Wasco County, County administrative division in northern Oregon, United States.
Description
Wasco County is an administrative division in northern Oregon with The Dalles as its seat of government and many unincorporated communities scattered along the Columbia River. The region encompasses varied terrain between the Cascade Mountains and eastern ridges, containing both town centers and rural settlements.
History
The county was established in 1854 as a territorial division spanning from the Cascade Mountains to the Rocky Mountains. This enormous territory was gradually reduced as new counties were separated from the original boundaries over the following decades.
Culture
The county takes its name from the Wasco people, who operated a major trading hub at Celilo Falls on the Columbia River. This heritage shapes how residents and visitors understand the region's connection to Native American history and the river itself.
Practical
Most visitors pass through the area while traveling along the Columbia River corridor or heading to outdoor activities in the surrounding mountains. Main roads connect the communities well, though visitors should know that some rural areas have limited services and shops.
Did you know?
The region was once the largest county in the entire United States before being subdivided into multiple counties as the territory expanded. This historical extent made it an unusual administrative territory during its time.
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Pacific DC Intertie
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The Dalles Dam
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Maryhill Museum of Art
62.1 km
Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
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52.1 km
Timothy Lake
49.3 km
Eighteenmile Island
62.4 km
White River Falls State Park
10.4 km
Mount Hood Wilderness
52.5 km
Cottonwood Canyon State Park
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Silcox Hut
47.8 km
Starvation Creek State Park
71.9 kmTom Dick and Harry Mountain
51.6 km
Palmer Glacier
48 km
Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum
64.8 km
Memaloose State Park
61.1 km
Ramona Falls
54.1 km
Celilo Converter Station
48.4 km
Olallie Butte
60.7 km
Sam Hill Memorial Bridge
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