Malheur County

Located on the border of Oregon and Idaho, Malheur County is 94% rangeland. This open, rugged landscape is home to the quintessential rural American towns of Vale, Nyssa, and Ontario, where the words ‘family’ and ‘community’ are interchangeable. Historically, this area was a gathering place of the Paiutes during salmon season before becoming a busy stop-over on the Oregon Trail. The town now known as Vale was the first stop of the Oregon Trail in Oregon. Records show an established trading post at the site as early as 1853. Today, Vale is a beautiful town decorated with 28 professional murals. These history-telling artworks are showcased in a walking tour around Vale—and perfectly worth the time it takes to read about the artist, the events, and the history depicted in each piece. If you are looking for small town Americana, affordable land, mild weather, and an involved community—Malheur might just be the perfect place for you to build a custom home on your own property.