The Elkhorn Scenic Byway ‘packs plenty of sights into a 106-mile loop through the mountains west of Baker City, long the lucrative hunting grounds of the Plateau Indian tribes and, later, where miners came to seek their fortunes. The true treasures are the Elkhorn Mountains and Baker Valley themselves, rich in beauty and history.’ Travel Oregon
The byway passes through farmlands along the Powder River before climbing up into a beautiful area of mountain lakes and outdoor adventure. The fall foliage starting here around October is absolutely gorgeous.
Miners and Farmers
Around 1900, thousands of miners chiseled and dredged millions in gold from the Elkhorn Mountains and Powder River to Sumpter. The massive Sumpter Valley Dredge still floats here, and has been recently restored. The dredge left much of the rocky footprint that you’ll see on your trek along Highway 7, and is an important link to Oregon’s pioneering past and development. It is one of the largest and most accessible gold dredges in the U.S.
Ghost towns of Oregon
The town of Granite was also big during the gold-rush, and many buildings here, now abandoned, remind us of a once flourishing place in Oregon. John Cabell operated the La Bellevue Mine in Cabell City. All that remains of the settlement is the cemetery, which houses the graves of Fred and Johanna Cabell and their 8-year-old daughter, as well as a few abandoned buildings and mining equipment.
There is plenty to do on this road trip: hiking, biking, picnicking and oh, so many photo ops. We traveled this route the first part of the week, performing some quality assurance inspections on Oregon Independent Inns. We drove the Journey Through Time Scenic Byway to Wilson Ranches Retreat. Take a side trip to Greenhorn, the highest incorporated town in Oregon located at an elevation of 6,300 feet. It is also the smallest incorporated city in the state. Then continue on to explore the Ghost Towns on the Elkhorn Scenic Byway.
Because the byway climbs to high elevations—often holding snow well into late spring—it’s best explored during the summer months, when the roads are clear and the weather ideal for scenic stops and side adventures. We stopped off in Baker City to see my brother then headed up to the Bronze Antler Bed and Breakfast in Joseph Oregon. It was a lovely couple of days exploring Eastern Oregon
Oregon has 29 designated Scenic Byways! So, get in the car, take some pics, and reignite your soul. Quick note: please check for travel alerts, as well as the road and weather conditions. This free guide to Oregon scenic byways might come in really handy too.
You’re going to need road snacks for sure.
Oregon food trails and several Oregon food loops serve local fare with scenery on every side included for you keep you full. And Food Pods, popping up across the state. All the growers and crafters along these trails are committed to sustainable practices and supporting the agricultural legacy of their regions. So, go ahead — eat your heart out!
Oregon Association of Independent Inns are ready to share Oregon with you: it’s environment, culture, and heritage. Combine gracious hospitality with ambiance at an inspected and approved member of the Oregon Association of Independent Inns.
Gift certificates are no longer available for purchase through our organization. We encourage you to contact our member inns directly to purchase gift certificates.
If You Currently Hold an OAII or OBBG Gift Certificate:
- Your gift certificate does not expire
- Certificates may be redeemed at participating Oregon Association of Independent Inns properties.
Thank you for supporting Oregon’s Independent Inns and lodging properties over the years. We’re grateful to everyone who has shared the gift of lodging through the OAII Lodging Gift Voucher Program.
As of June 1, 2026, the Oregon Association of Independent (formerly the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild – OBBG) discontinued the program, and gift certificates are no longer available for sale. However, existing gift certificates remain valid and may still be redeemed.
The Oregon Association offers a wide variety of inns, from a small guest cottage or two-room bed and breakfast to a larger country inn or dude ranch. If you need assistance locating a participating property or have difficulty redeeming your certificate, please contact us—we’re happy to help.
Important Notes:
- All OAII properties accept association gift certificates. Click here to view participating properties.
- Gift certificates are treated as cash and cannot be replaced if lost, stolen, or destroyed.
- Certificates may only be redeemed at active OAII properties
- Individual property policies apply, including restrictions on availability, packages, or special offers.
Questions or Assistance:
If you have questions about redeeming a gift certificate or need help planning your stay, please contact E-mail info@obbg.org or call OAII at 503-893-4210. Please leave a message as this line is monitored by our busy innkeepers.
Since 1989, the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild has served as a statewide information network for its member properties, providing a unified voice for the industry with state regulatory and tourism agencies.
Now known as The Oregon Association of Independent Inns, we’re the same trusted organization, with a new name, a fresh look, and an expanded focus on independent lodging properties beyond traditional bed and breakfasts. Member properties represent a wide range of accommodations, from small guest cottages, cabins, and intimate two-room B&Bs to larger country inns, boutique hotels and dude ranches.
