Malheur

Malheur is a geographic name in eastern Oregon, United States, used for several places and districts in the region. The name derives from the French malheur, meaning misfortune or ill fortune, a term given by early French-Canadian fur trappers who explored the area.

Malheur County is a rural county in southeastern Oregon, named after the Malheur River. Its county seat is Ontario, and the county is characterized by a mix of agricultural land, rangeland, and remote high desert terrain. The region is part of the broader Harney Basin and is bordered by several other counties and the state of Idaho to the east.

The Malheur River is a tributary of the Snake River that rises in the high country near the Steens Mountain area and flows generally north and west to join the Snake. The river basin supports irrigation, wildlife habitat, and recreational activities, and its waters help supply agricultural districts in the region.

The Malheur National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area located in Harney and parts of Malheur counties, established in 1908 to conserve migratory birds and wetland habitats. It is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and is known for its diverse bird populations, wetlands, and scenic landscapes. In 2016, the refuge gained national attention when it was occupied by armed protesters, drawing attention to debates over federal land management and public access to natural resources.

Together, the Malheur name reflects the historical layering of settlement, natural resources, and land management in eastern Oregon.