Oregon is full of natural beauty and history and one of the best ways to see both is to take a scenic drive. The Elkhorn Drive Scenic Byway is a scenic drive in Oregon that passes through several small historic ghost towns and has plenty of gorgeous scenery. This 106-mile loop can easily be done in a day and we think it’s a perfect day trip for getting to know more about Oregon.

Since this scenic drive is a loop, you could technically start anywhere along its path, however, the easiest and most common starting point is Baker City as it meets up with Interstate 84 and the rest of the loop is rather isolated.

You will follow Highway 7 to the south and drive along the beautiful Powder River, which was once a thriving home to Chinook salmon and steelhead trout. However, the construction of the Thief Valley Dam halted their migration. It’s still a lovely sight to see as are the surrounding ranch lands and the tiny, crumbling ghost town of Salisbury as the route turns west.

Next, you'll encounter stunning Phillips Lake. This 2,235-acre reservoir was created by the Mason Dam and is a great fishing spot for black crappie, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, coho salmon, and yellow perch. It’s also a migration spot for Canadian geese and other waterfowl.

Then, you will enter Gold Country. You will arrive in Sumpter, which is mostly a ghost town but has about 200 residents. It was a boom town during the gold rush and is replete with mining history. You’ll see the houses of current residents alongside decaying structures and it’s worth stopping in for a bit to see the Sumpter Museum and the massive dredge that collected gold from the Powder River.

A little further along, you'll meet the ghost town of Granite. Fewer than 40 people call this old mining town home. It was established in 1862 when gold was found in Granite Creek and today, a few of the crumbling buildings are still standing.

This gorgeous drive continues north and then east into the Lake District where picturesque lakes like Grande Ronde Lake and the Anthony Lakes provide wonderful camping, fishing, hiking, and much more. This area is nestled against the Elkhorn Mountains, which are a local favorite for skiing.

The last stop on this scenic drive in Oregon passes through the historic little town of Haines. This tiny town of roughly 400 residents was first settled in the late 1800s and became incorporated in 1909. The town is rich in mining and railroad history. It’s said there’s “Whiskey in the water and gold in the streets.”

Many a traveler has filled their bellies at the Haines Steakhouse, scarfing down succulent prime rib within rustic surroundings filled with relics of the town’s past.

It’s worth taking some time to drive around this tiny town to see the historic structures, some well-preserved and others left for the elements to claim. Be sure to visit the Eastern Oregon Museum to get an in-depth look at the history of Haines.

Have you ever driven this scenic drive in Oregon before? What were your favorite stops along the way? Let us know about your experiences in the comments. I think I’m ready to book a stay in Baker City right now!