Baker County
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Contact
County Seat: 1995 Third St., Baker City 97814
Phone: 541-523-8203 (General); 541-523-8207 (County Clerk)
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
Historical Records Inventory
Baker County Scenic Images
"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