Gilchrist, Oregon

Gilchrist, once an old timber town, is now a quaint family getaway in the woods. Here you can enjoy crisp clean air, clear waters, wide open spaces, breathtaking views, and an abundance of rivers and lakes along with numerous protected wilderness areas with giant ponderosa pines. There are a host of activities available for the outdoor enthusiast: snowmobiling, hiking, riding, fishing, hunting, and cross country skiing to name a few.

A Historic Timber Town

Gilchrist is the last remaining company town in Oregon, founded in 1938 by the family behind the Gilchrist Timber Company. The family relocated from Jasper County, Mississippi, drawn westward by the promise of abundant lumber and lower taxes. With assistance from the Public Works Administration, the town was carefully planned and built to serve the mill and its workers—with homes, a post office, a school was built, and the state’s first mall constructed in a rural setting.

The town’s centerpiece was the Mill Pond, surrounded by company housing and recreational areas that created a close-knit, self-sufficient community.

Timber Industry Roots

The Gilchrist Timber Company thrived for decades as a family-owned enterprise, deeply tied to the identity and economy of the region. Eventually, the mill was sold to Crown Pacific Partners, but the new ownership was short-lived. The company declared bankruptcy in 2003, and the mill was acquired by Interfor Pacific, a Canadian company that continues timber operations in the area today.

What to See and Do

• Mill Pond: A tranquil and scenic body of water in the heart of town—ideal for photos, quiet walks, or birdwatching.

• Gilchrist Mall: The oldest mall in rural Oregon, originally built to serve mill workers and still functioning as a local hub.

• Deschutes River Access: Just west of Gilchrist, the Deschutes River offers fishing, paddling, and scenic views.

• Historic Architecture: Stroll the town to see well-preserved homes and structures like the Gilchrist Brown building, echoing the design aesthetic of the late 1930s.

Nearby Adventures

Gilchrist is a great stop on a Southern to Central Oregon road trip, with easy access to:

• Newberry National Volcanic Monument

• Crescent Lake and Odell Lake

• Snowmobiling and cross-country skiing at Willamette Pass in winter

• Scenic byways and forest roads perfect for fall color drives