baker county winter guide
DESCRIPTION
Guide to winter activities in Baker County, OregonTRANSCRIPT
2012 B A K E R C O U N T Y
Winter GuideYour reference guide to
winter activities in Baker County.
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Like winter? You're in the right placeWe have all four seasons here in Baker County, but
winter always seems to last the longest.But that’s okay because it means more time to ski
or snowshoe, go to a movie or an art show, take a horse-drawn wagon ride to see a herd of Rocky Mountain elk or explore the shops in downtown Baker City.
It might cold, but there’s still lots to do.Our advice for most activities is simple: wear layers. Days can
be sunny and crisp or downright frigid, but if you master the art of layering you’ll be ready for any adventure. And to help, we’ll offer a few tips within these pages for what to bring and what to wear. The rest — the adventure — is up to you.
For advice, maps...and restrooms• Baker County Chamber of Commerce is located just off Interstate 84
on Campbell Street (Exit 304). The staff can answer questions, and you can find a selection of brochures about area attractions.
• Historic Baker City Inc.’s office is at 1901 Main St., located at the corner of Main and Court streets. Here you can find maps and brochures, as well as information about the Main Street Program, historic preservation and more.
• Basche-Sage Place, corner of Main and Broadway streets, has public restrooms.
Baker County population: 16,450Baker City population: 10,160Elevation: 3,400 in Baker CityAverage winter high: 35 FAverage winter low: 20 FAnnual rainfall: 11 inches
S. John Collins/Baker City Herald
We often wake up to a frosty wonderland during the winter in Eastern Oregon.
The stats
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Enthusiasm, hard work and volunteers are responsible for the win-
tertime playground at Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort, where skiers (alpine and nordic), snow-boarders and snowshoers can find perfect powder.
The resort boasts the highest base elevation of any ski area in Oregon (7,100 feet above sea level), and credits that altitude for its famous deep and dry snow.
WHERE: Anthony Lakes is 19 miles west of North Powder from Exit 285 off Interstate 84. The mountain road is well-maintained and has been improved in the past year.
PARK AND RIDE: Hitch a ride from Baker City on Saturdays, from Dec. 3 to April 14, and on
Sundays from Jan. 8 to Feb. 26. Cost is $7 round trip.The bus departs the Community Bank parking lot, 1190
Campbell St., at 7:45 a.m. and returns at 5 p.m. It also stops at the Haines Mercantile at 8 a.m. and returns at 4:45 p.m.
PERMITS: Parking at Anthony requires a sno-park permit displayed in the windshield of your vehicle between Nov. 1 and April 30. Permits can be purchased at the Department of Motor Vehicles — $20 for the season, $7 for three days or $3 for one day (agents may include a surcharge ).
Lift ticketsAdult — $35Student (13-18) — $29Child (7-12) — $216 and under — $5
70 and over — $25Bunny Hill — $12Nordic Trail Pass — $13Snowshoe — $6
More information541-856-3277www.anthonylakes.com
Ski, snowboard, snowshoe
S. John Collins/Baker City Herald
BAKER GOLD & SILVER1812 Main Street, Baker City • 523-2133
Serving precious metals and coin collector clients in Baker City for 30 years. We buy all forms of gold and silver, including scrap. We have a large inventory of collector coins. From cents to $20 gold pieces.
We offer free appraisal of your collection 1-800-556-2133
Gas & PropaneRV Dump
Fish & Game SuppliesHot Deli Snacks
Coffee Cold Sandwiches
Coldest Coolers in town!
Fletcher’s Shell940 Hwy 7 • Baker City • 541-523-7480
Baker County has more than 1,000 miles of marked trails for snowmobiles, many of which are groomed regularly during the
winter. Major trailheads are Sumpter, Halfway, Anthony
Lakes Mountain Resort, and the Burnt River Area.Baker County resident Ryan Phillips is a local
snowmobiling hero — he’s even been featured in movies for the series “2 Stroke Cold Smoke.”
