The small town of Cornucopia, Oregon sits at the base of the Eagle Cap Wilderness in the breathtaking Wallowa Mountains. This once thriving community sprung up after rich gold mines were discovered in the 1880s. At one point, Cornucopia was producing over 66% of Oregon’s gold.
During World War II, gold mining operations throughout the United States were ordered closed. Cornucopia never recovered, and today the town is all but abandoned. Check it out:
Back in 1913, Cornucopia was a thriving gold mining community with restaurants, general stores, and saloons.
Wikimedia/public domain To learn more about the history of Cornucopia, click here.
Today, the few standing buildings that remain in Cornucopia are downright fascinating to explore.
Facebook/Cornucopia Lodge
You’ll feel like you’ve been transported back in time to the Old West. This structure is believed to have once been the single men’s boarding house.
Flickr/Baker County Tourism
Despite Cornucopia’s harsh winters, many of the buildings are in relatively good condition. The historic Jail House is listed on the US National Register of Historic Places.
Wikimedia/Ian Poellet
Some of the vacant buildings are slowly being reclaimed by nature. They may not be standing for much longer.
Flickr/Baker County Tourism
The charming Cornucopia Lodge is the perfect place to spend the night. It is located just a short walk away from the ghost town.
Trip Advisor/management
The lodge offers horseback excursions into the surrounding Eagle Cap Wilderness. You can ride through old mining roads and see the areas where much of the gold mining took place.
Facebook/Cornucopia Lodge
The Cornucopia Lodge is located at Queen Mine Rd., Halfway, OR 97834.
Wikimedia/public domain
To learn more about the history of Cornucopia, click here.
Facebook/Cornucopia Lodge
Flickr/Baker County Tourism
Wikimedia/Ian Poellet
Trip Advisor/management
Have you visited Cornucopia before? Share your thoughts and experiences with us below!
If you’re interested in Oregon ghost towns, be sure to check out our previous article: Visit These 10 Creepy Ghost Towns In Oregon At Your Own Risk.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
