As summer winds down, you may think the best time to get outside and explore is behind you. But Fall offers some of the best opportunities to explore Baker without the heat and crowds of summer’s event-packed weekends. The days may be getting cooler and shorter, but Fall can be an even more beautiful time to enjoy the wilderness and working western landscape all around.
Fall Foliage Viewing
Of course, when we think of fall, we think of foliage – bright oranges, reds, and yellows – that bring our forested slopes to brilliant life. Baker’s rural qualities make it an ideal destination for foliage viewing. Whether you prefer to soak in the colors on a scenic drive, motorcycle, or bike, numerous routes are waiting for you with amazing scenery all around.
Scenic Routes
- Keating Valley to Pondosa and Catherine Creek – While not an official scenic byway, this route along OR-203 offers some of the most stunning mountain-and-valley views and lets you glimpse the fall colors from afar and up close. Drive through Pondosa, the geographic center of all 50 states, and breathe in the crisp mountain air at Catherine Creek before returning or looping through Union on your way back to Baker.
- Elkhorn Scenic Byway – Meander around the Elkhorn mountains and revel in the scenery at several stopping points. Take in the views across Phillips Lake and stretch your legs with a short hike at Anthony Lakes where the alpine air and beautiful trio of water, granite, and evergreens makes the perfect backdrop for the bright colors of deciduous trees dotting the forest.
- Hells Canyon Scenic Byway – The curving route along the Powder River is a beautiful tableau of colors in the fall. Stop in Richland or Halfway on your way, and venture all the way to Cornucopia for some high-altitude outdoor experiences.
The Scenic Route by Bike and Motorcycle
Of course, all of these routes are open and enjoyable for those traveling on two wheels, be it motorcycle or bike. Cooler fall temperatures make for a great time to bikepack across Baker and discover even more amazing routes.
Sumpter Valley Railroad Seasonal Rides
Hop aboard the railroad for two themed rides this fall. Catch the foliage from the comfort of the train, or bring along the kids for a spooktacular ride on the Halloween Express.
- Oct 23-25 – Fall Foliage Rides
- Oct 30-Nov 1 – Halloween Express
Backcountry Larch Viewing
Those with a keen eye might spy the brilliant yellow larches from I-84, but these deciduous conifers are best viewed at the pace of backcountry exploration. Those with the fortitude to backpack through the Wallowas or Elkhorns won’t be disappointed by the Fall colors of the larches, the crisp mountain air, and fewer crowds at popular backcountry destinations.
Fall Events
Mark your calendars for several great events happening every fall:
- Baker County Fair and Rodeo – September 5-7, Halfway – ICA Rodeo, livestock auction, parade, and more!
- Sumpter Flea Market – September 5-7 – Sumpter – vendors and food booths including antiques, vintage, new, or hand crafted items
- Pine Fest Musical Festival – September 11-12 – Halfway – Two stages will welcome the Cherry Poppin’ Daddies, Depot Street Syncopators, Ben Rice & the PDX Hustle, Zydeco Low Down, and more…
- Taste of Baker – October 3rd – Baker City Downtown– Over 30 local food and drink vendors line the streets of downtown and offer sample size bites of their tastiest recipes in exchange for tokens.
- Brushstrokes and Byways Plein Air Event– Observe artists paint outdoor scenes in real time across Baker Valley.
- Oregon Culture Keepers at the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center – Join artists and craftspeople as they share their expertise and creativity, from dentalium and beadwork to saddle making and leatherwork. Various throughout the fall.