Oregon Secretary of State

​​

≫

Baker County

Lake boardered by fir trees with 3 mountain peaks in back. Mountains have slight dusting of snow.
Anthony Lake in the Elkhorn Mountains. (Oregon State Archives Scenic Images collection​)

Contact

​​County Seat: 1995 Third St., Baker City 97814
Phone: 541-523-8203 (General); 541-523-8207 (County Clerk)
Fax: 541-523-8240

About 

Established: Sept. 22, 1862
Elev. at Baker City: 3,471'
Area: 3,089 sq. mi.
Average Temp.: January 25.2° July 66.6°
Assessed Value: $1,967,880,726
Real Market Value: $3,266,938,930 (includes the value of non-taxed properties)
Annual Precipitation: 10.63"
Economy: Agriculture, forest products, manufacturing and recreation

Related Resources

"County QuickFacts" (population and economic data from U.S. Census Bureau)
County Seat Map (from Google Maps)
County Map (from ODOT) 

Incorporated Cities

Points of Interest

The Oregon Trail Interpretive Center and Old Oregon Trail, Sumpter Gold Dredge Park and ghost towns, Sumpter Valley Railroad, Baker City Restored Historic District (including Geiser Grand Hotel), Elkhorn Mountains, Anthony Lakes Ski Resort, Brownlee, Oxbow and Hells Canyon reservoirs, Hells Canyon Scenic Byway

History and General Information 

Baker County was established from part of Wasco County in 1862 and named for US Senator and Civil War Colonel Edward D. Baker. The gold boomtown of Auburn was the original county seat, but voters made Baker City the county seat in 1868.

The Oregon Railway and Navigation Company arrived in 1884 and connected the Union Pacific railroad at Huntington. This gave Baker City direct rail service from the east to the west. The railroad helped lumber and mining operations develop in the county.

​ Farming, ranching, logging and recreation are now the main economic drivers. The Powder River Basin encompasses almost the entire county, with spectacular scenery, including the Southern Elkhorn Mountains. The Elkhorn Drive Scenic Byway loop, a drive rich in scenery, history, geology, natural resources and recreation opportunities, starts and ends in Baker City. The Sumpter Valley Dredge State Heritage Area, Unity Lake State Recreation Area and the Baker Heritage Museum are all worth visiting.

County Officials

Commissioners: Chair Shane Alderson (2027), Michelle Kaseberg (2029), Christina Witham (2027); Dist. Atty. Greg M. Baxter (2029); Assess. Kerry Savage (2029); Clerk Stefanie Kirby (2027); Justice of the Peace Brent Kerns (2031); Sheriff Travis Ash (2029); Surv. Tom Hanley (2029); Treas. Alice Durflinger (2027); Administrative Services Director Christena Cook​