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P a c i f i cO c e a n
Washoe
Modoc
Del Norte ElkoHumboldt
Siskiyou
JosephineCurry
Jackson
Coos
Lake
Klamath
Owyhee
AdaCanyon
Douglas
Harney
Payette
LaneDeschutes
Malheur
Gem
Crook
BentonLinn
Jefferson
Washington
Grant
Lincoln
Polk
Baker
AdamsMarion
Yamhill
Clackamas
Wasco
Hood RiverMultnomah
Washington
Tillamook
Gilliam
Wheeler
Sherman Union
MorrowWallowa
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Klickitat
Clark
Columbia
Clatsop
Wahkiakum
Cowlitz
Skamania
Asotin
LewisWalla Walla Columbia
Nez Perce
Idaho
Garfield
Benton
FranklinLewis
Pacific Yakima
Agency L.
Goose L.
Upper Klamath L.
Brownlee Res.
Oxbow Res.
Malheur L.
Snak
e R.
Malheur
R.
Snake R.
Owyhee R.
Owyhee R.
Desch
utes R
.
Umpqua R.
Rogu
e R.
Rogue R.
Sprague R.
Klamath R.
Snake
R.
Grande Ronde R.
Salmon R.
John Day River
Riverside
Juntura
Harper
Westfall
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Frenchglen
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Canyon City
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Bend
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Keizer
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Sweet Home
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Monmouth
SilvertonLincoln City
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Riley
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Antone
Fox
Hamilton
Mount Vernon
Dayville
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Mitchell
Monument
Kimberly
Spray
Heppner
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Condon
Lonerock
Lexington
Ione
Moro
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Grass Valley
Wasco
Arlington
Rufus
Imnaha
Mayville
Mikkalo
Rock Creek
Kent
Shaniko
Blalock
Kamela
Milton-Freewater
John Day Fossil Beds
National Monument
Painted Hills
ClarnoUnit
Bates State Park
SheepRock Unit
Boise
Salem
John Day
Columbia River
OREGON
150 km
150 m
John Day River
on the road
John day river territorya
mid the rippled mountains of the John Day River Territory, layers of wind-sculpted volcanic ash reveal evidence of prehistoric creatures and ancient seabeds. Deep within forested mountains and
golden canyons, the free-flowing waters of the John Day River stand alone as the West’s last great undammed river basin, and traces of the storied Oregon Trail refuse to fade. Here, time travel isn’t just an elusive theory, and every path you take leads to the adventure of a lifetime.
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25eastern OreGOnVisiTOR GuiDe 201232 eastern OreGOn
VisiTOR GuiDe 2012
a MiGhty WindHarness eastern Oregon’s most prolific summer crop—the breeze—on a scenic windmill tour.
S wan white and topping out at nearly 300 feet, with blades that stretch out 131 feet, the whirling giants of the Biglow Canyon Windfarm—one
of the largest wind farms in the Pacific Northwest—siphon off the near-constant westerly breeze emanating from the Columbia River Gorge and can generate enough juice to brighten 120,000 homes. But the turbines here also pull double duty as the stars of a series of popular cycling and motorcycling tours.
Beginning in Rufus (exit 109 from i-84), a 50-mile route features a chal-lenging combined 3,000 feet of elevation change, wide-open roads, and stunning vistas of turbine-dotted fields, hidden canyons, snowcapped volcanoes, loads of wildflowers.
Riders can also choose from several routes in Moro, including a nearly 40-mile route that weaves through ghost towns en route to Grass Valley. Head-ing north on Highway 97 nets a tour of historic Wasco and a curvy descent to the banks of Columbia River.
An excellent out-and-back can also be had in Grass Valley by following Highway 216 toward Tygh Valley. The route dips a thrilling 1,500 feet in just four miles and ends at a historic indian fishing site on the Deschutes River. Fair warning to cyclists, though: What goes down must come back up. With any luck, the wind will be at your back. Maps available at the sherman County Historical Museum in Moro (www.shermanmuseum.org).