He’s ridden both local mountain ranges, but prefers the Wallowas over the Elkhorns for superior snow — plus the Wallowas’ winter playground is mere minutes from his Keating home.
For beginners, he recommends a place near Medi-cal Springs called Big Creek.
Little Eagle Meadows is a bit more advanced, but is part of the trail system around Halfway, which Phillips calls “the snowmobiling mecca.” Be aware of the nearby Eagle Cap Wilderness, where snowmo-biles are not allowed.
For safety, he always rides with friends, and makes sure to dress appropriately — “waterproof is essential,” he says — along with extra gloves, a helmet, a shovel and enough food.
He and his buddies also wear avalanche beacons, just in case.
Maps and Information
More information about snowmobiling areas is available from these Forest Service offices: Baker District, 523-4476; Pine District, 541-742-7511; Unity District, 446-3351.
Also, each snowmobiling area has a map of its trails (we’re talking hundreds of miles), most maintained by local clubs. In Baker City, the Chamber of Commerce has maps for Sumpter, Burnt River-Unity and Halfway. Also, businesses in those areas will have maps available.
Baker City shops for snowmobilers are Cliff’s Saws and Cycles, 2619 10th St., and Oregon Trail Yamaha, 1925 Auburn Ave.
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We have miles of trails to explorePhoto by Elden Doser
For information about snowmobil-ing in Halfway, Sumpter and Burnt River, please see Page 20.
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MMW ELECTRIC MOTOR& PUMP REPAIR INC.
41280 Highway 30, Baker City 541-523-2859MMW Electric Motor & Pump Repair Inc. has been
serving Baker, Union and Grant counties since 1984. MMW offers a wide selection of pumps for
installation and sale, from lawn to irrigation pumps to domestic well water systems. MMW carries a
wide variety wheel line and hand line parts. They are a dealer for Grundfos SQFLELX Solar Systems.
Helping our farmers and ranchers get water in remote places, by solar power. MMW sells and
services a wide selection of
electric motors. Remember them at harvest time
and spring.
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While the actual Oregon Trail ruts prob-ably aren’t visible beneath the snow, the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpre-
tive Center is open year-round. It is located five miles east of Baker City on Highway 86.
Exhibits tell stories — the hardships and the tri-umphs — of those pioneers who headed West during the Great Migration.
The center opened in 1992, and each year it hosts a variety of living history performers, re-enactments of life along the trail and other special events.
The winter is quieter, but visitors can still tour the displays, see special performances or learn pioneer crafts during a workshop.
From Dec. 6 to mid-Februar, the center is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Sunday.
The center is closed for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.
The rest of the year, the center operates seven days a week.
Winter admission$5 adults (good for two days)$3.50 seniorsFree for ages 15 and youngerFederal passes are also accepted
Information541-523-1843www.oregontrail.blm.gov
WorkshopsJan. 19 — "I Have a Dream" activity in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Visitors can make a quilt block depicting their own dream.
Feb. 18 — "Log Cabins for Kids" in honor of Presidents Day. Visitors will make an edible log cabin to take home. Hours are 1-3 p.m. and pre-registration is requested. Cost is $5 plus center admission.
Other workshops may be scheduled — for updates, check the website or call the center.
Kathy Orr/Baker City Herald
Special workshops are offered in the winter.
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■■ Baker Family YMCA• Sam-O Swim Center, 580 Baker St. — Exercise and lap
swims offered during the day, and regular open swims are 6:30-8 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, plus 1-3:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
• Fitness Center, 2021 Main St. — Features cardio equipment and weights, plus classes Monday through Friday.
• Information: 541-523-9622, www.bakerymca.org
■■ Eltrym Theater1809 First St. • 541-523-2522 • www.eltrym.comThis art deco theater, located at 1809 First St., opened in 1940,
and has undergone various renovations in the last 20 years — most notably creating three separate theaters to show more movies simultaneously.
