Near Wasco in Sherman County, Oregon — The American West (Northwest)

Deschutes River Crossing

Photographed by Paul Crumlish, August 1, 2010

1. Deschutes River Crossing Marker

Inscription. The Oregon Trail crossed the hazardous Deschutes River at this point by floating the prairie schooners and swimming the livestock. An island at the river mouth was often utilized when the water was high and the ford dangerous. Pioneer women and children were frequently ferried across the stream by native canoe men who made the passage in exchange for bright colored shirts and other trade goods.

Erected by Oregon Department of Transportation and Oregon Travel Information Council.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Oregon Beaver Boards, and the Oregon Trail series lists.

Location. 45° 38.049′ N, 120° 54.715′ W. Marker is near Wasco, Oregon, in Sherman County. It is on Biggs-Rufus Highway (Oregon Route 206) ¼ mile east of Moody Road (County Road 143), on the right when traveling west. The marker is located on Sherman County side of the Biggs-Rufus Highway bridge over the Deschutes River. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Wasco

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OR 97065, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Eastern Oregon.

It is also in the American Mountain West

and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Pacific Rim,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Deschutes River Crossing Oregon Trail Kiosk (approx. ¼ mile away); Ancient Indian Fishing Grounds (approx. 2.6 miles away); Greatest Indian Fishery of the Northwest (approx. 2.6 miles away); The Lewis and Clark Expedition (approx. 2.6 miles away); Celilo Falls Fishing Grounds (approx. 2.6 miles away); View of Mount Jefferson (approx. 2.9 miles away in Washington); Celilo Falls (approx. 2.9 miles away in Washington); Wyam (approx. 2.9 miles away in Washington).

Wide view of the Deschutes River Crossing Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Paul Crumlish, August 1, 2010

2. Wide view of the Deschutes River Crossing Marker

Looking upstream across the primary stretch of river forded by settlers on the Oregon Trail. Today the area is now the Deschutes River State Recreation Area, on the eastern edge of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 14, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 19, 2010, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,929 times since then and 70 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 19, 2010, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia.