Visitors can find much to do in Sumpter and the Sumpter Valley Area! Do you enjoy trout fishing, ice fishing, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, four-wheeling, or cycling? Do you love Flea Markets? (Sumpter has three Summer Flea Markets!) Are you a History buff? A wealth of history can be found in our unique gold mining town, with three museums dedicated to interpreting and preserving the history of mining, and the stories of those who lived it. There is something for everyone in Sumpter, Oregon, and Barb & Jay invite you to stay with them at the Sumpter Bed and Breakfast.
There are over 350 miles of groomed
snowmobile trails in the Sumpter Valley with a total of 124
winter trails, 2 snoparks, 14,294 wilderness acres and 54,120
Backcountry acres. 
The Oregon State Snowmobile Association is an organization of
individuals, snowmobile clubs, and businesses working together to
preserve, protect, and enhance the sport of snowmobiling.
Oregon
State Snowmobile Association
Wallowa-Whitman National Forest Information
By Steven
DeFord of Colton, Oregon and part-time resident of Sumpter
...
"I have been cross country skiing in the Sumpter area for about
30 years now and the snow in this area is quite dry and very
powdery, allowing one to exercise great control going down the
steepest of hills (definitely lacking when skiing the West side
of the state with its slush and ice). With 6 to 8 feet of snow,
you only sink in a few inches and can go just about anywhere your
heart desires without worrying about sinking in over your head,
which is often the case with the soft powder of Central Oregon.
There are hills and moguls to go up and down no matter where you
ski. Old mining and logging roads lead up and into the mountains
and surrounding ghost towns. Skiing this area gives one the
feeling of being alone, that salves the senses. It allows one to
feel what life must have been like a hundred years ago before
snow plows and snowmobiles, when getting around in the Winter was
on skis."
"When I ski through the town of Bourne, I imagine what it must have been like getting off work a hundred years ago from inside a cold, wet mine and coming out at the end of my shift and seeing 6 feet of snow and knowing that there is no fire at the cabin to warm my bones. The knowing that I may have to travel through 6' feet of snow just to get to that cold and empty cabin". What a feeling! You can experience these thoughts and feelings when skiing through the town of Bourne (6 miles from Sumpter and skiable all the way). However, in today's world you can ski back to town, have a frosty, cold one and enjoy a long, hot shower. Afterwards? Well what else? Strap those skis back on and ski under the street lights of Sumpter. Skiing the Sumpter area is definitely a cross skier's "Dream Come True".
The Sumpter Valley Dredge ceased operation in 1954 when the costs outweighed the profits. In its lifetime this dredge made 4.5 million dollars at $35.00 per troy ounce. That's 128,571.43 troy ounces which, compared to a more recent value of $400.00 per ounce, would equal $51,428,572.00. There are some who feel that there was a lot more gold found which just wasn't reported. (A creation for getting rich? More than likely.) The dredge now can be viewed at the Sumpter Valley Dredge State Heritage Area in the same location where it was shut down in 1954. With the restoration of it begun in the summer of 1995, forty-one years after its use, its existence will be perpetuated for the visitors to this Oregon State Parks facility. There are dredges still operating in the world, but Sumpter Valley has seen it's last of the trio that changed what was once cattle pasture to very unique wetlands full of wildlife. Some say the dredges destroyed the valley, others disagree. Decide for yourself and enjoy your visit.
The Sumpter Valley Railway was originally built in 1890 to haul timber. The SVRy quickly became a common carrier transporting passengers, logs, lumber, livestock, mining equipment, gold, mail and ore. The three foot narrow gauge SVRy ran from Baker City to Prairie City in Eastern Oregon, a distance of over 80 miles. Ceasing operations in 1947, the line was removed and never expected to run again. It escaped this fate and is now operated by the Sumpter Valley Railroad Restoration, Inc. -- a non-profit organization of volunteers dedicated to rebuilding and operating this historic train line. The Sumpter Depot is located in the Sumpter Valley Dredge State Heritage Park with train runs every weekend from Memorial Day to the end of September and includes several Night Train and Photo Specials.
Reservations & Information: