South Junction, Oregon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
South Junction, Oregon
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 South Junction, Oregon
Location in Oregon
South Junction, Oregon
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Oregon |
| County | Wasco |
| Elevation | 1,257 ft (383 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-8 (Pacific (PST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-7 (PDT) |
| Area code(s) | 458 and 541 |
| Coordinates and elevation from United States Geological Survey | |
South Junction is a small, quiet place in Wasco County, Oregon. It is an "unincorporated community." This means it doesn't have its own local government, unlike a city or town. It's located right by the beautiful Deschutes River.
Discovering South Junction
South Junction sits on the east side of the Deschutes River. It's also near where the Warm Springs River joins the Deschutes. You can reach South Junction by taking South Junction Road. This road connects it to Shaniko Junction, where two major highways meet. These highways are U.S. Route 97 and U.S. Route 197.
A Bit of History: The Railroads
The name "South Junction" comes from its past. It was a meeting point for two different railroad lines. These were the Great Northern Railway and the Union Pacific railroad. Both companies built their tracks along opposite sides of the Deschutes River.
The Oregon Trunk Railway started building its lines in 1909. It stretched about 150 miles (241 km) from the Columbia River all the way to Bend. Over time, the Union Pacific stopped using its separate line. Other nearby train stops included Jersey, Kaskela, and North Junction to the north. To the south were Coleman, Mecca, and Vanora. South Junction even had its own post office. It opened and closed a few times between 1911 and 1974.
Camping and Outdoor Fun
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages a camping area at South Junction. It's about 10 miles (16 km) west of Shaniko Junction. This campsite is a great spot for outdoor adventures.
The camping area has 11 campsites where you can set up your tent. There is also a vault toilet available. However, you won't find drinking water there, so remember to bring your own! There isn't a boat launch at this specific spot either. It's a perfect place to enjoy nature and the quiet beauty of the Deschutes River.