Biglow Canyon Windfarm
John day FoSSil BedS national MonuMentBegin explorations of this geologic wonder at the sheep rock Unit, located 10 miles northwest of Dayville (north of the intersec-tion of Highway 19 and u.s. 26). Here, the Thomas Condon Paleontology Center Museum (www.nps.gov/joda) serves as the
monument’s interpretive center and features hands-on exhibits, replicas of primordial flora and fauna (including a 12-foot-tall tropical metasequoia—Oregon’s official state fossil), and staff-led nature walks. Outside, finlike sheep Rock rises more than 1,000 feet above the John Day River, providing a distinctive backdrop for a series of short hik-ing trails near the museum. Visitors can also experience an early-20th-century livestock operation by touring the James Cant Ranch,
tWiSt & ShakeThis old-fashioned drive-in chan-nels ’50s-era nostalgia with its made-to-order, griddle-cooked wonders like the “Twisty,” stacked with smoked ham and cheddar and
surrounded by your pick of toasty fries, onion rings, or tots. Thick chocolate shakes and creamy root beer floats ensure that every meal ends on a sweet note. 433 S Main St, Condon; 541.384.3922; www.twistandshakedrivein.com
hotel PrairieGleaming wood beams, comfy antique furnishings, and shiny, pressed tin ceilings prove that
this 106-year-old hotel has aged gracefully. Don’t expect to be without modern conve-niences, though. stays in the nine-room space come with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen televisions, and an in-house massage therapist. Attrac-tions in downtown Prairie City, like the vener-able Oxbow Restaurant & saloon, and quaint antique shops are just steps away. 112 Front St, Prairie City; 541.820.4800
BateS State ParkOregon’s newest state park is awash in colorful scenery—and history. set along the
Middle Fork of the John Day River and a pair of shimmery creeks, the 131-acre campground, which opened in 2011, repurposes the site of an abandoned logging community near the Malheur National Forest and delivers vistas of pine-blanketed mountains, quiet meadows, and the placid waters of Mill Pond. www.oregonstateparks.com
a series of restored structures that now func-tion as the monument’s headquarters.
The Painted Hills—arguably home to the monument’s most striking scenery—are accessed via u.s. 26 outside of the quaint western town of Mitchell. emblazoned with bright bands of oxidized minerals (deposit-ed by countless flows of volcanic eruptions), the hills here don’t disappoint. Follow a short boardwalk pathway through the ridges to examine the brilliant rust-red, deep gold, and emerald green hues, then hike the short Carroll Rim Trail for a stunning hilltop view.
eat Stay Play
Come spring, an explosion of desert wild-flowers sends the wow factor off the charts.
inside the Clarno Unit, 18 miles west of Fossil on Highway 218, you can ogle the Cliffs of the Palisades. Formed by waterfalls of cooling lahars (a muddy, volcanic sludge) some 44 million years ago, these Mars-like pillars glow burnt-orange during sunsets. Nearby, a trio of short hiking trails fans out around the rocks, including the Clarno Arch Trail, a quarter-mile hike that leads to the base of the Palisades and views of a stone arch scoured out from the rocks and petri-fied logs frozen in the cliff face.Finlike sheep
rock rises more than 1,000 feet above the John Day river.
Visitors can wield rock hammers at one of the state’s few publicly acces-sible dig sites.
FoSSil, Condon, MoroAptly named Fossil is a well-known desti-nation for serious rock hounds, budding archaeologists, and anyone who’s seen an indiana Jones film. Located due south of Condon (and one hour northwest of the sheep Rock unit of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument), this small town boasts the renowned Oregon Paleo Lands Insti-tute (www.paleolands.org) and its full slate of dirt-digging activities. From kid-focused science camps to challenging day hikes, the staff here offers countless ways to investi-gate the region’s unique rock formations and abundant wildlife. Nearby Wheeler High school (541.763.4146) is also a must-stop for fossil-seekers. Just behind the school, visi-
tors can wield rock hammers and brushes at one of the state’s few publicly accessible dig sites—an ancient lakebed rife with petrified oak, alder, maple, and sycamore leaves.
in the small ranching and wheat-farming community of Condon, it’s famous former residents who are the talk of the town—two Nobel Prize winners (Linus Pauling and William Murphy) spent their childhoods here. Residents have plenty else to be proud of, too. The handsomely restored 1920s-era Hotel Condon (www.hotelcondon.com) anchors a tidy downtown full of brick store-fronts. Decked out with hi-def televisions,
pillow-top mattresses, and private baths, rooms here are popular among two-wheeled enthusiasts looking to tour the surrounding ribbons of traffic-light country roads. For a quick bite, try the fresh sandwhiches at sandi’s inside Murray's Condon Phar-mancy (541.778.6481). Across the street, Darla’s Country Flowers (541.384.4120) offers unique, locally made gifts and an old-fashioned soda fountain. On hot days, grab an icy snow cone and duck into the historic Liberty Theatre (541.384.2120) for first-run movies four nights a week.
