Dale

Elevation: 2,917

Population: 4

In northern Grant County, the small community of Dale lies just south of the 45th parallel on Highway 395 near the border with Umatilla County. A store provides fuel and groceries as well as shuttles for people floating the North Fork of the John Day River. Nearby is the Bridge Creek Wildlife Area, where mountain bluebirds, larks, hawks and bald eagles can be seen and where 1,000 Rocky Mountain elk migrate in the winter.

Explore Dale

South of Dale, a mineral hot springs is about all that remains in the ghost town of Ritter. Named after a minister who gave land for the post office, Ritter was once the site of a popular resort, where weary travelers could unwind in the pool or mineral baths surrounded by the scenic beauty of the Middle Fork of the John Day River. Eventually, however, as the town’s population shrank, the resort closed its doors. To find Ritter, head west from Highway 395 on Ritter Road, which turns off near milepost 77B about 13 miles south of Dale.

Granite

Elevation: 4,695

Population: 33

In the northeastern corner of Grant County, Granite provides a break from civilization in the great outdoors. Travelers are more likely to encounter the resident wildlife than the human inhabitants, though many nonresidents visit for hunting, ATV riding, prospecting and snowmobiling in the Blue Mountains. The Historic Fremont Powerhouse was built in 1908 and piped water from Olive Lake to generate electric power. The plant shut down in 1967 and was donated to the Forest Service. Visitors today can still view the historic structure and can even stay in rental cabins on the grounds.

Explore Granite

Nearby, visitors can trek into the North Fork John Day Wilderness. Olive Lake is a peaceful retreat a short drive west that offers opportunities for fishing, boating, swimming, hiking and camping.