Journey

Motorcyclists interested in “the road less traveled” — free of heavy traffic — will find the sights, curves, forests and rock formations in Grant County a breath of fresh air.

Rich gold diggings in the Elkhorn Mountains of Eastern Oregon drew 5,000 residents to the town of Sumpter in the early 1900s. At its height, Sumpter claimed plank sidewalks, seven hotels, 16 s…

A drive through Dayville, Kimberly, Spray, Monument and Long Creek offers an abundance of scenic views, but the area is more than just a feast for the eyes.

Swimming, hiking, fishing and mountain biking — Magone Lake offers an abundance of recreational opportunities on the Malheur National Forest.

The gold mining boom and bust in Oregon’s Blue Mountains left a legacy of altered landscapes and industrial-sized historical artifacts that draw visitors from around the U.S.

Olive Lake is unique in offering visitors a trifecta of recreation, nature watching and history all in one package.

Peace and quiet.

From the forest to high desert canyons, driving a peaceful loop from John Day through Izee and along the South Fork John Day River provides an array of different scenery.

Visitors to Eastern Oregon interested in fresh fruit or even picking their own will find Thomas Orchards in Kimberly the perfect destination.

Bull Prairie Lake Campground is a forested, outdoor getaway in northwest Grant County.

The Thomas Condon Paleontology Center is a state-of-the-art museum featuring displays of 500 fossil specimens that were found in the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument.

Outdoor adventure seekers will find recreation at its best at the Morrow-Grant County OHV Park.

Monument Rock Wilderness is the lesser known, little brother of the popular Strawberry Mountain Wilderness. The peaks are lower and less spectacular, but Monument Rock can claim quiet and solitude.

Not all who wander are lost.

The Strawberry Mountain Wilderness, just south of Prairie City, is a popular destination for local outdoor enthusiasts.

While visiting the state-of-the-art Thomas Condon Paleontology Center in the Sheep Rock Unit of the John Day Fossil Beds, be sure to take in one of the surrounding hikes.

Hiking is a great way to get out and about to see the natural beauty of Grant County.

If you are looking for a health spa with herbal wraps, cucumber water and Yerba mate lattes, then Ritter Hot Springs is not for you.

The Strawberry Mountain Wilderness, just south of Prairie City, is a popular destination for local outdoor enthusiasts.

Hiking is a great way to get out and about to see the natural beauty of Grant County.

Not all who wander are lost.

While visiting the state-of-the-art Thomas Condon Paleontology Center in the Sheep Rock Unit of the John Day Fossil Beds, be sure to take in one of the surrounding hikes.

If you are looking for a health spa with herbal wraps, cucumber water and Yerba mate lattes, then Ritter Hot Springs is not for you.

If a fishing adventure is on the list, a four-wheel drive trip Aldrich Ponds may hit the spot.

The Painted Hills have beckoned to me for years.

Despite the Canyon Creek Complex fire that burned through much of the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness southeast of John Day in 2015, most of the roads in the area are open, and few of the campg…

When it comes to sparkling outdoor gems in our area, few can compare to Bates State Park, nestled in the Blue Mountains of eastern Grant County.

Magone Lake is an oasis on a hot summer day and one of Grant County’s favorite swimming and fishing spots.

We all need to be challenged in order to grow. Whether it be a professional endeavor or a passion project, it is by challenging ourselves that we are truly able to test our mettle and become s…

Most people who visit the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness bee-line straight to Strawberry Lake.

CANYON CITY – Tanni Wenger, her husband and their two daughters recently started the trending family-friendly activity of geocaching.

1 Grant County Kruzers Show N Shine

Yes, it’s true, Grant County has its very own “botanical” site.

When is the last time you stayed out at night and just gazed into the brilliant heavens? A starry night sky can stir any person with a mixture of wonder and questions, smattered with a tinctur…

KIMBERLY – Delve deep into history – millions of years back – with a visit to the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument.

Whether you’re looking for staycation ideas this summer or just have a free afternoon, consider taking a local trip down history lane.

With thousands of miles of dirt and gravel under her boots, local hiking enthusiast Haley Hueckman knows plenty about both day trips and backpacking in Grant County.

Headed up to the northwest corner of the county for a little R & R?

MONUMENT – Next time you’re up Monument way, pack a lunch, a camera and some fishing gear, and check out the little oasis just outside town.

Fishing, camping, hiking await at refreshing Bull Prairie

Schoolhouse picnic spot offers history lessons

SENECA – If a quiet fishing getaway is on your list, Poison Creek Reservoir located at the Silvies Valley may fit the bill.

MITCHELL – The Painted Hills Unit of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument gained some notoriety this year when it was named one of the “7 Wonders of Oregon” by Travel Oregon.

MT. VERNON – Bicyclists can enjoy Eastern Oregon’s scenic roads less traveled with a local touring company taking flight.

Want a new fishing spot where you can catch a fish, but not be elbow-to-elbow with other people?

Did you know that the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness ranks in the top 10 most scenic places to hike, fish and trail-run in the nation?

PRAIRIE CITY – Hikers will find a pleasant surprise along the Sumpter Valley Railroad Interpretive Trail.

Just an hour from John Day, the Sheep Rock Unit of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument features exhibits at the Thomas Condon Paleontology Center and at the Cant Ranch Museum.

It's no secret that Grant County is a treasure trove of natural scenery.