The Blue Mountain eagle., March 25, 2015, Image 78

LONG CREEK
Elevation: 3,754 • Population: 195
Long Creek is located at the head of a high valley of the Blue
Mountains. Incorporated in 1891, stories say the town received its
name from the nearby creek, which was thought to be the longest
in Oregon. However, Long Creek was actually named after John Long,
a prominent miner in Grant County in the 1860s.
The town was home to an army fort during the Indian Wars of
1878. The Long Creek Historical Society plans to relocate the fort and
establish a museum and interpretive site in town.
Long Creek features multiple activity sites, from the “Social Secu-
rity Pond” located on Highway 402, 5 miles west of town, to the City
Park which houses a basketball court, picnic area, horseshoes and
playground. The area also attracts hikers, bikers, fisherman, hunters,
and folks who appreciate the quiet of the sparsely populated area.
DON’T MISS:
Leave modern life behind at Ritter Hot Springs, a rustic,
historical resort. Enjoy the natural mineral water that is pumped
weekly into the swimming pool, or enjoy a mineral bath in a private
room. Stay in one of eight hotel rooms, the group cabin, or bring your
tent or camping trailer. Visit ritterhotsprings.com for more information.
.
MONUMENT
Elevation: 2,000 feet • Population: 126
Situated near the convergence of the North and Middle forks of the
John Day River, Monument is a popular place for fishermen, rafters, pic-
nickers and photographers who find the rugged rimrock vistas captivat-
ing. Monument was given its name by Isaac Vilott, allegedly from a nearby
mountain that resembled a pulpit. The town was incorporated in 1905,
and, for reasons unknown, again in 1947.
Monument offers many recreational opportunities for the outdoor
adventurers. Head to the Thomas Cavender Reservoir for fishing or to
J. Dempsey Boyer Park for basketball/tennis courts, horseshoes, barbe-
cuing, a playground, and restrooms. Monument River Park offers a boat
launch, picnic area, a large grassy area and restrooms, it is situated on the
bank of the North Fork of the John Day River.
DON’T MISS:
Thomas Cavender Reservoir: Grab a lunch and your fishing pole or
a good book, and relax at this little oasis just outside town. A ramped
fishing dock leads down to the sparkling blue water of this 12-acre
pond. For a bit of outdoor exercise, a 3/4-mile dirt trail encircles the
pond, with benches and clusters of shade trees interspersed along
the way. A small dirt parking area allows for a few cars. Just north of
Monument on Highway 402, turn north onto a short dirt road, at the
“Monument Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary”sign.
58 | OFFICIAL GRANT COUNTY VISITOR GUIDE 2015 | MyEagleNews.com