Whitney
Ghost Town in Eastern Oregon
Whitney, Oregon Ghost Town
History
A National Forest Service sign entitled, “A Town Named Whitney,” which you can still observe as you enter town from Highway 7, gives some basic history:
“Rails of the Sumpter Valley R.R. reached Whitney Valley June 1, 1901. Originally a lumber company town, Whitney grew to become the main head of stage lines to mining and cattle towns such as Unity, Bridgeport, and Malheur City.”
Logging Railroads were built out of Whitney in all directions during the next 20 years. Nibley Lumber Company set up a large Sawmill south of town in 1911 as loggers “daylighted” the giant stands of yellow pine nearby. At one time, over 150 people called Whitney their home. When the railway was abandoned in 1947, the town closed down.
Today, you will see several wood homes and outbuildings. As mentioned, some of the homes are still occupied, so be sure to steer clear of private property.
To Get There
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- From the town of Sumpter, head south on Highway 410.
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- Continue on Highway 410 for 3 miles
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- Once you reach the T with Highway 7, turn right.
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- Stay on Highway 7 for 9.7 miles. You will go up and over Larch Summit at 5082 feet, then descend back down into the valley where Whitney sits.
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- Turn left on North Fork Burnt River Road.
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- Town starts up just a short ways downthis gravel road.
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