Come experience our prize winning wines, brews, cuisine and hospitality while you enjoy hiking, cycl We are proud of our heritage, culture and way of life.
Our vast county starts at the Columbia river and winds its way through rich agriculture laden fields, proud small towns and finishes up in the beauty of the Blue Mountains. This unique landscaping gives the visitor a rich experience in many outdoor adventures from hiking parts of the Oregon & Lewis and Clark trails, snow sports, cycling, fishing, hunting and boating just to mention a few. Take a s
troll though historic downtown Pendleton, home of the world famous Pendleton Round-Up. Stop in at one of the many farmers markets and try a famed Hermiston watermelon, or sit back with a spectacular view of the countryside while you enjoy a glass of wine from one of our many wineries. We are connected to the soil through generations. Let us share our story with you. And with any luck, you’ll have a story of your own written with the memories of your time in Umatilla County.
Join in the fun this Friday & Saturday August 23rd and 24th in Pilot Rock.
Fireman’s breakfast, city wide yard sales, community games, vendors, food, music and parade.
Come share in the sense of community pride!
For more information visit: Pilot Rock Days on facebook
There’s still time to get in that camping experience before summer ends! Harris Park is a great place to disconnect with day to day and reconnect with nature, family and friends. Check out Harris Park, located 14 miles SE of Milton-Freewater on the South fork of the Walla Walla river and at the base of the Blue Mountains. RV, tent camp, cabins, hiking, fishing, picnicking.... Lots of area to explore, or a great place to just sit and absorb the fresh air and watch nature do its thing.
For more information visit:
https://www.co.umatilla.or.us/departments/parks
The Wildhorse Ladies Golf Classic is here! The tournament features more than 140 professional female golfers vying for a spot in the LPGA. Come and see a fantastic display of talent from around the world!
Get your passes here: https://shorturl.at/cG4sA
Welcome all you Wheatstock fans! We’re excited to have you join in the music festivities this Friday & Saturday!
While the music festival is sold out, there are still lots to go, see and do in the area. Check out the link in our bio.
See the shuttle schedule that will be transporting music goers back and forth from Quantum 9 Arena to Pendlton.
For more information visit: https://www.wheatstock.org/
🍉 Come help us celebrate the delicious summer treat our hometown is known for this Saturday August 17th downtown Hermiston Oregon!. Join in on all the fun activities for all ages. Free watermelon face painting, Photo booth, the KOHU cash machine, Obstacle course, FFA animal showcase, Food vendors, Music and all sorts of vendors and displays. Be sure to wear your favorite watermelon costume for the contest at 10:30! And of course, free slices of watermelon for everyone!
We can’t wait to see you! 🍉
For more information visit Hermiston Downtown District on facebook
Grab your hats and dust off your boots kids and come watch as some of the best professional cowboys and cowgirls compete this week at the Farm-City Pro Rodeo in Hermiston Oregon, August 7 through the 10th. Four nights of jam-packed excitement and family friendly entertainment.
For more information visit: farmcityprorodeo.com
This year’s theme for the Umatilla County fair is “A Blue Ribbon Future”
Come see all the excitement this coming week starting August 7-10
So much to see, do and experience! Discover a treasure trove of excitement and adventure all in one place for the whole family!.
Concert series, Carnival, 4H, FFA and open class exhibitions, family entertainment, vendors, and carnival food to your heart’s delight!
Wildhorse Resort & Casino Main Stage Concerts consist of:
Wednesday night - Pecos and the Rooftops
Thursday night - Kameron Marlowe
Friday night - Theory of a Deanman
Saturday night - Latino night
BE SURE NOT TO MISS THE KICK OFF PARADE THIS SATURDAY (8/3) - DOWNTOWN HERMISTON! @ 6:30PM
For more information and concert tickets visit: https://www.umatillacountyfair.net/
Head to Milton-Freewater this Friday, Saturday & Sunday (August 2-4) for the annual WEEKEND @ THE BLUES!
So many exciting events and fun things for the whole family to get involved in! Parade, live music, rodeo, kids rodeo, fun run, food and games.
Don’t miss out!
For more information visit: https://weekendattheblues.com
FREE FIRST FRIDAY!
August 2
Free admission all day!
It’s opening day of the new exhibit, “Extraordinary Elk – Beaded Big Game Icons from the Fred L. Mitchell Collection” presented by St. Anthony Hospital. FREE admission. Dine at Kinship Café or order take-out. Enjoy Indian Tacos ($10.50) and Frybread ($5) from 11am-2pm. Shop the Museum Store for unique gifts and souvenirs.
