Summer in Grant County, Oregon, offers a vibrant tapestry of natural beauty and outdoor adventures. The warm weather invites visitors to explore the stunning landscapes, from the rugged mountains to the serene rivers.

Activities such as bird watching, hiking, biking, fishing, and camping abound, making it a perfect destination for nature enthusiasts and families alike. There are hiking trails, rated from easy to hard, taking you to pristine alpine lakes and forest peaks, or through stunning geologic formations and to remote campsites. There are ponds, rivers, and lakes to try your hand at fishing. Or to take a dip on a hot summer day.

Happy laughter can be heard at fairs, farmers’ markets, and various festivals, creating a vibrant atmosphere for everyone to enjoy. Leisurely stroll through the market while finding fresh produce, homemade items, and unique crafts made by local artisans. Additionally, you might find a quilt show, silhouette shooting event, or even a bicycle or motorcycle run. Don’t miss the Grant County Fair and concert, featuring Clint Black as the headliner this year. 

There’s a wealth of the old west awaiting you here—think gold rush, ancient fossils, timber, and cattle barons and so much more. Gold was discovered on Whiskey Flat in 1862 and miners rushed in to make it rich. Over $20 million in gold was mined from the Canyon City and Susanville areas. For a glimpse of that bygone era, check out the Grant County Historical Museum, Grant County Ranch and Rodeo Museum, and the Cant Ranch Historic Home and Museum.

Experience the Kam Wah Chung Museum and State Heritage Site, offering a look into a little-known historic era, exploring the Chinese experience in the old west and in John Day. Here Chinese herbal doctor, Ing Hay, administered traditional Chinese remedies to the Chinese gold-mine workers, pioneers, and others.

The fascinating history of the area reveals itself in the vast high desert. Picture the striking landscape of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, with their cliffs telling stories of life long ago; the pungent scent of sagebrush swept along by the dry breeze; and the stillness occasionally interrupted by a hawk’s cry. Touch the rugged surface of the basalt columns at the Painted Hills, their bright hues showcasing the beauty of nature over time. Listen to the gentle flow of the John Day River as it carves its way through canyons of basalt.

Visit Thomas Condon Visitor Center to watch archaeologists at work, uncovering the secrets of the Age of Mammals. Here there is a fossil record spanning forty million years of the Age of Mammals. Nowhere else in the western hemisphere is an evolutionary story preserved that captures this much time.

It’s a joy to see the world come alive with singing birds and buzzing insects. On warm evenings, the sunsets paint the sky in gorgeous shades of orange and pink, making it the perfect backdrop for a cozy campfire with friends or family.  As much as its stunning and varied scenery, there’s a sense of solitude that touches visitors and it keeps them coming back. Vast and remote, the wildlife far outnumbers its 7,000 human residents. It’s a place where you can enjoy a family picnic at a mountain lake, view the Milky Way in all its brilliance at night, fish a quiet stream, and motor to stunning views—without the press of crowds and urban cares.

Whether you’re hiking the trails at the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness or just soaking up the sun by a peaceful lake, there’s something special about the outdoors here. Come find relaxation or adventure in Grant County, Oregon.