Originally built to easily haul logs to a saw mill located inside Baker City, the Sumpter Valley Railway was constructed in 1890. It is generally a narrow gauge railway that serviced the Grande Ronde Lumber Company, financed by the Mormons from Utah.

The Sumpter Valley Railway lost business and was abandoned in the mid 1900s. Then, in 1971, a group of volunteers started to rebuild it. They managed to reopen the site in 1976 and the formation of the Sumpter Valley Railroad Restoration soon took place.

Today, the Sumpter Valley Railway carries excursions from Sumpter to McEwen every weekend and on holidays, from Memorial Day to September. They also host special events, like the Annual Fall Foliage and Photographer?s Weekend. More information about the fees and schedules are available on their website.