Madras

Madras is a county seat in central Oregon resting in a circular valley at 683 meters elevation surrounded by high desert landscape. The terrain extends between farmland to the north and commercial districts to the south, while the Cascade range defines the western horizon.

John A. Palmehn founded the settlement in 1902 under a different name, but the postal service rejected the original designation and assigned the current one. Railroad connection in the early 20th century transformed the location into a regional hub for grain and livestock from Jefferson County.

The July agricultural fair brings ranchers and fruit growers from across the high desert plateau and displays traditional crafts alongside modern cultivation methods. Visitors watch livestock competitions and sample regional specialties at stands along the fairground lanes.

The municipal airfield southeast of town sits roughly a 15-minute drive from the center and receives regular charter flights during fire season. Most visitors reach the town via overland routes connecting from the Columbia River to the north and from central Oregon regions.

In August 2017, roughly 100,000 people flocked to town to witness the total solar eclipse directly within the path of complete darkness. Hotels and campsites booked months in advance, while many visitors slept in public parking lots and on sports fields.

Location: Jefferson County

Inception: 1911

Elevation above the sea: 683 m

Address: Madras, OR 97741, USA

Website: http://ci.madras.or.us

GPS coordinates: 44.63345,-121.12949

Latest update: December 5, 2025 16:35