■■ Elkhorn Lanes bowling alley3335 10th St. • 541-523-5577
■■ Baker County Public Library2400 Resort St. • 541-523-6419 • www.bakerlib.orgBooks, magazines and newspapers at the library, plus high-speed wireless Internet. Also, story time for
the children happens every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
■■ Community ConcertsThe Baker Community Concert Association brings top-notch musicians to Baker City. For concert and
ticket information, call 541-523-4600 or 541-523-3124.
■■ CribbageThe Northeast Oregon Cribbage Club meets every Tuesday, September
to April. The gathering starts at 6 p.m. at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall, 2005 Valley Ave. It includes nine games with different opponents.
There is an initial $5 fee to join the local group and a $15 membership to join the American Cribbage Congress.
After that, players pay $7 a night to play, with $5 of that going to prize money. Anyone who isn’t interested in prizes can play for $1. For infor-mation, call Carl Heath, 541-523-2185.❆
Mexican Restaurant1910 Main Street • 541-523-9369
Homemade TortillasLunch & Dinner Specials
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Close to Baker City... Restaurants, Shopping, Antique & Second Hand Stores...
Close to the outdoors...Hiking, snowmobiling,
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All the conveniences of home and much more. Year round
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www.orvillechandlerranch.com for reservations and information
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Reservations: (800) 537-5756695 Campbell, Baker City
(541) 523-6494
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Snow falls here every winter, and the main highways are kept open by the hard work (includ-ing many nights) of the city, county and state road crews.
That said, be aware that the scenic byways — Hells Canyon and the Elkhorn Loop — are not fully open from November to May, and sometimes as late as June. However, those snow-cov-ered roads also provide miles and miles of snowmobile routes.
Call 800-523-1235 or 541-523-5855 for conditions.
For more information about Hells Canyon, call the visitors center at 541-785-3395.
Road closureThe section of the Elkhorn Scenic Byway between Granite and Anthony Lakes — about 27 miles — is closed by snow in the winter. However, it is open to snowmobilers.
In this area, the highways stay open, but some secondary roads turn into snowmobile trails.
Burnt River Snowmobile Club grooms 200 miles of trails, and ties in with trails to Sumpter and Grant County.
Snowmobile maps: Baker County Chamber of Commerce, Premier Auto Body (Burnt River area), Oregon Trail Yamaha, Cliff’s Saws and Cycles, and some kiosks along the trails.
Burnt River
Snow falls here every winter, and the main highways are kept open by the hard work (including many nights) of the city, county and state road crews.
That said, be aware that the scenic byways — Hells Canyon and the Elkhorn Loop — are not fully open from November to May, and sometimes as late as June. However, those snow-covered roads also provide miles and miles of snowmobile routes.
Call 800-523-1235 or 541-523-5855 for conditions.For more information about Hells Canyon, call the visitors center at 541-785-3395.
Road closure
Wildlife ToursPage 16
Ski
National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive CenterPage 8
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Art galleries
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Below-freezing temperatures are a perfect excuse to stay inside for painting, pottery,
or whatever artistic endeavor strikes your fancy.
The artists of Baker County follow that advice, and downtown galleries schedule monthly openings on the first Friday to highlight new works.
Art galleries stay open late for the First Friday event, with music and refreshments to welcome the month’s featured artists. These receptions usually last for two hours or more, and the featured artists are on hand to talk about their work and tech-nique.
Even better, all the galleries are clustered around downtown Baker City, and the artwork can be seen any time the shops are open.
Plus, winter is the perfect time for warm drinking chocolate — a spe-cialty of chocolatier Alyssa Peterson at Peterson's Gallery.
Once a month, the Eltrym Theater, 1809 First St., hosts a special art-themed film sponsored by the Baker Art Guild.
The evening is called Thursday Art Night and happens on the last Thurs-day of each month, beginning with a panel of local artists at 6:30 p.m. and the film at 7 p.m.
Admission is $6 for adults, $4 for seniors and students. Tickets may be purchased at the theater box office. Proceeds are donated to a different Baker County nonprofit organization each month.
For more information, visit the website www.eltrym.com.
