Baker City Oregon

[Chuckanut]

It looks like I may have a day to explore the area around Baker City OR.

Any ideas of what may be worth part of the day or the entire day in that area would be appreciated.

 

[obsessed]

I think Sumpter isn't too far (historic mining town).

 

[pacergal]

Downtown historic area, Geiser Grand Hotel, National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive center.
Anthony Lakes would be almost a full day/drive/hike

 

[geeky_grrl]

The Baker Heritage Museum was interesting. Barley Brown's tasting room is the best attraction in town though IMO.

 

[RetireeRobert]

Can see ruts of the actual Oregon trail wagon route not far east of town. Other side of the interstate I believe.

 

[SecondCor521]

The Wallowa Lake area is beautiful. It's a short drive north of Baker City. I've done horseback rides there, and the tramway up Mount Howard is pretty enjoyable and has really nice views.

 

[dcoy]

Can see ruts of the actual Oregon trail wagon route not far east of town. Other side of the interstate I believe.

Ther Oregon trail center is worth a visit, very close to Baker City.

 

[Gallaher]

Sumpter is kind of cool.
If you have an extra day, Joseph has become a cool artsy town known for foundary arts.

 

[Alectoris]

All of the previous posts are solid.

Enterprise and Joseph are interesting small towns.

I guess it really depends on what you want to do/see.

The only addition that I would have is to visit the John Day Fossil Beds and the painted hills.

I hope that you have a great day whatever you do!

 

[Chuckanut]

Great Ideas! Thanks to all.

 

[Alectoris]

Whatever you chose, please show pictures!

 

[tominboise]

If you like trains, head to Weatherby and the UPRR mainline. Many freights per day, with helpers.

 

[skyking1]

I think Sumpter isn't too far (historic mining town).

Mom grew up nearby in Halfway. Up in the middle of the mountains is Cornucopia, now a ghost town but it was an active mine when she was there.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornucopia,_Oregon
She remembers going up to 'copia for school events, they had a school up there.

 

[audreyh1]

One day we drove from Baker City to Joseph which is an absolutely beautiful location with a neat moraine lake (Wallowa Lake) and state park, plus very nice town. We made a very long loop, hoping to look down into Hell’s Canyon, but unfortunately it was full of smoke! The return trip from Joseph wasn’t nearly as long, but a super neat scenic drive as you go through some gorges and around mountains.

Another time we really enjoyed the nearby pioneer/covered wagon museum and that was really good. That’s the Oregon Trail Center.

 

[pdxgal]

If you're a skier, there's a small local ski area that's supposed to be nice and quaint:
https://anthonylakes.com/

Think it may be run by volunteers. Very much a local community thing.