Sherman: Canyons, Rivers and History
Accommodation in Sherman
Sherman County surprises with a striking landscape of deep river valleys, open expanses and historic sites. To the east, the deep canyon of the John Day River borders the region, while the canyon of the Deschutes River lies to the west. The Columbia River forms the northern boundary. From the pastoral landscape, views extend across canyons and rivers to mountains on the horizon. This combination makes Sherman an interesting destination if you want to combine nature experiences, culture and regional history in one trip.
Rivers, Canyons and Trails
Several different options are available for active days. The Des Chutes Railbed Trail is a 23-mile, non-motorized trail. The Deschutes River Trail offers a 26-mile round-trip bicycle ride along the river’s east bank. If you are looking for a shorter, clearly defined ascent, the Ferry Springs Trail is a 1.3-mile single-track trail that climbs to the edge of the canyon. Take these different routes into account when planning your day and choose the right focus depending on your preferred activity.
Historic trails are also part of the landscape experience. The hiking section of the Oregon Trail between Biggs Junction and Fulton Canyon or Highway 206 is marked by simple wooden posts. The access road to Macks Canyon Recreation Site is also a National Back Country Byway. Macks Canyon Recreation Site has a campground and boat ramps on the east bank of the Lower Deschutes River. 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.
Water Experiences and Natural History
The three rivers offer various travel ideas. The Columbia River in Sherman County is suitable for windsurfing, while the John Day River offers opportunities for black bass fishing. The Deschutes River is suitable for whitewater rafting. LePage Day Use Park has a boat ramp, a dock, parking spaces and restrooms. LePage Campground can be reserved through Recreation.gov; LePage Park also provides boat access to Phillipi Park.
A special cultural and historical site is the Macks Canyon archaeological site, a large prehistoric settlement area overlooking the Deschutes River in north-central Oregon. At the Sherman County Historical Museum, the historical exhibit Sherman County Journal: Paper, Ink & Presses displays the complete equipment of a printing shop used to print the local newspaper. The Sherman County Visitor Center is located in the museum’s entrance area, making it a convenient starting point for further orientation.
Historic Sites and Regional Traditions
Sherman County can also be discovered through its buildings and memorial sites. The John and Helen Moore House was built in 1882 and is the only Italianate-style residence in the region. Inside, it preserves hand-painted skylight windows and wood graining. The Sherman County Courthouse dates from 1899 and is an example of restrained Queen Anne architecture.
DeMoss Springs Park was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2007. Its grounds include a bandstand built in 1924; the park provided access to a natural spring. At the Oregon Trail John Day River Crossing near McDonald, east of Wasco, there is a monument maintained by the Sherman County Historical Society and an interpretive kiosk operated by the Bureau of Land Management. The annual Sherman County Fair is also part of the region’s character: It celebrates the agricultural abundance of Sherman County and includes award-winning cakes and pies. The fair is also the county’s largest annual event.
Choosing the Right Starting Point
When searching for a vacation rental or holiday home in Sherman, it is worthwhile to determine the focus of your trip first. For planning involving long distances and viewpoints, the Des Chutes Railbed Trail, the Deschutes River Trail or the Ferry Springs Trail are important reference points. If you prefer culture and history, you can include the Historical Museum, the historic buildings, DeMoss Springs Park and the Oregon Trail John Day River Crossing in your selection. Water activities, on the other hand, lead to the rivers, LePage Day Use Park or Macks Canyon Recreation Site.
For further local orientation, you can also visit the pages on Wasco and Moro.
For the overarching travel overview: Oregon.
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