Attractions & Things to Do in Sumpter Oregon

Attractions

Things to Do In and Around Sumpter

Getting Around Sumpter

The town of Sumpter has seen a revival as a historic tourist attraction, where the evidence of its former gold mining glory days is still in evidence in the many mine tailings. It is a short walk through town on Mill Street to see the few buildings remaining from the glory days of gold mining.

After exploring town, make sure to check out one of the below attractions, most of which are within a short drive. We suggest using the Sumpter Dredge Visitor Center (see our Visit Page) as a starting point for your adventures. Also, because of our many miles of atv trails, this is a great place to utilize your quads and side-by-sides to explore the area.

Ghost Towns

Granite Ghost Town

Granite is the jumping off point for several outdoor opportunities including hiking, mountain biking, snowmobiling, mine exploring, Olive Lake, and several other options. Within the town of Granite you will find several historic buildings including a schoolhouse, church, general store, and dance hall.

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Bourne Ghost Town

A short 7 mile drive outside the town of Sumpter, Oregon, Bourne is easily accessed by driving up the road along Cracker Creek. There are still many cabins alive in Bourne; some inhabited while others have fallen into disrepair.

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Greenhorn Ghost Town

Greenhorn is perhaps the most picturesque of all the ghost towns surviving in Eastern Oregon. Nestled amongst lodgepole pines and grassy underbrush, it has a wealth of cabins and buildings still standing Greenhorn is beautiful and authentic at the same time, and is absolutely worth a visit.

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Whitney Ghost Town

The town of Whitney, Oregon, is a fantastic ghost town to visit, and right off the main highway between Sumpter and John Day. Whitney was the primary stage stop along the Sumpter Valley Railroad as well as home to many who worked in the logging industry.

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Outdoor Opportunities

Elkhorn Crest Trail

The Elkhorn Crest trail is a fantastic singletrack trail that hugs a high route through the Elkhorn Mountains of Eastern Oregon. The Elkhorn Crest trail totals 23 miles in length and ducks in and out of the North Fork of the John Day wilderness. Along the way, you’ll see several magnificent peaks including Gunsight Peak, Rock Creek Butte, Angell Peak, Lees Peak, Rock Creek Butte, and Elkhorn Peak.

Preserve the Sumpter Valley Dredge

By donating to Friends of the Dredge, you will ensure that enhanced interpretive and educational experiences will continue to be offered at the dredge, such as guided tours, interpretive displays, renovation and staffing of the interpretive center.

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OUR COMMITMENT

The Friends of the Sumpter Valley Dredge is committed to maintaining the history of the dredge for today, tomorrow, and for future generations to learn and enjoy.

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Our Amazing Support

This project has been funded in part by a grant from Travel Oregon and Oregon Cultural Trust.