in Moro, the region’s proud rural lifestyle
Small-town charm in downtown Condon
John Day Fossil Beds’ Painted Hills Unit
Unearthing fossils at Wheeler High School
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The Turning PointPioneers who reached the banks of the John Day River during the mid-1800s faced a choice: proceed north and eventually load all of their worldly possessions onto a raft and brave the perilous Columbia River, or turn southwest and test themselves against the Cascade Mountains on a steep, crumbly road known as the Barlow Cutoff. Portions of each bold travel path are commemorated throughout sherman County, including the crux decision point, marked by an interpretative kiosk just east of Wasco at the McDonald Crossing of the John Day River. For an excellent map of the trail routes and historical markers, visit the sherman County Historical Museum in Moro (www.shermanmuseum.org).
DInInG The round-up Grill209 s Main stCondon, OR 97823541384.5100wwwroundupgrill.com
sandi’s soups & Catering225 s Main stCondon, OR 97823541.778.6481
InFOrMatIOn
arlington Community Chamber of Commerce541.454.2633
City of Mitchellwww.mitchelloregon.us
Condon Chamber of Commerce116 s Main stCondon, OR 97823541.384.7777www.condon chamber.org
Grant County Cham-ber of Commerce301 W Main st John Day, OR 97845800.769.5664www.gcoregonlive.com
John Day river territory 800.332.1843www.johndayriver territory.com
Oregon Paleo Lands Institute333 W Fourth stFossil, OR 97830541.763.4480 www.paleolands.org
LODGInG
Breaking Wind Lodge64927 Coelsch Road Moro, OR 97039541.565.0564www.breakingwind lodge.com
Condon Motel 216 N Washington st Condon, OR 97823541.384.2181
Grant County rV Park & Fairgrounds 409 NW Bridge st John Day, OR 97845541.575.1900
Oregon Hotel104 e Main stMitchell, OR 97750541.462.3027
Painted Hills Vacation rentalsMitchell, OR 97750541.462.3921www.paintedhills vacation.com
rattray ranches12905 Buckhorn LaneCondon, OR 97823541.384.4189
Wasco House Bed & Breakfast715 Armsworthy stWasco, OR 97065503.341.4450www.wascohouse.biz
Wheeler County Parks 541.763.2010541.384.5582www.wheelercounty- oregon.com/parks.html
Wilson ranches retreat16555 Butte Creek RoadFossil, OR 97830866.763.2227www.wilsonranches retreat.com
serVICes
The times-Journal319 s Main stCondon, OR 97823541.384.2421
sHOPPInG
Country Flowers201 s Main stCondon, OR 97823541.384.4120www.countryflowers condon.com
Melanie's such & such208 s Main stCondon, OR 97823541.384.5715www.suchandsuchstore.com
Oxbow trade Co.303 s Canyon City BlvdCanyon City, OR 97820541.575.2911www.oxbowwagonsand coaches.com
tHInGs tO see anD DO
Oregon raceway Park 93811 Blagg LaneGrass Valley, OR 97039541.333.2452www.oregonraceway.com
sherman County Historical Museum 200 Dewey stMoro, OR 97039541.565.3232www.sherman museum.org
John day river territory liStinGS
oreGon trail WatCh
comes to light inside the standout sherman County Historical Museum (www. shermanmuseum.org). Like a mini smithson-ian, the museum archive includes 16,000 artifacts and photographs as it traces the global wheat production cycle, introduces native tribal traditions, and relives the jour-ney of Oregon Trail settlers.
John day and Grant CountyNamed after the river flowing through town, John Day serves as a gateway to the famed John Day Fossil Beds National Monument and claims one of the most distinctive mu-seums in the state—the Kam Wah Chung state Heritage site (www.oregonstateparks.org/park_8.php). This former general store doubled as a house of worship, social hall, library, and apothecary for hundreds of Chinese immigrants who landed in Oregon
to help service the booming gold-mining industry of the American West.
The immigrant and pioneer tales continue in Canyon City to the south, with a trip to the Grant County Historical Museum (www.gchistoricalmuseum.com). inside, inspect gold-mining tools, a frontier jail, a well-preserved pioneer cabin, and artifacts from one of the region’s earliest breweries.