Crossroads Carnegie Art Center, 2020 Auburn Ave.Short Term Gallery, 1829 Main St.Peterson's Gallery, 1925 Main St.The Dancing Elephant Gallery, 2034 Main St.
Betty’s Books and Crossroads Carnegie Art Center sponsor the Second Friday Literary Night, which is held — you guessed it — on the second Friday of each month.
The events begin at 7 p.m. at Crossroads, 2020 Auburn Ave., and feature new authors each month who read excerpts and talk about their writing process. Some months feature local authors, and almost all are from Oregon.
For information, stop by Betty’s Books at 1813 Main St.
Literary Nights
Movies about
art
S. John Collins/Baker City Herald
Art decorates Crossroads Carnegie Art Center.
Baker City
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Rocky Mountain elk may be elusive for most of the year, but every winter visi-tors are guaranteed a close-up view of
these majestic animals.The place is Anthony Creek feed site, about
eight miles west of North Powder. This is one of many feed sites located at the base of the Elkhorn Mountains operated by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to keep elk from foraging for food in ranchers’ haystacks.
In 1991, Alice Trindle and Susan Triplett started Oregon’s only elk-viewing operation using a horse-drawn wagon, and it has remained such for the past 20 years.
“Things have changed a lot in our world over the past 20 years with technology, the Internet, cell phones, and digital cameras,” Triplett said. “When we first began the tours, the elk were pretty suspicious of our human inter-action, and little things would send them running.”
Now the elk munch on their hay and stare right back at the visitors staring at them.
The horse-drawn wagon, which is equipped with a wheelchair lift, takes people to within five feet of the herd. Other common visitors to the site include wild turkeys, red tail and rough-legged hawks and bald eagles. Coyotes, fox and bobcats have also been spotted.
The tours run Saturdays and Sundays from Dec. 10 through the end of February.
Tours begin at 10:30 a.m. and take place every half-hour, with the last one leaving at 2 p.m. Cost is $5 for children, $7 for adults.
During the ride, Trindle and Triplett talk about the life cycles of the elk, the reason for the feed program and the partnership with ranchers and hunters.
Visitors are encouraged to dress for the weather — lots of layers, gloves, hats and even a blanket.
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Where the elk watch you
Elk ToursBegin Dec. 15 and continue every Saturday and Sunday through March 3, 2013. (Special tours will also be held Dec. 24, Dec. 31, and Jan. 1 and 2)
The rides go every half hour, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cost is $5 children, $7 adults
The Anthony Creek feed site is about eight miles west of North Powder on North Powder River Lane. Follow the "wildlife" signs.
541-856-3356
www.tnthorsemanship.com
S. John Collins/Baker City Herald
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1207 Adams Ave.541-663-9000
Baker City Office
2195 Main St. 541-523-7390
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Reservations: (800)228-5151• (541)523-2242810 Campbell Street, Baker City
Old West Adventure and History...That’s what you’ll find when you visit Baker City!
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With winter comes the migration of steelhead to Hells Canyon, and that means anglers get up before dawn to drive Highway 86 past Halfway and Oxbow to Hells Canyon Dam to claim a spot along the Snake River.
The season runs through April 15.The bag limit for steelhead this year is three per day.If the fish aren’t biting, Hells Canyon (the deepest gorge in North America) offers spectacular scenery, so
bring a camera — for the views and for that monster fish.In addition to an angling license, you need a Hatchery Harvest Tag for steelhead and salmon.
Steelhead aren’t the only fish around here — local lakes are also a good bet for trout, and even when the water freezes, ice fishing is an option at several nearby reservoirs, including Phillips, Unity, Malheur, Thief Valley and Pilcher Creek. Wait until the ice is 4 to 6 inches thick before venturing out.
Winter is also upland game bird season, and hunters chase wily chukars, Hungarian partridges and California quail from early October through January.
In addition to a hunting license, you need an Upland Game Bird Validation, which is good through June 30, 2012.
The hunting season for all three bird species continues through Jan. 31 in most of Eastern Oregon, including Baker County. However, the season ends Dec. 31 in Umatilla and Morrow counties.
