You're tooling along Highway 395, the Ukiah-Dale Forest State Scenic Corridor in Grant County, Eastern Oregon, because, Hey! You like off the beaten path adventures and you are a Road Warrior. Only, you are a Road Warrior who really has to pee AND who has noticed that one of your tires needs air (this last part is crucial because otherwise you'd just pull over and do your business in the trees like the beast you are when in Road Warrior mode. Rowwr!!). Anyway, the Goddesses of the Highway have anticipated your needs because there, sitting serenely along the side of the road, is The Dale Service Station -and Post Office-and Grocery-and coffee shop-and unofficial Ranger Station-and Community Center-and really, everything else. Because this is unincorporated Dale, Oregon, population unknown (somewhere between 1-15), and this is where things are happening. First established in 1887, it was named Dorman, after James W. Dorman, the first postmaster and a hearty soul. The name was changed to Dale in 1891 and no one knows why. I mean, literally, no one knows why. The place does not fit the geographic definition of a dale ("a valley, especially a broad one") and there's no mention of a historically significant Dale in the historical records. So...Dale it is. Today, "Butch" owns and runs the joint. He, also, is a hearty soul. And a friendly one. And if you wanna chew the fat awhile after you've taken care of business, Butch is happy to oblige. He's got the beautiful, historical post office boxes still in operation. He's amassed quite a personal collection of once living, once vital, now dead animals, many of which he, himself killed and had mounted. He's got the sundries and the staples which folks who live out in these parts might need in a pinch. He's got serviceable sandwiches (pre-packaged) and country coffee. And importantly, he knows what's going on in his community. Don't be afraid to ask. For example, Butch and I discussed emergency services and the State government's "failure to take care of real Oregonians" (his words) while I made sure to avoid discussing 45 and our current federal regime. We found common ground elsewhere and truly had an enjoyable conversation. Make sure not to whizz on by when you pass this way. You'll miss out on a genuine experience. read more

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If there was a less then 0 star thats what I would choose. If your ever stop for fuel be aware they pumped 7.2 gal og diesel into my nessan pick up. And acted very rude when asked to pump the fuel out and only pump out 5gal. They refuse to give insurance information. They refuse to make things right. Its very sad an old time establishment that has been enjoyed by many for years has now been left in the hands of such rude and disrespectful people. Shame on you! read more

I am giving this review a 3 star only because the man and lady I talked to were nice and friendly. I would otherwise give it a two-star review. The lady seemed genuine and was very nice on the phone as well as in person. I called and stopped by Dale Store to arrange a raft shuttle for the NF John Day in May. The man, while mostly friendly, did not want to get my truck key out of or put my truck key back in its lock box, which can be accessed by partially kneeling near the bumper. Absolutely NO stooping or crawling is necessary to access this lockbox, a relatively secure way to leave a key for the shuttle driver. I had to argue and bargain with the man to use my lockbox at all, even though I'd just paid him a nice chunk of change for the shuttle service. When I got to the NF John Day raft take out on a 95 degree day, my truck was waiting in the sun, but the driver had cast the sunshade onto the passenger floor and hadn't bothered to replace it in the windshield. The truck was very hot inside. I had also put a towel down on the driver's seat for any driver to sit on. The driver had moved the towel aside so he wouldn't have to sit on it. A trip mate also used Dale store as a shuttle service. Dale Store shuttle personnel had left his cab light on so my mate's battery was dead when we arrived at the take out. We spent 20 minutes getting his vehicle started. I appreciate that this shuttle service is even available, so far out in Timbuktu. However, I will trial another shuttle service next time. read more

Great little store and gas station. I stop in there every year for gas and what not when I'm hunting up there

We enjoy driving the corridor of the North Fork of the John Day River area. When going through from Ukiah to Dale; we like to stop and have a cup of coffee or a cold pop or ice cream bar and visit a bit with Butch. read more

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I started going to Dale Store in the late 70's when I lived at Woods Camp along the John Day river. And I havent been there for a few years now, the people that own the store are special people, My daughter Mallorie and I were talking the other day about the next time we go to Ukiah we want to make a special trip to Dale to see the great people that run it. Hope to see you soon, Shelly Jones read more