Just to the east, the charming storefronts of Prairie City beckon visitors. Troves of unique shops offer up real-deal western wear, antiques, and hospitality in generous amounts. Discoveries also blast full steam ahead at the DeWitt Depot Museum (541.820.3603). Housed in a red shiplap-sided structure, this former 1910 train depot serviced the historic sumpter Valley Railway and now showcases a diverse array of exhibits, including an impressive collec-tion of rocks and minerals and one of the state’s largest collections of narrow-gauge rail artifacts.
The Kam Wah Chung State Heritage Site pays tribute to Chinese American
culture in Eastern Oregon.
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For more info www.mitchelloregon.us | City of Mitchell
Welcome to MitchellG a t e w a y t o t h e P a i n t e d H i l l s
Experience our Unforgettable Lands and Infinite Skies!
CityOfMitchell_EOVA_2012.indd 1 1/9/12 11:54 AM
This is a place for adventurous souls; a wonderland of
recreating pleasures. Discover a little piece of heaven
nestled in the foothills of the Blue Mountains; a
rural, rustic setting of dynamic landscapes, dramatic
geologic formations, sagebrush and juniper dotted slopes
that command the spirit to stop for a moment and reflect.
Camp, spend the day hiking or biking diverse trails, play in
the forest, fish, float or gold-pan in the pristine John Day
River. This is gold and cattle country, where people are
authentic and connected to the history of this land. Visit
one of the five museums and indulge in the rich cultural
heritage of Eastern Oregon.
Wide open spaces, fresh air and natural wonders, abundant
wildlife….so what are you waiting for? COME AND STAY A
WHILE IN GRANT COUNTY…STILL WILD AFTER ALL THESE
YEARS.
GRANT COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE301 West Main Street | John Day Oregon 97845
(541) 575-0547 | www.gcoregonlive.com
GrantCountyCOC_EOVA_2012.indd 1 1/30/12 3:38 PM
VisitJOHN DAY
Welcome to the John Day River Territory!Epic Landscapes • Ancient Fossils •
Untamed Waterways This beautiful part of Oregon is woven together
by the John Day River, one of our nation’s longest free-flowing river systems, providing you with outstanding natural, scenic and recreational experiences!
Explore our amazing landscapes from the water, by foot or on horseback. Find yourself on untraveled roads perfect for motorcyclists and cyclists (Old West Scenic Bikeway) or day tripping with awe-inspiring vistas and wildlife. Breathe in the sheer beauty and quiet of this place.
Discover authentic small towns on the Oregon Trail with quaint hotels, ancient fossils, award-winning museums and fun family events. Get ready for your next adventure in the John Day River Territory!
Wind Surfi ng
Columbia River
Fishing
Boating
Marina
Water Front Park
Wind Farm Viewing
Arlington Community Chamber of Commerce541.454.2633
VISIT ARLINGTON!
Named in Ten Best Places to Visit in Eastern Oregon.
Soda Fountain- Deli, Unique Gifts, Flowers, Powell’s Books
It’s Not Shopping, It’s an Experience!
201 S Main St.PO Box 617Condon, OR 97823541.384.4120countryfl owerscondon.comVisit us on facebook!
COUNTRY FLOWERS
Ever dream of driving a race car?
We can help!
Performance Driving Schools
Track Days and Racing
Cars - Motorcycles- Karts.
Grass Valley, OR 541-333-2452oregonraceway.com
OREGONRACEWAY
PARK
ENJOY “BREAKING WIND” IN SHERMAN COUNTY Secluded, quiet escape near Moro. 1800 sq. ft., 3 bedroom, 2 bath Completely furnished, kitchen well appointed. For availability and rates
Grant County Fair & RodeoAugust 22nd-August 25th
NPRA Rodeo August 24th & 25th
For reservations or rental of facilities call 541-575-1900or [email protected]
gcoregonlive2.com for more information
GRANT COUNTY RV PARK
& FAIRGROUNDS
Ever dream of driving a race car?
We can help!
Performance Driving Schools
Track Days and Racing
Cars - Motorcycles- Karts.
