7
CULTURE & HERITAGE
CELEBRATING THE HISTORY
OF EASTERN OREGON
AUGUST 18�25, 2021
Take a trail to the rail
Sumpter Valley Railroad
Interpretive Site preserves
railroad history
TAKE A HIKE
THROUGH
HISTORY NEAR
PRAIRIE CITY
Located on Highway 26,
about 8 miles east of Prairie
City and 60 miles west of
Baker City, this site off ers
visitors an easy trail to hike
and learn about the history of
the Sumpter Valley Railroad.
By Cheryl Hoefl er
GO! Magazine
P
RAIRIE CITY – Choo-choo!
Yes, trains used to rumble
through the mountains and
valleys of Eastern Oregon, with
wheels grinding along the track
and whistles announcing entry
at towns and crossings.
Cheryl Hoefl er
The former Sumpter Valley Railway depot in Prairie City is now the DeWitt
Museum, located in Depot Park.
You can’t see or hear them
anymore, but you can still
let those yesteryear railroad
scenes roar into your imagi-
nation at the Sumpter Valley
Railroad Interpretive Site.
The wayside, right off High-
way 26, is a recreational spot
within the Malheur National
Forest. It includes a picnic area,
restrooms and parking, with
pull-through spots for RVs and
buses, plus an entrance and exit
for easy access.
But the main attraction is
the trail leading down to the
narrow-gauge railway remains
of the Sumpter Valley Railway
(SVRy), which ran from Baker
City and eventually to Prairie
City. Though just a stone’s throw
from the highway, the path
winds through peaceful pines.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 18
Visit Heritage Station Museum
for a trip back in time
We thank these Chamber Members
for their continued support
See how wheat helped shape Umatilla County
Step inside a Union Pacific caboose, the Byrd School
and spend time on the Pioneer Homestead
Direct
Music
Source
www.VisitUnionCounty.org
Dollars Corner
Market & Fuel
D&T
Johnson
Electric
Open Tues-Sat
10am-4pm
IN PENDLETON
www.HeritageStationMuseum.org