For more information visit: https://www.tamastslikt.org/
GEAR UP FOR THE ULTIMATE MOTORCYCLE EXPERIENCE
Attention all motorcycle enthusiasts! The highly anticipated Pendleton Run is back and it’s bigger and better than ever. Grab your helmets, start your engines, and get ready to join us for a thrilling ride, exciting races, and an unforgettable rally. This year’s event promises to be an adrenaline-fueled extravaganza that you won’t want to miss!
or more information and tickets visit:
https://www.pendletonbikeweek.com/
🏴 Join in the fun this Saturday July 13 in Athena. The Caledonian Games, a Scottish Heritage Festival with games, events, entertainment, music, food and dancing that are founded in the Scottish tradition. Bring the family for some traditional Scottish fun!
Check out https://kjdurfee.wixsite.com/athenascottishgames for more information.
The party of the summer is this Saturday in Pendleton. Join us for the annual Pendleton Whisky Music Fest this weekend at the world famous Round-Up grounds.
For more information visit: pendletonwhiskymusicfest.com
STARGAZING ON A SUMMER NIGHT
Imagine settling in for the night under a canopy of stars, where the only light comes from the cosmos.
South Umatilla and Morrow Counties sit at the northernmost spot of a 2.5-million-acre area, the Oregon Outback, named World’s Largest International Dark Sky Sanctuary by Dark Sky International and certified in March of 2024. This area is home to very few small communities and is a prime location for stargazing with large swaths of night sky free from light pollution and is home to some of the best stargazing on the planet.
Here are some tips for an awe-inspiring and stress-free experience.
If you’re looking for clear skies, check the forecast to avoid heavy cloud cover.
If you’re new to night-time excursions consider joining a guided night hike or stargazing tour, attending a star-party event or participating in a ranger-led experience. Many tours include transportation, food, lodging and expert navigation.
If you go on your own you may want to bring a camera and tripod, telescope and a paper map along with your Ten Essentials and download an app for stargazing.
Most headlamps have a red-light setting that will let you see at night but won’t disturb wildlife or other stargazers.
Be prepared as you travel to remote areas like the Oregon Outback, where cell service and gas stations are limited.
Support and be respectful of nearby small communities as you travel, and always be sure to pack everything out.
To learn more about Dark Sky Oregon visit: https://www.darkskyoregon.org/
Photo Credit: Michelle Hull www.michellehull.com
IG michellehullphotography
Thank you for your talents!
What are YOU doing for Independence Day this week?
Check out your local communities list of great activities and fun times for every age!
Also, keep in mind that if you are celebrating in the Umatilla National Forest, fireworks of any kind are strictly prohibited.
Mother nature looks like she’s going to play nice this weekend. So many fun things going on around the county the next few days.
Be sure to check them out.
Camas Prairie Cowboy Convention
Hodaka Days 2024
Jackalope Jamboree
Hodaka Days June 27-30, will be the 60th Anniversary of Hodaka Motorcycles this year. Join us in Athena and Weston for the fun and excitement for all ages. Welcome BBQ, Poker Run, Reunion Trail Ride, Swap Meet, Parade, Bike Show, MX Racing and so much more.
See you there!
For more information visit: http://hodakadays.org/
The action packed Ukiah Rodeo began in 1921 and was revived again in 2022 in the beautiful town of Ukiah, Oregon, nestled in the splendor of the Blue Mountains. Come join us for this amazing ICA rodeo and pure family fun! Kick off starts Friday afternoon June 28th and goes through Saturday June 29th. See schedule for more detail.
For more information visit: ukiahrodeo.com or visit Camas Prairie Cowboy Convention on facebook.
Gear up music lovers! Get your tickets now before they run out! Jackalope Jamboree, a 3-day music festival featuring over 30 acts on 3 stages at the will be held at the historic Happy Canyon Arena in Pendleton, Oregon on June 27-29, 2024.
The Jamboree is a community-inclusive event for music fans of all ages, from the first-time concert goer to the well-traveled and young at heart.
We can’t wait to see you there!!
For more information and tickets please visit:
https://www.jackalopejamboree.com/tickets
Join us at the annual Frazier Farmstead Museum Summer fundraiser June 22.
Enjoy an evening of wonderful food, live music, wine and community.
For more information and tickets frazierfarmsteadmuseum.org
Join us for the Summer Party in the Park at the annual Umatilla Landing Days June 21-22 at the Umatilla Marina Park. Free admission and fun for the whole family. Umatilla Landing Days celebrates the heritage of Umatilla, the oldest community in Eastern Oregon still in existence. Bring the entire family and enjoy great food, kids activities, water fun, bounce houses, entertainment, craft vendors fireworks and so much more.
