History sign at Stump Dodger Trailhead near Dixie Summit on U.S. Hwy. 26.
Marker Name: The Stump Dodger Trail
Marker Text: Beginning in 1890, the Sumpter Valley Railway laid its tracks through the Blue Mountains of eastern Oregon. The railway, nicknamed the “Stump Dodger,” was originally built to haul logs to a sawmill at Baker City. It climbed over mountains in the quest for timber, passengers, livestock, and other freight. By 1910 the rails extended more than 80 miles to Prairie City. Service on the line ended in 1947, but the memories linger on.
This site was reconstructed through a cooperative effort among Sumpter Valley Railroad Restoration, Grant County Historical Society, State of Oregon Highway Division, and the Malheur Mational Forest.
You can find out more about this fancinating local history by walking along the paved barrier free, 1/4-mile loop trail (rated III-Difficult). A portion of the switchback has been reconstructed on the original grade and signs tell the exciting story of the Stump Dodger Trail. Please help preserve this site by staying on the paved trail.
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