Harris Homestead
From Oregon Hikers Field Guide
- Hikes including this location:
- Deschutes River Hike (TH | <— —> | LOG)
- Weather forecast: NWS/NOAA
- Maps: Oregon Hikers Maps Google Maps
- Latitude, Longitude: 45.51823, -120.83563
- Elevation: 340 feet
Description
NOTE: The homestead and other buildings were destroyed in the July 2018 Substation Fire.
Three quarters of a mile after Fall Canyon Camp, at Mile 10.9, you'll see an alfalfa field down to the right and the former site of the Harris Homestead. This wooden structure was in a slow leaning state of collapse, and the 2018 Substation Fire took care of business by completely incinerating it.
Beyond the house, there were corrals, cattle chutes, sheep shearing stalls, and open sheds with some farm equipment: All of these structure were destroyed in the 2018 fire. Continuing down the road, you'll pass through an alley of hackberries and reach a grove of scorched ponderosa pines where a refurbished caboose, a more recent residence for seasonal farm workers, once stood. There was also a shed and paddock here as well as an outhouse and small pumphouse. Everything was burned up by the 2018 fire. Across a channel of the Deschutes is thickly-aldered Harris Island.
This area is currently being used for farming. The farmers used to live here, but now they live in The Dalles and drive here when needed. On a typical day, a pickup or two will drive from the trailhead to here, do some work, and then drive back.
Horses are allowed only to here. Beyond, only hikers and bikers are allowed.
More Links
Contributors
- User:retiredjerry (creator)