Criterion, Oregon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Criterion, Oregon
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 Criterion, Oregon
Location in Oregon
Criterion, Oregon
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Oregon |
| County | Wasco |
| Elevation | 3,107 ft (947 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-8 (Pacific (PST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-7 (PDT) |
| Area code(s) | 541 and 458 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1119552 |
Criterion is a small, historic place in Wasco County, Oregon. It's not a city, but an unincorporated community. You can find it along U.S. Route 197, between the towns of Maupin and Madras.
Near Criterion is a high spot called Criterion Summit. This summit is about 3,360 feet (1,024 meters) above sea level. It's the highest point on the highway between The Dalles to the north and Redmond to the south. A long time ago, in the late 1800s, this route over the summit was a busy wagon road. It connected The Dalles to places like Lakeview and even California.
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Discovering Criterion, Oregon
Criterion is a fascinating spot with a unique history. It's a great example of how small places get their names and how they change over time.
A Look Back in Time
Criterion got its own post office in 1913. A post office is where mail is sorted and sent out. The person who suggested the name "Criterion" thought it meant a "standard by which to judge quality." They wanted the community to be a model place.
However, not everyone agreed on the name. Some local people wanted to call it Three Notches. This name came from a large juniper tree nearby that had three notches cut into it. But the Post Office decided against two-word names. So, they chose the single word, Criterion. The post office stayed open for a while but closed its doors in 1926.
The High Point: Criterion Summit
Criterion Summit is a key landmark in the area. It's not just a high spot; it was once a very important path. Imagine pioneers and travelers using this route with their wagons! It was a vital link for moving goods and people across Oregon. Today, it offers great views and a sense of history.
Exploring the Criterion Ranch Trail
If you like hiking, there's an exciting trail near Criterion. It's called the Criterion Ranch Trail. This trail is about 11 miles (18 kilometers) long. It stretches from Route 197 at Criterion all the way to the Deschutes River to the west.
The trail follows power lines and an old ranch path. This path was even used as a firebreak during a wildfire in 2011. A firebreak is a clear area that helps stop fires from spreading. The Criterion Ranch Trail also connects to other trails in the Criterion Tract. This tract is a special area managed by the Bureau of Land Management. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is a government group that takes care of public lands for everyone to enjoy. The Criterion Tract has about 5 miles (8 kilometers) of frontage along the highway and goes all the way to the river.
