Baker City
Baker City is a small city in Eastern Oregon located on the I-84 about 40 minutes south-east of La Grande.
Get in
Most people will arrive on the I-84 which runs from Portland through to Boise and beyond. Highway 7 runs west to John Day and Highway 86 goes east as the Hell's Canyon Scenic Highway.
See
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The Oregon Trail Interpretive Center
phone: +1 541-523-1843address: Highway 86Informative and interesting. You can see the old ruts from the wagon trains on the hills near the museum. The Center is a National Historic Site and there is an entrance fee although National Park passes may be used here. -
phone: +1 541-523-9308address: 2480 Grove St.Housed in the 1920 Baker Municipal Natatorium.
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Sumpter Valley Gold Dredge/ State Heritage Area
phone: +1 541-894-2486
Do
The Hells Canyon Scenic HighwayThis is the southern end of the Hells Canyon Scenic Highway which follows Rte 86 east of town to the Snake River on the Oregon-Idaho border. The Scenic drive can be followed as a big loop around to Joseph and La Grande further to the north. Be aware that driving the entire loop may not be possible during winter as some roads are not maintained and can be blocked by snow. This situation may exist well into spring (ie: late April). Some of the roads traverse high terrain where winter snows may linger longer than you might expect.
Historic Building WalkThe town has numerous restored older buildings and there is a walking route around the downtown featuring many of these fine old structures.
The Elkhorn Scenic BywayA wonderful drive through the Elkhorn Mountains just outside of Baker City. It follows Highway 7 to Sumpter and around to Haines past Anthony Lakes Ski Area and the North Fork John Day River Wilderness. This route is also often tough in Winter.
Anthony Lakes Ski AreaSome of the most powdery ski conditions in Oregon and is just 35 miles from Baker City.
The Powder River and Phillips ReservoirGreat fishing opportunities both in Baker City and nearby.
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Miners Jubilee
address: Geiser Pollman ParkMiners Jubilee is an annual festival in July that features a parade, bull and bronc riding, a showing of the movie Paint Your Wagons (filmed in Baker City), gold panning championships, and other exciting events. -
Unity Lake State Recreation Site
phone: +1 541 446-3470
Buy
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Bella
address: Main StLittle kitchen store with enormous wine selection, gifts, coffee bar, kitchen gadgets and more.
Eat
Barley Brown's BrewpubHas excellent craft beers and good food.
El EraderoMexican restaurant.
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Paizano's Pizza
phone: +1 541 524-1000address: 2940 10th StGourmet pizzas, huge stromboli, over 65 different toppings, excellent salads, over 30 beers available, TVs, sports. -
Mad Matilda's Coffee
address: Main StGreat coffee shop in a historic downtown building.
Sleep
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phone: +1 541 523-6444address: 1 Sunridge Ln
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phone: +1 541 523-1889address: 1996 Main StGreat historic hotel built in 1889, with a large stained glass ceiling. Also has a stellar restaurant and bar.
Connect
The Baker County Library located near the downtown has Internet access with wireless capabilities. The Library is well-appointed and an attractive place to spend some time.