Sumpter Valley Railroad Hiking Trail
Dixie Pass interpretive site
When lumbermen decided to venture into these vast ponderosa pine forests, plans were set in motion to build a railroad to haul logs to a sawmill in Baker City. How exciting it must have been when the first 22 miles of track were placed, running through the mountains to McEwen. By 1910 the rails reached all the way to Prairie City, covering more than 80 miles. The railroad hauled logs, livestock, people, and other freight.
The story of the "Stump Dodger", as this railroad was nicknamed, is one of dreams, fortunes gained and lost, and one of people using what is around them to live their lives. That story continues today.
Remnant of that rail line are tucked away, only a few yards from where you stand now. Take a step back in time along this barrier free, 1/2 mile loop trail and discover the Sumpter Valley Railway
Erected by Malheur National Forest.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars
this page online
Location. 44° 32.071′ N, 118° 36.525′ W. Marker is near Prairie City, Oregon, in Grant County. It is on John Day Highway (U.S. 26), on the right when traveling east. The interpretive site is well signed and the parking location and marker are visible from the highway. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Prairie City OR 97869, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Eastern Oregon. It is also in the American Mountain West and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor. Globally, it is in North America, the Pacific Rim, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 4 other markers are within 13 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Disappearing History (approx. 7.2 miles away); The Dixie Switchback (approx. 7.2 miles away); The Oxbow Conservation Area (approx. 8.7 miles away); Tipton Station (approx. 12.7 miles away).
More about this marker. This is the introductory marker for an interpretive hiking trail with several additional markers along the route.
Regarding Sumpter Valley Railroad Hiking Trail. A virtual tour of this interpretive site with additional photographs and historic information is posted on the Malheur National Forest website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd511773.pdf
Additional keywords. Logging history,
Credits. This page was last revised on August 17, 2017. It was originally submitted on August 16, 2017, by Don Hann of Canyon City, Oregon. This page has been viewed 597 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on August 16, 2017, by Don Hann of Canyon City, Oregon. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
