weekends and major holidays, Memorial Day
weekend to the last weekend in September. See the website for further details.
A good way to explore the Blue Mountains is via the Elkhorn Drive Scenic By-
way , which circles Elkhorn Ridge. It takes all day to properly explore this 106-mile
loop that includes Baker City, Phillips Reservoir, Sumpter, Granite and Haines; it
also skirts the Anthony Lakes area, which offers camping, fishing and hiking. Part
of the loop (between Granite and Anthony Lakes) is often closed from late October
to mid-June, so call or visit the Baker Ranger District in Baker City for road condi-
tions.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Baker City
POP 9800
Back in the old days, Baker City was the largest metropolis between Salt Lake City and
Portland, and was also the commercial and cultural capital of eastern Oregon. The 1860s
gold rush helped establish the town, enriching its coffers while making it party central for
the region - a heady mix of miners, cowboys, shopkeepers and loggers kept the city's
many saloons, brothels and gaming halls boisterously alive.
The good old times are long gone now, but the city's wide downtown streets and his-
torical architecture recall its rich bygone days. Today, travelers come not only for a peek
at the city's swaggering history, but to explore the area's outdoor attractions. There's
good skiing in winter, while fishing, hiking and boating are great in summer - and the
Eagle Cap Wilderness and Wallowa Mountains aren't too far away.
 
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