The Blue Mountain eagle., March 25, 2015, Image 76

DAYVILLE
Elevation: 2,369 • Population: 147
Dayville was incorporated in 1913, with the post office originally
located 3 miles west of where the town stands today. Named for the
John Day River, Dayville was a stop along the The Dalles Military Road,
connecting the gold mines in nearby Canyon City to Portland.
The area abounds in outdoor activities: Scenic Picture Gorge is
about 6 miles northwest of town, at the crossroads of Highways 26
and 19. The John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is just a few
miles downstream from the Gorge, and the Northside, Murderers
Creek and Ochoco hunting units all intersect in the Dayville area –
making it a hunting and wildlife paradise.
The city park at the east side of town features tennis courts, a bas-
ketball hoop, horseshoes, playground, picnic area and restrooms, all
along the banks of the John Day River. The shade makes it a great
place to relax during Dayville’s annual Fourth of July weekend.
DON’T MISS:
Mascall Formations Overlook: Offers spectacular 360-degree views
of Picture Gorge, the Mascall Formations area, and the western end
of the John Day River Valley, with interpretive signs and wheelchair
accessible paths. Large parking area and turn-around loop drive
accommodates buses and RVs. Restrooms are available. About 4-1/2
miles west of Dayville on Highway 26. Turn at the "Overlook" sign, and
drive about a mile to the overlook.
GRANITE
Elevation: 3,695 feet • Population: 38
The community was known as Independence, after a gold discovery
on July 4, 1862, and originally was situated about 1.5 miles from the town's
current location. In 1878, when the first post office was established, they
had to change the name after discovering “Independence” was already
being used, and chose Granite after the rocks common to the area.
Granite was incorporated in 1900 and housed mainly miners. When
the government shut down gold mining in the 1940s in favor of met-
als essential to the war effort, Granite's economy collapsed. Utility
services ceased and the population dwindled. In 2000, telephone
service was restored after the population rose to 24.
Today Granite is one of the smallest incorporated cities in the state,
and you are almost more likely to meet the resident wildlife than the
human inhabitants. If you like the outdoors and want a break from civ-
ilization, this is the place to go: Nestled in the Blue Mountains and sur-
rounded by creeks and lakes, nature and wildlife are plentiful. Olive Lake
is located about 10 miles from Granite and provides a peaceful respite.
With a 2-mile hiking trail around the lake, 28 campsites, fishing, boating,
swimming and plenty of wildlife, memories are waiting to be made.
DON’T MISS:
The restored Historic Fremont Powerhouse Site, constructed
in 1908 to power the nearby Red Boy Mine, is 5 miles west of Granite
on County Road 24. Vacation rentals are available.
56 | OFFICIAL GRANT COUNTY VISITOR GUIDE 2015 | MyEagleNews.com