Sherman: Rivers, Canyons, and History

Canyons and rivers give Sherman County its distinctive setting. The deep canyon of the John Day River forms its eastern boundary, and the canyon of the Deschutes River its western boundary. The Columbia River borders the county to the north. The pastoral landscape opens up views of rivers and canyons, with mountains tracing the horizon. Sherman combines expansive scenery with very different ways to experience the area.

River Landscapes and Trails

The rivers offer different activities: windsurfing on the Columbia River in Sherman County, smallmouth bass fishing on the John Day River, and whitewater rafting on the Deschutes River. This distinction can help with your planning: these activities take place on different rivers, rather than at a single destination for water sports. Sherman County’s vast open landscapes also offer opportunities for upland game hunting.

If you’d rather explore on foot or by bicycle, you’ll find different kinds of trails. The Des Chutes Railbed Trail is 23 miles long and non-motorized. The Deschutes River Trail offers a 26-mile bicycle loop along the east bank of the Deschutes River. The Ferry Springs Trail, by contrast, is a 1.3-mile singletrack that climbs to the edge of the canyon. The routes differ in both length and whether they’re intended for cycling or hiking.

The Deschutes River State Recreation Area is also a good place to hike. Along a section of the Oregon Trail between Biggs Junction and Fulton Canyon, or Highway 206, simple wooden posts mark the trail. If you’re interested in a driving route, the Journey Through Time Scenic Byway begins in Biggs on the Columbia River and follows US-97 between the canyons of the Deschutes River and the John Day River.

Riverside Stops and Practical Information

The Macks Canyon Recreation Site has a campground and boat ramps on the east bank of the Lower Deschutes River. Its access road is also designated a National Back Country Byway. LePage Day Use Park has a boat ramp, a dock, parking, and restrooms. You can reach Phillipi Park by boat from LePage Park. Reservations for LePage Campground are available through Recreation.gov; check availability for your travel dates there.

Macks Canyon archaeological site offers a prehistoric perspective: it is a large prehistoric settlement overlooking the Deschutes River in north-central Oregon. The historical exhibit Sherman County Journal: Paper, Ink & Presses at the Sherman County Historical Museum is dedicated to the local newspaper and includes the complete set of printing equipment used to print it. The Sherman County Visitor Center is located in the museum’s entrance area.

Building History and Local Tradition

Built in 1882, the John and Helen Moore House is the region’s only Italianate-style residence. Its surviving details include hand-painted interior transom windows and wood grain. The Sherman County Courthouse dates from 1899 and is an example of restrained Queen Anne architecture. Both buildings offer a specific glimpse into different historical architectural styles without needing to be grouped into a single era.

DeMoss Springs Park also combines history with a distinctive structure: the park was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2007, and its grounds include a bandstand built in 1924. The park provided access to a natural spring. Macks Canyon archaeological site adds a much earlier period to these historical themes.

The annual Sherman County Fair celebrates the county’s agricultural abundance and is its largest annual event. Offerings include award-winning cakes and pies. If you’d like to plan your trip around the Fair, check the event dates as you make your plans.

Your choice of accommodation may depend on what brings you to the area: river activities, trails for walking or cycling, historic buildings, and the annual Fair tradition each offer a different focus.

Discover more destinations: Wasco, Moro, Harney County, Coos County, Wallowa County, Columbia County, Tillamook County, Lake County.

For the broader travel overview: Oregon.