About Gilliam County

Carved out of neighboring Wasco County in 1885, Gilliam County lies in the Columbia River Plateau in north-central Oregon. A geographically diverse area, the county boasts elevations near sea-level (near Arlington) to over 4,000 feet at the base of the Blue Mountains near Lonerock. The ecology of the land includes the nation’s second longest, free-flowing, Wild and Scenic River – The John Day River – to the heart of Oregon wheat country, and everything in between.

The County claims approximately 1,223 square miles of land and water. As of the 2008 Portland State estimates, the population totaled 1,885 people. Two major incorporated cities, Arlington in the north and Condon in the south, are joined by the small ghost town of Lonerock in the southeastern corner.

Major industries include the Columbia Ridge Landfill, operated by Waste Management, located approximately 10 miles south of Arlington. Of the largest landfill’s in the nation, the operation also boast one of the most state-of-the-art and environmentally friendly locations. In addition, Gilliam County is quickly emerging as one of the state’s leaders in wind energy generation. In 2010, construction began on what will become the world’s largest wind farm, the Shepherd’s Flat project.

We invite you to explore this site to learn more about our great area!