Dufur, Oregon is a small city located in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, nestled between the Columbia River and Mt. Adams. The city is bordered by several other towns and cities that make up the larger Wasco County. To the north of Dufur lies Tygh Valley, a small town with a population of just over 500 people. To the east lies Maupin, another small town known for its fishing and hunting opportunities as well as its annual Maupin Days Festival held every July. Further to the east lies The Dalles, a larger city with a population of over 15,000 people known for its historic downtown area and scenic riverside parks. To the south lies Shaniko, an unincorporated town with a population of just over 50 people that is home to one of Oregon’s oldest general stores. Finally, to the west lies Goldendale, Washington which has a population of over 3,000 people and offers many outdoor activities such as hiking trails in its Columbia Hills State Park or wine tasting at Maryhill Winery & Vineyard that overlooks sweeping views of the Columbia River Gorge.
The surrounding towns and cities offer plenty of activities for visitors looking to explore outside Dufur’s boundaries. In Tygh Valley visitors can go whitewater rafting on the White Salmon River or take part in some exciting horseback riding opportunities along nearby trails while in Maupin they can enjoy fishing on Deschutes River or take part in seasonal celebrations like their annual Maupin Days Festival held each July where they can enjoy live music, food vendors and more. The Dalles offers plenty of cultural attractions such as Fort Dalles Museum & Anderson Homestead which takes visitors back in time to explore Oregon’s pioneer history or art galleries like Columbia Art Gallery which features contemporary art from local and regional artists.
Shaniko offers visitors an opportunity to explore some unique history including their old schoolhouse turned museum or their famous woolen mill while Goldendale provides scenic views from places like Maryhill Winery & Vineyard overlooking sweeping views of the Columbia River Gorge or exploring nearby hiking trails at Columbia Hills State Park where visitors can find wildlife such as elk or bald eagles along their journey.
No matter what kind of experience you are looking for there are plenty of activities available near Dufur. With its close proximity to so many other towns and cities it makes it easy for visitors to get out
and explore all that the surrounding area has to offer. Whether you’re looking for a day of sightseeing or want to get out and experience some of the local culture, there are plenty of options to choose from. From horseback riding in Tygh Valley and fishing in Maupin to exploring historic sites in Shaniko and hiking trails in Goldendale, the possibilities are endless.
Population of Dufur, Oregon
Dufur, Oregon is a small rural community located in Wasco County in the Northwest region of the state. With a population of just over 800 people, Dufur is a small town with an abundance of charm and character. It is situated on the banks of the Deschutes River and surrounded by rolling hills and sagebrush-covered plains. The town is home to a variety of businesses, including a few restaurants, several mom-and-pop stores, and two churches.
The majority of Dufur’s population identifies as white (83%) while 10% identify as Hispanic or Latino. The remaining 7% is made up of Native American, Asian Pacific Islander, African American, and other ethnicities. Although Dufur’s population may be small in number, it has an eclectic mix of people from all walks of life who call it home.
The median age for Dufur residents is 42 years old with about 25% being under 18 years old and another 11% being over 65 years old. This means that the majority (64%) are between 18 and 65 years old which makes for an interesting mix when it comes to culture and activities available in the town.
Dufur’s unemployment rate stands at 5%, which is slightly lower than the national average; however there are still many residents who struggle to make ends meet due to low wages or lack of employment opportunities in the area. Fortunately there are many organizations such as Community Action Programs that provide assistance to those who need it most.
Despite its small size, Dufur offers plenty for its residents to do including outdoor activities such as hiking trails in its Columbia Hills State Park or wine tasting at Maryhill Winery & Vineyard that overlooks sweeping views of the Columbia River Gorge. The surrounding towns and cities also offer plenty of activities for visitors looking to explore outside Dufur’s boundaries making it easy for everyone to get out and experience all that the area has to offer.
Schools and Education of Dufur, Oregon
According to topschoolsintheusa.com, Dufur, Oregon is home to two public schools that provide educational opportunities for the town’s students. The Dufur School District serves kindergarten through twelfth grade and is the only school district in the county. It consists of Dufur Elementary, Middle and High School. The district provides a comprehensive education for its students with a focus on developing basic skills, knowledge and abilities.
The elementary school offers classes in language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, physical education and health. In addition to core subjects, students have access to art classes as well as music and technology classes. The middle school offers similar courses but also provides electives such as foreign language instruction and advanced placement classes.
At the high school level, students can choose from a variety of courses including English literature, mathematics, science and social studies with electives in areas such as computer science and foreign languages. The district also offers career-technical education programs that prepare students for entry into a specific field upon graduation or college transfer programs that provide college-level course work for those wishing to pursue higher learning after graduating from high school.
In addition to its public schools, Dufur also has two private schools: St Mary’s Catholic School which serves prekindergarten through eighth grade; and Dufur Christian Academy which provides prekindergarten through twelfth grade instruction with a religious emphasis. Both offer small class sizes allowing teachers to give more individualized attention to their students while providing an excellent education overall.
Overall, Dufur’s educational system is well-rounded with an emphasis on providing quality instruction while encouraging personal growth in its students both academically and spiritually if they choose the private school route. With access to both public and private schools as well as extracurricular activities such as sports teams or clubs it is clear why many families choose Dufur as their home town.
Landmarks in Dufur, Oregon
Dufur, Oregon is a small rural town located in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge. It is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, with its picturesque landscape, charming shops and restaurants, and friendly people. The town has a rich history of logging and farming that can be seen in its many historical sites.
One of Dufur’s most well-known landmarks is the old Dufur Schoolhouse. Built in 1893, this two-story building was once the center of education for the town’s children until it was closed in 1955. The schoolhouse still stands today as a reminder of Dufur’s educational past and as an important landmark to many of its citizens.
According to DIRECTORYAAH, the historic McBride House is another popular landmark in Dufur. Built in 1885 by Robert McBride, it is one of the oldest standing houses in Oregon. The McBride House was originally used as a stagecoach stop and later served as a hotel before becoming one of the first residences built on Main Street. Today, it serves as a museum showcasing antique furniture and artifacts from early life in Dufur.
The Baumunk Logging Camp Museum is another noteworthy landmark found in Dufur. This museum honors the logging industry that helped shape Dufur’s history by showcasing original tools, photographs, equipment and other artifacts from the era when logging was an important part of life here. The museum also boasts an impressive collection of vintage logging trucks from around the region that are sure to interest any visitor.
The final landmark worth mentioning is located just outside town: Haines Falls Park & Campground. This park offers spectacular views of Mt Hood and Mt Adams from its scenic overlooks along with plenty of outdoor activities such as canoeing, hiking trails, fishing spots and more. It also provides camping facilities for visitors who want to spend more time exploring all that nature has to offer here at Haines Falls Park & Campground.
Dufur, Oregon has something for everyone. From its many historical landmarks to natural wonders like Haines Falls Park & Campground there are plenty of things to see and do here that make it an ideal destination for tourists or locals alike looking for someplace special to visit.