Hunting for rooster pheasants closes Dec. 31 throughout Oregon.
InformationOregon Department of Fish and Wildlifewww.dfw.state.or.usLa Grande office: 541-963-2138Baker City office: 541-523-5832
In addition to a fishing license, anglers need a Hatchery Harvest Tag for steelhead and salmon.
Hunters chasing chukars need a hunting license and an Upland Game Bird Validation.
Kathy Orr/Baker City Herald
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HistotyThe Geiser Grand Hotel has graced Main Street since 1889. After it fell into disrepair, Dwight and Barbara Sidway purchased the building in 1993 and began restoration work. It re-opened in
1997. Winter events include:
■■ Horse-drawn sleigh rides: Happen every Saturday at 7 p.m. through February. The rides include a stop at a bonfire, s’mores, hot spiced cider and more. $24 adults, $12 children younger than 12 (free for under 6). Advance reservations requested. Proceeds go to Historic Baker City Inc.
■■ Victorian Christmas Tea: 2 p.m. Dec. 15 and 22. Inspired by actual historic menus with white linen and silver service at a table next to the tall Christmas tree under the stained-glass ceiling. Tea at 2 p.m. and a historic tour at 3:30 p.m. Princess Tea (14 and younger) $12; Adults $24 per person. Advance tickets required.
■■ Grand Hotel Tour: At 3:30 p.m. every Saturday, a costumed docent leads a tour through the Geiser Grand, sharing the hotel’s story as well as local history. $2
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Get right to the point
Elk Viewing Tours
Oregon’s only via Horse Drawn WagonSaturdays & Sundays 10:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Mid-December through FebruaryTrips depart every 1/2 hour
Located 8 miles west of North Powder
541-856-3356 800-523-1235tnthorsemanship.com
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Victorian teas and sleigh ridesGeiser Grand Hotel1996 Main St.541-523-1889www.geisergrand.com
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Halfway is in Pine Valley, about 53 miles east of Baker City on Highway 86.
The Wallowa Mountains soar above this valley, and also cause lots of snow to fall.
The area has about 280 miles of designated snowmobile trails, and 100 to 150 of those miles are groomed on a regular basis thanks to the Panhandle Snowmobile Club.
Halfway offers restaurants, motels, groceries and gas.
The Panhandle Snowmobile Club has a snow-
mobile map available — check at the Baker County Chamber of Commerce on Campbell Street in Baker City, or inquire at Halfway busi-nesses.
Also, the club hosts a poker run every Febru-ary on the Sunday of Presidents Day Weekend (Feb. 20, 2011). The 30-mile route begins in Halfway and goes up into the Wallowas to end at Twin Lakes, near 7,000 feet elevation.
For information, contact Whitey Bloom, 541-742-7277.
The annual Eagle Cap Extreme sled dog race will once again have a lay-over near Halfway.
This race offers three distances: 100 miles, 200 miles and 62 miles. Those who choose the longer distance — a qualifier for the Iditarod and Yukon Quest — must take a six-hour rest at the Halfway checkpoint.
The races start at Ferguson Ridge Ski Area near Joseph at 1 p.m. Jan. 24, 2013. The second stage of the 62-mile pot race begins at 1 p.m. Jan. 25.
The 200-mile teams will arrive at Halfway between 6 a.m. and noon on Jan. 24.
For information, visit the website atwww.eaglecapextreme.com.
In winter, snowmobiles are almost as common as cars in this historic town.
Once a booming place established by mining, Sumpter now has about 190 residents.
And in the winter, it’s a perfect base camp for snowmobile adventures and other snow activities, such as snowshoeing.
The Sumpter Dredge State Heritage Area offers miles of trails in the summertime, and in the winter transforms into pristine gentle rolling hills of snow. You might even see some wildlife.
To get there, head south from Baker City on Highway 7. After about 25 miles, turn right at the sign for Sumpter. This park is located on your left, just as you arrive in town.
