Seneca

Elevation: 4,666

Population: 175

At an elevation of 4,666 feet, Seneca set the record for the coldest temperature ever recorded in Oregon — negative 54 degrees on Feb. 10, 1933 — earning the nickname “Oregon’s Icebox.” Homesteaders began moving into Bear Valley in the mountains of southern Grant County in the 1880s, but the arrival of the Edward Hines Lumber Co. established Seneca as a thriving logging town in the 1920s. Close to 200 people still call Seneca home, with local businesses offering food and fuel, and a new CyberMill with high-speed internet access. A community park features a baseball field, horseshoe pits, playground, picnic area and restrooms. With beautiful scenery and prime hunting grounds, Seneca is surrounded by abundant outdoor recreational opportunities in the Malheur National Forest. About 10 miles north of town is the Starr Ridge winter sports area, and about 5 miles south is the Retreat, Links & Spa at Silvies Valley Ranch.

Explore Seneca

East of Seneca on Forest Road 16, the Malheur National Forest provides hiking, fishing, hunting, camping and sightseeing opportunities. Areas along Forest Roads 1619 and 15 are obsidian sources. Farther east in Logan Valley on the south side of the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness, vivid wildflowers paint the landscape in springtime, and wildlife is abundant year-round. To make a scenic loop around the wilderness, follow Forest Road 16 east from Seneca and turn north on County Road 62 to Prairie City, then take Highway 26 west to John Day.

Long Creek

Elevation: 3,754

Population: 179

Nestled in a high valley of the Blue Mountains in northern Grant County, Long Creek has a small-town aesthetic but enough amenities to make travelers feel comfortable. Businesses offer food, fuel and other necessaries, and the area is near a variety of recreational opportunities, including camping, hiking, biking and water activities. The Long Creek Historical Society is an active group dedicated to preserving and promoting the history of the area, including the neighboring communities of Fox, Hamilton and Monument. The society re-erected Fort Townsend, the Army post built in Long Creek in 1878, and is now working to build a museum and interpretive center there to house historical photographs and artifacts that have been collected. A “Fort Townsend” sign on West Main Street leads to the future site. The fort was originally erected east of town during the 1878 Bannock and Paiute Indian War, and William “Billy” Townsend, a Civil War veteran, defended the installation from the approaching tribes. For more information about the historical society, call 541-421-3621 or visit cityoflongcreek.com/history.

Explore Long Creek

Social Security Pond, about 4 miles west of town, is a tranquil spot for fishing or picnicking. The city park at Main and Allen streets features a basketball court, horseshoe pits, picnic area and playground.