Anthony Lakes has alpine ski and snowboard slopes, a Nordic ski and snowshoe center, snowmobile trails and backcountry snow cat tours. While in the area, add variety to your visit with an elk-viewing tour and a visit to the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center.
Anthony Lakes is affordable and family-friendly, with an average snowfall of 300 inches per year. The drive to the ski area is mainly on Interstate 84, then on rural roads through a valley and up to the forest.
Parking is slope-side, making it easy to base your day out of your vehicle, or at the day lodge. Skiers and boarders can traverse 21 ski runs covering 1,100 acres, with 900 vertical feet, ultimately ending runs near the front of the lodge. The triple chair lift, handle tow and wonder carpet are visible from the lodge. It’s a convenient location for watching family members while warming up indoors.
Adjacent to the alpine slopes are the perfectly groomed Nordic trails consisting of about 18 miles of rolling terrain mixed with flat open meadows and lakes. The tracks are set for both classic and skate skiing, with plenty of marked snowshoe trails. The trails start from the day lodge parking lot and the small Nordic parking area near the Nordic center, where Nordic ski rentals and lessons are offered.
A granite peak stands starkly in the background, visible from both the alpine slopes and Nordic trails.
Access Anthony Lakes’ backcountry on one of the snow-cat ski tours. A large tractor with a heated cab transports skiers and guides deeper into the mountain range. The $199 per person fee includes breakfast and lunch.
Snowmobilers share the lower parking area with skiers and snowboarders, accessing forested trails that start near the slopes.
You can create a weekend family outing by adding a visit to area attractions. Stop by the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center on your way through Baker City. It is a good place to deepen your knowledge about the Oregon Trail beyond Idaho’s borders.
Or experience the horse-drawn elk viewing tours at the Anthony Creek feed site located between La Grande and Baker City. Visitors ride a wagon to within a few feet of a herd of Rocky Mountain elk at the base of the Blue Mountains. The tour includes narration about the elk and the feeding program.
Plan for a two- or three-day trip to take in Anthony Lakes, the Interpretive Center and the elk viewing. Or select one activity for a day trip.
If you want to stay in Baker City, which is 45 minutes from Anthony Lakes Ski Area, you’ll find accommodations ranging from $50 to more than $100 per night. Choose from locally-owned to major chains, often with a free or discounted lift ticket thrown in. Visit the ski area’s website for hotel information. Anthony Lakes has about a dozen RV electricity hookups at the base of the slopes. There is no charge to use them, but bring a long electrical cord.
Directions: From Boise, travel approximately 140 miles to Anthony Lakes. Take Interstate 84 west to exit 285, North Powder, west of Baker City. Follow the signs towards the ski area, about 19 miles west of North Powder. If staying in Baker City, located less than two hours from Boise, take US Highway 30 and follow the signs to Anthony Lake.
Natalie Bartley authored the Boise’s Best Outdoor Adventures mobile app, available through iTunes, and two trail guidebooks. Email: natbartley@earthlink.net.
