Rufus, OR

Rufus is a tiny community perched along the eastern stretch of the Columbia River Gorge in Sherman County. Home to fewer than 300 residents, it offers a peaceful, open-air lifestyle surrounded by rolling desert hills and sweeping water views. Life here naturally revolves around the river, which shapes everything from the breezy afternoon weather to the quiet, everyday pace of town.

ATTRCfreedom / CC BY-SA 4.0

While it started out as a historic ferry crossing and dam-building hub, today Rufus is a down-to-earth mix of wheat farming and river recreation. Anglers know it best, with Giles French Park and Rufus Landing serving as popular spots to launch a boat for salmon, steelhead, and walleye. A local market, diner, and tackle shops cover everyday basics, offering a tight-knit small-town feel with convenient access to Interstate 84 for trips to nearby hubs like The Dalles.