Madras, Oregon

Madras welcomes you to the heart of Jefferson County, where U.S. Highways 26 and 97 meet. Scenic vistas, fresh air and friendly faces make this place one of Oregon's best kept secrets. The fabric of life in Madras is as varied as the colors of a bolt of Madras cloth from which the town got its name. Whether it be rockhounding, fishing, pleasure boating, rafting, water-skiing, golfing, hiking, culture sampling or just getting away from it all, there's something for everyone. We are proud of the harmony and diversity of our community and the warmth and friendliness of our residents.

Currently in Madras 41° CLOUDY Humidity: 80 Visibility: 9 Wind: E 10-day forecast

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Area Attractions High Desert Museum focuses on region's history and future There are many great vistas in Central Oregon, but rarely can you to look into the past and still see that present. Sunriver provides great getaway for all seasons Here's something to consider if you're interested in one destination that works well any time of year. Bend's Craft Breweries Bend has endless opportunities of outdoor recreational activities, but what is there to do after that? Bend, just happens to be famous for a more leisurely endeavor. Mt. Bachelor Village - the comforts of home It's the best of both lodging worlds - hotel-style service in a private condo setting. Hike Canyon Creek Meadows - Try one of the easiest routes to the High Cascades' wildflower meadows, a loop leading to the craggy east face of Three Fingered Jack. Hike to Jefferson Park - This difficult 10-mile hike offers a big payoff - fantastic meadows and views beneath Oregon's No. 2 mountain.

Nearby Lodging Welcome to the Best Western Prineville Inn located in the heart of beautiful Central Oregon! We are the outdoorsman dream location. The rim rocks make the area a favorite place for rock hounds and other local and regional activities. Kah-Nee-Ta High Desert Resort & Casino offers a variety of accommodations from luxury suites and private view balcony rooms in the Lodge to Village suites and teepees and even a full-service RV Park. Every option is close to all the fun and activities available at Kah-Nee-Ta. Best Western Madras Inn Madras is surrounded by the high desert terrain and mountain peaks of the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness Area. Join us for rock hounding, trail exploration or white water rafting on the Deschutes River. Best Western Rama Inn in Redmond Recreational opportunities abound in and around Redmond, located in the heart of Central Oregon. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy having a wealth of activities to choose from. In Sisters, Oregon the Best Western Ponderosa Lodge means fun, relaxation and smoke free! We are now fresher than ever - with renovated rooms, new deluxe suites and a smoke free policy. As the lodging leader for over 15 years, we have built a loyal following.

Tourism has become an important industry in the county as central Oregon has emerged as a favorite destination for travelers. U.S. Highway 97 and 26 bring thousands of travelers through Madras annually. The Cove State Park and the Deschutes River draw hundreds of thousands of visitors to the Madras-Culver area as well. Summer season tourism and a rapidly growing local population help keep the community's retail outlets vibrant.

Economy:
The Madras Industrial Park, which includes 300 acres of air and industrial land co-owned by the City of Madras and Jefferson County, is located north of Madras. There are also 120 acres of privately owned land within the park. It is the hub of industrial activity in the county, and presently includes 28 businesses that employ over 1,500 people. With over 1,000 workers, Bright Wood Corp. is the largest employer in the county. Bright Wood, a wood remanufacturing plant, is the centerpiece of the Industrial Park. Other major employers at the park include Keith's Manufacturing -- producers of "walking floors" used by industry around the world -- which employs 108 people, and Mid Columbia Box, which employs 80.

The Madras Industrial Park is a state designated Enterprise Zone. Qualifying businesses can receive three to five year property tax abatement by locating there. For details on the Industrial Park, contact the chamber at (541) 475-2350.

Other major employers in the county include these education, medical and governmental entities: the Madras bases 509-J School District, with roughly 360 employees; Mountain View Hospital District with 175; and Jefferson county with 150 employees. Other top industrial employers include Seaswirl Boats in Culver, which has 205 workers, and Warm Springs Forest Products with 200. The county's industries are served by the Madras-Jefferson County Airport, located north of Madras near the Industrial Park, and the Burlington Northern rail line, which runs through the heart of the county, through Madras, Metolius and Culver.

Agriculture and livestock production have long been staples of the Jefferson county economy. In 1995, the sales of crops and livestock accounted for $48.8 million. The county was once known as the mint capital of the world, and although mint output has gone down over the past years, it's still one of the county's primary crops. In the mid- 1990's, though, the county's top money crops included vegetable and flower seeds, grass and legume seed, garlic, mint, potatoes and grains. Through the North Unit Irrigation district, the county has roughly 58,000 acres of farmland that have irrigation water rights.