North Central Plateau
Hood River, Jefferson, Sherman, Morrow, Wasco and Wheeler Counties
"High, dry, cold and hot", that is the summary weather report for the north central plateau region of Oregon. Chances to make a decent living are about as slim as the cowboys. That was until the wind farms arrived. Having a wind turbine on your land is worth about $6000 per year. If you have several its like having an oil well except it never runs dry. Its a long way between settlements in this area, and the little towns are tucked at the bottom of ravines and valleys to avoid the driving wind. Trees planted as wind breaks provide relief from the endless vistas, and usually mark the homesteads. The many little towns in this area are some of the most interesting in Oregon.