Oregon, the final frontier. Early in our nation’s history, the land west of the Mississippi
River was unmapped and unexplored. Only the local indigenous peoples were familiar with the
mysterious Pacific Northwest. The states we know as Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and parts of
Wyoming and Montana were part of the vast Oregon Territory.
The history of the current Central Oregon region is filled with popular tales of Native
Americans, fur trappers, sheepherders, cattlemen, homesteaders, railroads, lumber mills, and
most recently, recreation. The lesser known but equally intriguing stories talk of ghost towns,
mining, moonshine, cults, and everything in between.
Secret Bend, Oregon: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure weaves together
these tales from the past with stories from the present. It delves deeper into history and local
peculiarities to uncover why the region is so fascinating. From natural beauty to the origins of
our towns, from pristine lakes to colorful alley art, and from fantasy Hobbit houses to astronaut
training, the unique narrative of Central Oregon is enthusiastically shared in this book.
Both educational and entertaining, locals and visitors who read Secret Bend, Oregon
will walk away with a greater understanding and deeper appreciation for the area. They will
also have many new places to explore!
