The City of Dufur, incorporated in 1893, is the second-largest community in Wasco County. It is nestled between Mount Hood and the Deschutes River, among rolling hills growing wheat and other grains. It is located 13 miles south of the Washington border, and only a short 20 minute drive south on Highway 197 from The Dalles. Dufur is approximately 97 miles from Portland.
Emigrants choosing the Barlow Ranger District route around Mount Hood traveled south from The Dalles to Dufur on Fremont's Trail to California. Then called Fifteen Mile Creek, Dufur provided both good water and good camping.
Dufur's main street is the Barlow Road. There's a historical marker on Fifteen Mile Creek and Oregon Trail exhibits at the Dufur Historical Museum.
In 1872, Andrew and Burnham Dufur bought a farm where Dufur is now situated. The two men were members of a Wasco County pioneer family that came from New England in 1859.
Once a month people from all over gather at the Dufur Grange Hall to play Bluegrass music.