Getting Here
Quamash is in eastern Oregon, about 20 minutes from John Day on County Road 18. If you're coming from Portland, take US-26 east through the Cascades to John Day (pretty long drive, about 4.5 hours depending on conditions), then west on CR-18.
Nearest airport is Redmond, about 2.5 hours west. There's a small airstrip in John Day for private aircraft.
Cell service is limited in the valley. Verizon works in most of town, AT&T is spotty. There's no public wifi.
Where to Stay
The Strawberry House on the east side of town has a few rooms, long or short term. Otherwise nearest lodging is in John Day, which has several motels and a bed and breakfast. Some folks camp at Malheur National Forest campgrounds in the summer (check with the Forest Service for seasonal availability).
What to See Nearby
Strawberry Mountain Wilderness
Hiking and backpacking in the Strawberry Range, including the
9,038-ft summit of Strawberry Mountain. Trailheads accessible
from Forest Road 60. Best July through September.
John Day Fossil Beds
Three units of the National Monument are within an hour's drive.
The Thomas Condon Paleontology Center in the Sheep Rock Unit
has free admission year-round.
Blue Mountain Scenic Byways
Several designated scenic routes wind through the Blue Mountains.
The Elkhorn Scenic Byway and Journey Through Time Scenic Byway
are both within reach of a day trip.
Malheur National Forest
Over a million acres of ponderosa pine, fir, and meadow.
Hunting, fishing, and dispersed camping. The forest office
in John Day has maps and conditions.
Good to Know
There is no gas station in Quamash, so fill up in John Day before heading out. The general store carries a few basics but its not a grocery store. Diner does breakfast and lunch most days. Bring what you need.
Winters get cold and roads can be icy November through March. Chains or snow tires are recommended. County plows CR-18 but not always first thing in the morning.