CP Trips Travel Tips and Tales: Enjoy an Oregon Winter Wonderland in Baker City

By Scott Catron from Sandy, Utah, USA (Baker City Oregon Downtown Uploaded by Zaui) [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Living in Oregon we have easy access to many types of recreation all year long. Now that we are in the throes of winter and have made it past the Holiday Season, how about planning a fun long weekend in one of Oregon’s Winter Wonderlands? For those of us who live in the Portland-Metro area we have easy accessibility to Mt Hood. But Oregon has so many other great locations for winter recreation, each one offering its own uniqueness as a destination. Baker City is located in the North Eastern corner of the state, off 1-84 as you approach Idaho. It is part of the Snake River, Oregon Trail and Hells Canyon National Scenic Byway, making for an ideal stop on any road trip, cycle across Oregon journey or as a destination of its own.

If you have ever dreamed of experiencing a country winter holiday reminiscent of times gone by, this is a place you need to visit. Baker City offers a vibrant, historic downtown center which will take you back to the 19^th century, yet keep you in modern comfort as well. The Geiser Grand Hotel was built in 1889 and is the iconic landmark of the city’s old west feel. During the winter months you can take a guided tour of Baker City in a most unusual way, by horse drawn sleigh. The owners of the Geirser Grand Hotel offer sleigh ride tours to show you the historic highlights of the town. These tours end with a spectacular winter bon-fire to warm you inside and out. Baker City has been able to retain its historic architecture so well, there are over 100 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. You will see firsthand places such as a cathedral made from volcanic tuff (volcanic ash compacted into hard rock), the Carnegie Library of Baker City and the courthouse where there burns an eternal flame to honor residents lost in World War I. If you are a history buff, Baker City is one place that should be on your bucket list.

By Ian Poellet (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Beyond the historic feel of Baker City there are award winning brews and restaurants, including Barley Brown's Brew Pub, drawing visitors from around the world on culinary and brew tours. The great food and drink experience doesn't end there however, anyone who visits Baker City is sure to delight in the taste sensations of the Peterson Gallery & Chocolatier, combining the finest in European chocolate recipes and fine art. Local, organic menus will make your mouth water and wines from around the world will quench your thirst. There is an international scope to the restaurants in Baker City, you can enjoy an incredible steak alongside tiramisu or sake if you like.

If you are up for a ski run or two, Anthony Lakes is nearby and offers amazing winter recreation experiences. Situated in the foothills of the Elkhorn Mountains, the base elevation of Anthony Lakes is 7,100, and as the highest in Oregon and provides the best powder skiing in the state. The average snow fall is 300 inches per year. Anthony Lakes has 21 ski runs within 1,100 acres of mountain terrain. Not only can you ski and snowboard, there is also cross country skiing, or better yet rent some snowshoes for your winter hike. Planning a vacation to Baker City and Anthony Lakes is easy as you can split your stay between the Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort for several days of mountain fun before or after your stay in Baker City.

If you are an Oregonian and have yet to experience a winter vacation in Eastern Oregon, or if you are planning a trip to our beautiful and varied state, we encourage you to spend some time in our Winter Wonderland of Baker City, the snow is there and waiting for you.