Riley, Oregon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Riley, Oregon
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Post office in Riley
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 Riley, Oregon
Location in Oregon
Riley, Oregon
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Oregon |
| County | Harney |
| Elevation | 4,226 ft (1,288 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-8 (PST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-7 (PDT) |
| ZIP codes |
97758
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| Area code(s) | 541 |
| Coordinates and elevation from United States Geological Survey | |
Riley is a small community in Harney County, Oregon, United States. It's not an official city, but a gathering spot for people living nearby. Riley is located where two major roads, U.S. Highway 395 and U.S. Highway 20, meet. This makes it a convenient stop for travelers.
The community is about 28 miles (45 km) west of Burns, which is the main town in Harney County. Riley sits at an elevation of 4,226 feet (1,288 meters) above sea level. Today, Riley has a post office and a general store that also offers gas and car services. These places help serve the local farmers and ranchers, as well as people driving through.
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History of Riley
The community of Riley started around 1885 when a post office was opened there. It was named after a stockman named Amos Riley. He was part of a ranching business with a partner named Hardin. Before Riley had its own post office, the closest one was 75 miles (121 km) away in a place called Hardin. Because of this, people living along Silver Creek started using Riley as their new meeting place.
The first post office in Riley closed in 1919. However, it was reopened in 1949 after another post office in a nearby community called Suntex closed down.
What People Do in Riley
The area around Riley is known for farming and ranching. Farmers in this region grow crops like alfalfa, hay, and various root crops. The community supports these agricultural activities.
Weather in Riley
Riley has a semi-arid climate. This means it's usually dry, but not as dry as a desert. It often has hot, dry summers and cold winters.
Places to See Near Riley
- Chickahominy Reservoir: This is a reservoir that holds water.
- Unicorn Ranch: A local ranch in the area.
Getting Around Riley
In recent years, Riley has become a stop for the Eastern POINT bus line. This bus service connects larger towns like Bend and Ontario. The bus stops in Riley once a day in each direction, helping people travel to and from the community. The Oregon Department of Transportation also has a camera at the main intersection in Riley. This camera helps people check road and weather conditions before they travel.
Schools in Riley
For younger students, the local school is Suntex Elementary School. Even though it has a Riley postal address, its campus was rebuilt after a fire in 1978. After elementary school, high school students in the area attend Crane Union High School. This school is part of the Harney County Union High School District 1J.
Harney County does not have its own community college district. However, it has an agreement with Treasure Valley Community College. This college operates an outreach center in Burns, which is a larger town nearby.
