Does a scenic loop drive filled with gold mining ghost towns, historic sites, and gorgeous countryside sound like a fun way to spend a day? Then the Elkhorn Scenic Byway (Route 7) in eastern Oregon is for you! The 106-mile paved loop winds through the Wallowa-Whitman and Malheur National Forests, Elkhorn Mountains, passes beautiful lakes and rivers, and encompasses an abundance of gold mining history. Prospectors, photographers and history buffs alike will be delighted with the diversity along the route. This scenic drive begins and ends in Baker City, so gas up the rig, grab your camera and gold pan, and buckle up!  

Baker City’s gold rush heyday was sparked by the discovery of gold in nearby Griffin Gulch in 1861. Henry Griffin’s find led to decades of placer and lode mining in Baker County—producing more than 2,000,000 ounces of gold! In fact, Baker County alone is responsible for two thirds of the gold found in the entire state Oregon. Whet your appetite for the area’s golden history with a walking tour of the downtown area, officially recognized as a National Historic District. Of the 110 turn-of-the century Victorian buildings here, 60 so far have been restored to their original elegance, including City Hall and the famous Geiser Grand Hotel. Don’t miss the interesting collection of nuggets at the US Bank on Main Street. The whopping 80.4-ounce “Armstrong Nugget” unearthed in 1913 by George Armstrong is on display during regular banking hours and stored safely in the vault at night. If you found this huge lump of placer gold today, it would be worth about $136,000! Visit the Chinese Cemetery on the edge of town and learn how this group of hard workers was in large part responsible for the success of the gold mines and railroads in Baker County. Check your Gold Prospectors Association of America Claims Club Membership Mining Guide for directions to the two Baker County claims in the area. The Lost Dutchman's Mining Association Burnt River Camp property is also in the vicinity.

Between 1841 and 1850, nearly 100,000 pioneers outfitted their covered wagons and set out to follow the Oregon Trail—the mightiest westward migration in American history. Mining was one of the main incentives for taking this trip, and was a major influence on the settlement and early culture of eastern Oregon. An Interpretive Center now sits atop the summit of Flagstaff Hill where history practically comes to life— the extremely realistic dioramas inside the center are amazing. And talk about walking in someone else’s footsteps—you can literally still trek in the original wagon wheel ruts here because the Center overlooks a well-preserved segment of the Oregon Trail.

The dust and sagebrush around you are real enough, but listen closely and you just might hear braying oxen and creaking wagons (or is that just the wind?!). The Center is located on the previous site of the Flagstaff Gold Mine, which began operation in 1896. The outdoor lode mine exhibit is under development, but features a recreated five-stamp mill and other equipment used to pulverize ore and recover gold. There’s also an outdoor wagon encampment.

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