The view from Sherman County

Sherman County, Oregon

Get the most out of this County

About the County

Sherman County lies between the deep canyons of the John Day River on the east and the Deschutes River on the west in north central Oregon. The mighty Columbia River forms the boundary on the north. Much of the boundary on the south is defined by the rugged canyons of Buck Hollow, a tributary of the Deschutes River.

Six small towns — Biggs, Rufus, Wasco, Moro, Grass Valley, and Kent — provide basic services for the 1,955 residents of the County. The county seat is Moro, elevation 1,807-feet. The economy is based on wheat, barley, cattle, and tourism.

Moro, Wasco, Biggs & More

Crop, Wind & Solar Farms

Founded 1889

Follow the Famous Trail

We are Sherman County

Sherman County residents enjoy world-class windsurfing on the Columbia, bass fishing on the John Day River, whitewater rafting on the Deschutes, and upland game hunting in our wide-open spaces.

We are down-to-earth, friendly, hard-working people living in country farms or six small communities, each approximately nine miles apart — initially created as way-stations along the shortcut to the Oregon Trail. Our population is equally distributed between town and country. Many are descendants of early homesteaders, carrying strong ties to the land. Even the churches — Protestant and Catholic — change their hours for Daylight Savings Time.

Children have school sports and a municipal school library, Little League, 4-H, Future Farmers of America, youth groups, summer programs, Scouting, and community events. The County school is also home to the municipal library, with reading and activity programs throughout the year.

Adults have access to the Oregon State University Agricultural Extension and spend time off at the American Legion and Auxiliary, Lions Club, Barnstormers (a theater group), Sherman County Historical Society/Museum, Sherman County Cattlemen's Association, Farm Bureau, Oregon Wheat Growers League, Sherman County Athletic Foundation, 4-H leadership, and Sherman High School Booster Club. They join in problem-solving round-table discussions at the local coffee shop, participate in local and state politics, and join other cheering fans at school events and demolition derbies. They relax to the sound of rushing waters or rustling ripe winter wheat, and watch the sun set to mountain views.

Thank you to everyone who calls Sherman County "home"!

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