Snowmobiling in Halfway
Eagle Cap Extreme Sled Dog Race
Out Sumpter way
Poker runsBurnt River Snowmobile Club (Unity): Jan. 26
Sumpter Valley Blue Mountain Snowmobile Club: Feb. 16
Panhandle Snowmobile Club (Halfway): Feb. 17
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gThe Oregon Department of Transportation and the Oregon
State Police advise travelers to be extra cautious when stranded or stopped along the side of the road, especially
during poor weather conditions. In some cases, especially during winter storms, the best way to
help is to get to a phone as soon as possible and report the incident, giving clear directions so emergency responders can arrive quickly. Just don’t talk on a cell phone while driving.
Another wintertime hazard for drivers traveling through Northeastern Oregon is black ice, a thin layer of ice on the roadway that appears wet instead of icy. Also, bridges and overpasses are the first to freeze and the last to thaw.
■■ Slow down and keep your distance from vehicles in front of you. Allow about three times as much space. ■■ Turn off your cruise control■■ Look for signs of ice other than on the roadway: on windshield
wipers, side view mirrors, road signs, trees or fences. If ice has formed on any of these things, it may be on the road. ■■ If your vehicle feels like it’s floating, gradually slow down; don’t
slam on your brakes or you may skid out of control. ■■ Studded tires are allowed from Nov. 1 to April 1. Usually chains or
traction tires are required on snowy roads, and ODOT recommends that drivers practice chaining up.
Please use extreme caution Road conditions5-1-1 on your cell phone800-977-6368www.tripcheck.com
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Baker County’s forests are filled with fragrant Christ-mas gifts — and no fancy ribbons or bows to fiddle with.
You might, though, have to endure the icy indignity of a snow-laden bough dumping its frozen burden down your back, as if you had been ambushed by pranksters on a pri-mary school playground.
Of course some people prefer to prowl a parking lot to find the perfect Christmas tree.
Yet no commercial venture can surpass for sheer selection in the national forests.
For $5 you can cut your Christmas tree almost anywhere on the Wallowa-Whitman, Umatilla or Malheur national forest.
The toughest dilemma is picking the type of tree.At least eight local conifers make suitable Christmas trees
— about seven more than you’ll find in most sales lots.It’s true, though, that those city-bound trees tend to be the
supermodels of the holiday season.Out in the woods, by contrast, where trees rarely grow in
orderly rows and no one prunes the unsightly limbs, almost every specimen shows at least a superficial flaw or two.
For most tree-hunters, though, the main attraction to cutting their own tree is the adventure.Vying for your attention are:■■ Grand firThis species probably graces more local living rooms during the holidays than any other type of tree. Grand firs are abundant, they grow at lower elevations that aren’t always plagued by SUV-swallowing
snow drifts by Thanksgiving, and their well-placed branches invite creative ornament placement.A telltale trait of the grand fir is its needles. They form flat rows on opposite sides of each branch, as if
someone had placed the branch between the pages of a thick book and then slammed the book shut.And then sat on it for an hour.
■■ Engelmann spruceA person might mistake a spruce for a fir, but there’s an easy way to tell which is which: grab a limb.If you think you just poked a porcupine, you just touched a spruce.
■■ Subalpine firFull-grown subalpine firs are easy to recognize from their slender, dart-like shape. But in juvenile form
they sometimes resemble grand firs.A distinguishing characteristic is the tree’s needles. They grow at all angles from the limb, rather than in
flat, orderly rows as a grand fir’s do.Although subalpine firs usually grow at higher elevations than grand
firs, the two species occasionally mingle between about 5,500 feet and 6,000 feet.
■■ Lodgepole pineLodgepole pines are easy to find, but lodgepole pines that make good
Christmas trees are not.Lodgepoles of the right height tend to be a bit sparse of limb and a bit
unkempt in appearance, as though they had slept in an alley.The best places to hunt are near Granite. But snow presents a prob-
lem: By mid-December the prime places often are inaccessible except to snowmobilers.
S. John Collins/Baker City Herald
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