For more information check out umatillalandingdays.org
Wild West Beerfest is back June 15th 2024 with the same combination of great beer, delicious food and lively music.
Check out wildwestbeerfest.org for more info
Join us and Weston today for the 130th annual Umatilla County Pioneer picnic and celebration. Lots of fun for the whole family.
Check out their page for more information: UmatillaCountyPioneerAssociation
Join us in Helix today for the Heart of the Country rodeo at Quantum 9 Arena starting at 12:30p.
Wanderlost will be playing live music directly following the rodeo performance Saturday June 1st. The post rodeo entertainment will run until 10pm. Come on out and enjoy a cold adult beverage and some live music in Helix this Saturday!
For more info visit their page: HelixOregonRodeo
Umatilla National Forest Prepares for Memorial Weekend
PENDLETON, Ore. (May 22, 2024) —Memorial weekend traditionally kicks off summer recreation season on the Umatilla National Forest and many are planning their annual trek to the mountains to enjoy nature.
With that in mind, forest visitors are cautioned that not all roads, trails and campgrounds are open, particularly this year with the late season snow. Shaded areas and cut banks on roads at higher elevations may still have impassible snowdrifts. Most hiking and motorized trails have not yet been maintained.
Forest crews are working to open lower elevation recreation sites and campgrounds that are accessible in time for the Memorial weekend, but some campgrounds will remain closed for the holiday weekend.
“Our first focus is to address hazard tree removal and other safety issues before our campgrounds can open to the public,” said Shane Dittlinger, Forest Recreation Program Manager. Some campgrounds will open but provide limited services for the weekend. Basic clean-up and start-up activities may not be completed in time so campground conditions will vary. “Our seasonal workforce is still coming on so we’re working really hard with the limited number of employees we do have on staff.”
The campgrounds that will open for the holiday weekend include Alder Thicket, Bear Wallow, Big Springs, Bull Prairie Lake, Coalmine Hill, Drift Fence, Driftwood, Divide Well, Fairview, Frazier, Forest Boundary, Gold Dredge, Ladybug, Lane Creek, Midway, North Fork John Day, Oriental, Panjab, Pataha, Penland Lake, Teal Spring, Tollbridge, Tucannon, Umatilla Forks and Welch Creek.
Campgrounds remaining closed for the holiday weekend include Big Creek Meadows, Godman, Jubilee Lake, Mottet, Misery, Olive Lake, Target Meadows, Wickiup, Winom, Woodward and Woodland.
Most campgrounds charge a fee ranging from $8 to $24 per night. Other fees may be imposed for additional vehicles parked at a single campsite.
The Umatilla National Forest offers campsite reservations at Bull Prairie Lake, Jubilee Lake, North Fork John Day and Olive Lake campgrounds. Individual campsites can be reserved through https://www.recreation.gov. Reservations made through recreation.gov will include an $8 transaction fee in addition to the campsite fee. All other campgrounds on the Forest remain available as first-come, first-served.
To ensure a safe and successful weekend trip, recreationists are urged to:
Contact the local Ranger District office before you head out to make sure the area you’re traveling to is accessible.
Avoid driving off the road and onto wet, unstable ground. Look for pull-offs in rocky, well-drained areas.
Be extremely careful with your campfire and never leave a campfire unattended.
Obtain a Motorized Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) for the area you’re visiting if you plan to ride ATVs, OHVs or motorcycles.
Be prepared. Pack additional food, water, clothing and other emergency supplies.
Let someone know your destination and estimated time of return. Cell phone service is often unavailable in the mountains.
For additional information about the status of Forest campgrounds, trails and roads, please contact any Umatilla National Forest office or visit the website at: http://www.fs.usda.gov/umatilla.
Come join in the fun this weekend at EOTEC in Hermiston to celebrate CINCO DE MAYO. Lots of fun for the whole family!! Check out Hermiston Cinco De Mayo 2024 on Facebook for more information.
Learn how to welcome customers and visitors with disabilities at an interactive workshop, part of the EASE program. Full program details can be found at: eova.com/accessible-spaces.
ATTENTION local brick-and-mortar businesses and attractions like museums, art centers, gift shops, visitor centers, and other locations that are frequented by tourists..
YOU are invited to participate in a regional collaborative effort between Umatilla and Morrow Counties along with Eastern Oregon Visitors Association in an accessibility program designed to help you broaden your customer base! This program will equip you with tools to better welcome customers with disabilities, in addition to those who use strollers and walkers (such as families with young children and seniors).
