Youll find the pace slow, the people friendly, the scenery spectacular and, hopefully, the hunting successful.

    Grant County borders the most counties eight in the state. Its a great place to unwind and get back in touch with nature.

   Grant County was established Oct. 14, 1864, from parts of Wasco and Umatilla counties, and was named for General Ulysses S. Grant. Grant was assigned to help protect the early settlers in Oregon in the 1850s before becoming famous for leading the Union Army to victory in the Civil War.

   The county is 4,528 square miles of mostly mountain country and rangeland, and is drained primarily by the four forks of the John Day River, which eventually flows into the Columbia River.

   Gold was discovered in Canyon Creek in June 1862. The towns of Canyon City and John Day were born during this time, with Canyon City named as the county seat when Grant County was formed two years later.

   To learn more about how the area was developed visit any of the museums in the county, including the Grant County Ranch & Rodeo Museum in John Day, the DeWitt Museum Depot Park in Prairie City, the Grant County Historical Museum in Canyon City and the Kam Wah Chung Chinese Heritage Museum and Visitors Center in John Day.

   There are several campgrounds in the area the Malheur National Forest has 21 of them and there are two major national wilderness areas Strawberry Mountain and Monument Rock within easy reach of John Day.

   For more information on the county, visit the Grant County Chamber of Commerce, 301 West Main St., in John Day; (800) 769-5664; www.gcoregonlive.com. They have brochures and good advice for all newcomers to the area.

   Prairie City is 13 miles east of John Day along the John Day River. It is near Beulah, Northside, Malheur, Desolation and East Murderers Creek Units.

    Dayville is located on Highway 26 and is 32 miles west of John Day. The Northside, Murderers Creek and Ochoco hunting units intersect at Dayville, and the area is popular throughout the state for deer, sheep and elk hunting, as well as upland game birds.

   Mt. Vernon is eight miles west of John Day on  Highway 26. The area has premier Mule deer and Rocky Mountain elk hunting, as well as terrific trout fishing in local rivers, lakes and ponds.

   Monument is located on the North Fork of the John Day River, approximately 120 miles southwest of Pendleton and 60 miles northwest of John Day. The area is known for its fishing, hunting and white water rafting.

   Seneca is 26 miles south of John Day. It is a popular jump-off for the Murderers Creek, Malheur and Silvies Units. The area is great for pronghorn, Rocky Mountain elk and Mule deer.

   Long Creek is about 45 miles north of John Day. This area is known for trophy Mule and Whitetail deer along with Rocky Mountain elk.