Baker City is a community steeped with tradition and history. In fact, in 1911, the city dropped "City" from its name only to restore in the late 1980´s in order to keep true to its history.  During an era when gold mining was the norm, Baker City was born as a support center for the surrounding gold mining towns including Auburn, Sumpter, and Sparta and soon became the focal point of activity. Baker City was once considered to be the premier social center along the Oregon Trail and once boasted the largest population of any city in the state. These days, Baker City has quieted down a bit. The bawdy houses, dancing girls, and wild saloons are now a thing of the past, but Baker City´s commitment to honoring its history and promoting its future are very much a priority.

Baker City is situated in a valley with the Wallowa Mountains to the east and the Elkhorn Range (part of the Blue Mountains) to the west.  The Powder River runs through the city on its journey toward the Snake River.  Just about any outdoor activity can be enjoyed right out one´s backdoor, be it skiing, fishing, boating, hunting, riding, snowshoeing, and so much more.