Baker County, Oregon

History lives in Baker County, Oregon, along with a thriving economy of light manufacturing firms, agriculture, and recreation. Baker City, the county seat, is home to St. Elizabeth’s Health Care, a modern hospital with 100 year old roots in the county.

Marvin Wood Products, producing window and door frames, Natural Structures, creating pool and playground equipment, US Timber, which remanufactures lumber, and a new bronze foundry called Blue Mountain Fine Art, are among the businesses contributing to the economy of Baker County.

Named after Colonel Edward D. Baker, a U.S. senator and officer in the Civil War, Baker County bloomed with the 1861 gold rush of Eastern Oregon. It was one of the largest producers of gold in the Northwest as well as the gateway to Western Oregon for immigrants traveling the Oregon Trail by wagon train. From 1841 to 1869 250,000 immigrants’ wagons wore ruts into the trail that can still be seen near the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center, six miles east of Baker City on Flagstaff Hill. The Oregon Trail Regional Museum in Baker City houses an impressive array of artifacts and information as well as the famous Cavin-Walfel rock collection.

From camping, hiking, fishing, swimming and boating in the summer to skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling in winter, Baker County has recreational activities in abundance. Anthony Lakes Ski Resort, Eagle Cap Wilderness Area, and Hells Canyon, the deepest river gorge in North America, all in Baker County and easily accessible, provide a variety of recreational opportunities.

With a population of just over 16,000 and an area of 3,471 square miles, Baker County offers the perfect experience in rural living.

Oregon Blue Book

http://bluebook.state.or.us/local/counties/counties01.htm

Zip Codes