Athena, Helix, and Holdman, Oregon

The Gem Theater in Athena Oregon                                      © Diane B Reed

Sometimes you go out and about looking for one thing and find another. I made a trip into neighboring Oregon looking for wildlife and scenery, and was surprised by its remarkable architectural treasures. I did see some raptors, pheasants, and a Great Horned Owl nest, but on this particular day, none of my wildlife subjects was very cooperative. The buildings, however, were. 

Athena, Oregon                                               © Diane B Reed

Athena, Oregon, is a charming little town with many architectural treasures. It is home to the Athena Caledonia Games, a yearly celebration of Scottish culture. This year it will be held on July 9-10 and features music, dance, Highland games, sheepdog trials, food, and a parade.

City Hall, Helix Oregon                                                         © Diane B Reed

 The drive from Athena to Helix stretches over rolling hills and farms, not unlike the Palouse.
 Helix is a modest town of several hundred people. It features more striking architecture—a town and school that demonstrate community pride.

Farm near Helix, Oregon                                © Diane B Reed

Surrounding Helix are tidy farms and grain elevators dotted across the landscape.

The countryside rolls on toward the Columbia River Valley, following a series of canyons and winding roads. Before it descends to the river, you arrive at the town of Holdman, consisting of a few houses, a grain elevator, and a remarkable (but abandoned) school building.

Holdman, Oregon school                                    © Diane B Reed

This lovely area of Oregon, off the beaten track, is full of remarkable scenery, nature, and charming architecture.