The Blue Mountain eagle., March 25, 2015, Image 74

SENECA
MARTY BEAUDET PHOTO
Elevation: 4,690 • Population: 197
Sitting at the confluence of Bear Creek and the Silvies River in Bear
Valley, Seneca saw its first homesteaders in the late 1800s. The Post
Office was established in 1895, named by postmaster Minnie South-
worth for her brother-in-law, Portland judge Seneca Smith.
While it started as a company town for Edward Hines Lumber,
Seneca was not incorporated until 1970, after the decline of logging
led to ceasing operations by the lumber company. Today the main
industries are ranching and timber production.
Outdoor offerings include the 9-hole Bear Valley Meadows Golf
Course and the Seneca Trap Range; for winter sports, Starr Ridge recre-
ation area is located about 10 miles north of town. There is a commu-
nity park in the center of town, featuring a baseball field, horseshoes,
playground, large covered picnic area, cook shack, sewer and water
hookups, and restrooms.
The park is also the location of the Seneca Oyster Feed, a popular
tradition for over 20 years, held annually on the third Saturday in May.
DON’T MISS:
Logan Valley Interpretive Site: Searching for wildlife? Chances are good you’ll catch a glimpse of deer, antelope, and even elk at this viewing
area. Interpretive signs explain various wildlife viewing opportunities in the flat, open range area, with views of the south side of the Strawberry
Wilderness Area. Just off Forest Road 16, with parking is available for several vehicles and a loop drive leading back to the main road.
VG15
54 | OFFICIAL GRANT COUNTY VISITOR GUIDE 2015 | MyEagleNews.com