Maupin, OR

Maupin sits along the Lower Deschutes River in the high desert of Wasco County, right where U.S. 197 crosses the canyon. With a population of around 430 people, it is a tight-knit, quiet town where life centers around the water. World-class whitewater rafting and fly fishing bring energy to the area each summer, while local parks and open space keep things relaxed year-round. Families also have the convenience of South Wasco County’s grade school and high school located right in town.

ATTRKingofthedead / CC BY-SA 4.0

The town began as a late-nineteenth-century ferry crossing and farming outpost, but today it attracts newcomers looking for a slower, outdoor-focused lifestyle. Maupin features high-speed fiber internet alongside its local cafes, tackle shops, and rafting outfitters, which makes it a practical spot for remote workers. Residents enjoy easy access to riverside trails and boat launches, with the added benefit of a direct highway route south toward Madras and Central Oregon.