Baker County sits at the intersection of the Elkhorn Scenic Byway, and the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway.  These two scenic byways provide access to some of the most spectacular scenery in Oregon and unparalleled outdoor recreation in the Elkhorn and Wallowa mountains during the summer.  For visitors who like to play in the snow, these byways are also among Oregon’s best winter getaways.

Whether your idea of a winter getaway is skiing some of the best powder in Oregon at Anthony Lakes, or exploring hundreds of miles of snowmobile trails through the Wallowas and Elkhorn mountains, or maybe snowshoeing through a real Oregon ghost town, Baker County’s scenic byways are the perfect winter adventure.

Don’t just take our word for it.  PNW Backstories spent a week last winter exploring the scenic byways of Baker County and you can see for yourself what a great time winter can be in Baker County in the videos below.

While these videos were filmed last February before the pandemic.  You can still do all of these great outdoor activities and visit these businesses this winter with some simple COVID precautions.

Along the Elkhorn Scenic Byway:

Bring your skis and enjoy some of the best powder in all of Oregon at Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort.

 

The charming little town of Sumpter is a snowmobiler’s paradise with hundreds of miles of snowmobile trails starting right downtown, and in some cases, right from your room.

The Sumpter Snowmobile Club helps manage the local trails and hosts numerous snowmobiling events throughout the winter and is a great resource for local trail and snow conditions when planning your trip.

For more information about Sumpter and to start planning your trip CLICK HERE

Along the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway 

The Cornucopia Lodge outside of Halfway sits right at the edge of the Eagle Cap Wilderness and is a perfect winter getaway for visitors wanting looking for a secluded winter paradise getaway.

Enjoy a snowshoe hike through the ghost town of Cornucopia.

For more information about Cornucopia, Halfway, and other winter adventures along the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway, visit the Hells Canyon Chamber of Commerce.

Lodging along the byways of Baker County

When you're ready to book your Baker County winter getaway, you'll find a variety of lodging options along the byways.  Here are a few of our favorites that have been featured by PNW Backstories.

 

Ison House Bed And Brew
Bridge Street Inn