Grass Valley, OR 541-333-2452oregonraceway.com
OREGONRACEWAY
PARK
CONDON MOTEL The Condon Motel has 18 clean rooms with 1,2, or 3 beds. Smoke-free, some pet friendly. Bikers welcome
216 N. WashingtonCondon, OR 97823541.384.2181condonmotel.webs.com
MELANIE’S SUCH & SUCHCUSTOM EMBROIDERY AND YARN SHOP
Custom garment decoration, shirts, caps, bags, etc. Ask about custom signs and banners.
208 South Main St.Condon, OR [email protected]
Call the Oxbow Trade Co. For:Coaches, Buggies, Wagons, Surreys, Vis-A-Vis, Carts, Sleighs, Gears, Wheels, Harness, Parts, Restoration Repairs & More!
Visit us to shop and experience history with unique and old world items.
Hwy 395 S. P.O. Box 658Canyon City, Or. 97820(541) [email protected]
OXBOW TRADE CO.
oxbowwagonsandcoaches.com
MITCHELLB&B
BankofEO_BANNERAD_2011.indd 1 2/25/11 9:04 AM
RIVER TERRITORY
Condon Chamber of CommerCeExperience Condon’s Fabulous 4th of July
Parade, soap box derby, tricycle races, fireworks and much, much more!Serving Gilliam County, Sherman County and Wheeler County
116 S Main | Condon, OR 97823 | 541.384.7777 | www.condonchamber.org
CondonChamber_EOVA_2012.indd 1 2/1/12 12:36 PM
BEAUTIFUL EUROPEAN COTTAGES SURROUNDED BY MAGIC GARDEN
Painted Hills Vacation Rentals o� ers 2 cozy, pet friendly, European-style cottages with all the comfort of home and more. Just 15 minutes from the Painted Hills.
Mitchell, OR 97750 541.462.3921paintedhillsvacation.com
Let us create a fabulous meal for you.Soups, Salads, Quiche, Desserts, Specials
Located Inside Murray’s Condon Pharmacy225 S Main St.Condon, OR [email protected]
SANDI’S SOUPS & CATERING
Comfortable rooms with queen beds and private baths. The perfect place to stay when you explore the wonders of north-central Oregon!
715 Armsworthy St Wasco, OR 97065503.341.4450wascohouse.biz
WASCO HOUSEBED & BREAKFAST
Wheat Farming…Livestock Operation… Recreation Program…
• Hunting• Fishing• Swimming• Rafting• Hiking• Launching
Reservations and more information:541.384.418912905 Buckhorn LaneCondon, OR [email protected]
RATTRAY RANCHES, LLC
Take a Walk on the Rural Side!
Imagine hands-on history in award-winning exhibits: petroglyph rubbings, grain grinding, pioneer dress-up clothes, clothespins on the line, and horse-power.
200 Dewey StMoro, OR 97039541.565.3232shermanmuseum.org
SHERMAN COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM
Come visit Wheeler County Parks
Bear Hollow or Shelton Wayside
Both located SE of Fossil on State Hwy [email protected]
WHEELER COUNTY PARKS
THE ROUND-UP GRILL
Servin’ up rustic, home-style eats for ladies and gents, The Round-up Grill features fresh food with a focus on regional products. Find Eastern Oregon’s newest restau-rant in historic downtown Condon Stop in, say hello, and try our juicy steaks or amazing wa� es. (Open-ing Spring, 2012).
209 S. Main | Condon, OR 97823541.384.5100 | roundupgrill.com
A weekly community newspaper tradition for the past 125 years!
Serving Gilliam, Wheeler & Sherman Counties
319 S. Main StPO Box 746Condon, [email protected]
THETIMES-JOURNAL
Discover pioneer hospital-ity, pristine ranch style guest rooms, peaceful environment to rejuvenate, scenic horseback rides, stunning sunsets and your headquarters to explore the Fossil Beds.
541.763.2227 866.763.222716555 Butte Creek RdFossil, OR [email protected]
WILSON RANCHES RETREAT BED &
BREAKFAST
The John Day River Territory is your home base for the best that Eastern Oregon has to offer! Spend a day a whitewater rafting or fishing on the John Day River or discovering our geologic past at the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. Drive our scenic byways to stand awestruck as the Painted Hills shift colors.
Unplug and slow down in our small, friendly communities where everyone still waves. Or we have some rockin’ good times for you, too! Summer is the perfect time to visit our county fairs, rodeos and festivals.
While you’re here, be sure to stop by our incredible award-winning museums to learn more about our celebrated history – from ancient fossils to Native Americans, the Oregon Trail and early homesteaders.