PROGRAM BENEFITS
An improved customer experience for a wide range of customers, including those with disabilities, strollers, and mobility aids
Resources to tap into a loyal customer base (that you may not already reach)
Marketing tools and promotion: online BluePath listing, shout-out on the BluePath social media, and other social media posts from program organizers
Expert recommendations for improvements (these make great supporting documentation for grant applications!)
VISIT https://eova.com/accessible-spaces for more information and specific links to each locations workshop registrations
🎵🎸 Have you gotten your tickets for this fall’s biggest event? Be sure to mark your calendar for October 4th-6th and meet us in Umatilla Oregon for the 2nd annual ROCK THE LOCKS music festival.
Tickets on sale now!
For more information and to get your tickets visit their website www.rockthelocks.org
Be sure to follow Rock the Locks Music Festival on Facebook for updates.
See ya there! 🎶🎸
Two Cultures, One Community Pow Wow - celebrates Indian and cowboy culture in Pendleton.
The “Two Cultures, One Community Pow Wow” — translated as Nápt Tananáwit, Láxs Níšayčt — marks a collaboration between the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation and the city of Pendleton. The inaugural pow wow is later this week, Feb. 23-25 at the Pendleton Convention Center.
“The Two Cultures One Community Powwow is a large-scale competition designed to harmonize Native American cultural heritage and traditions with the cowboy culture deeply rooted in our regional history,” committee officials said. “Everyone is welcome. We are excited to share this unique platform for the convergence of cultural expressions, fostering understanding and appreciation for both Native American traditions and the cowboy way of life in our region.”
You’re invited to come, enjoy and take in the experience of dance and drum competitions, various vendors selling their creations and so much more! Event hours are noon to 11 p.m. on Feb. 23, noon to midnight on Feb 24 and noon to 6 p.m. on Feb 25. For more information check out Two Cultures, One Community Pow Wow on facebook.
This weekend!
The first “Two Cultures, One Community” (TCOC) powwow, expected to draw thousands of spectators to witness up close hundreds of competitive dancers and drummers, is set for this weekend - Feb. 23, 24 and 25 - at the Pendleton Convention Center.
The powwow is open to the public and there is no admission fee.
The event brings together the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation and the City of Pendleton, with myriad other sponsors, including Amazon Web Services, Travel Oregon, and the Port of Kennewick.
The large-scale competition is designed to “harmonize Native American cultural heritage and traditions with the cowboy culture deeply rooted in our regional history,” according to the TCOC Committee.
“Everyone is welcome. We are excited to share this unique platform for the convergence of cultural expressions, fostering understanding and appreciation for both Native American traditions and the cowboy way of life in our region.”
Cowboys and Indians will participate together Saturday night at 11:30 in a Western/Native Swing dance.
Northern Cree, an award-winning group from Saddle Lake, Alberta, Canada, will be host drum, with another 10 drums that will compete for cash prizes. Northern Cree has been nominated for nine Grammy Awards and performed in 2017 at the Grammy Ceremony.
Ruben Littlehead will serve as the head MC.
The event will feature more than 30 vendors from as far away as Colorado and Minnesota.
Dancers will compete in six different categories, from Tiny Tots, ages 6 and under, to Golden Age for dancers older than 55.
The powwow includes four sessions with Grand Entry set for 6 p.m. on Friday, and at 12:10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The Saturday sessions are expected to run until the colors are retired at midnight.
The Pendleton Convention Center is located at 1601 Westgate, Pendleton.
For more information, visit the event website www.twoculturesonecommunity.com and follow or www.facebook.com/TwoCulturesOneCommunityPowwow
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Sip, snack, feast and savor to your taste buds delight Whatever you’re in the mood for, The River to Hills and the Whisky & Rocks Farm Trails have a bounty of abundance to experience. In communities across Umatilla County-and Morrow County, ardent agricultural enthusiasts promote these trails to introduce visitors to the distinctive taste of the countryside. These unique, self-guided farm trails showcase the freshest local offerings from farmers, culinary artisans and libations creators Along the way, you can take in the historic landscape that is home to beautiful event locations and amazing attractions all while soaking up the natural beauty of the region. For more information: https://visiteasternoregon.com/choose-your-adventure_umatilla-co #chooseyouradventure #exploreumatillacounty #umatillacounty #morrowcounty #exploremorrowcounty #rivertohillsfarmtrail #whiskyandrocksfarmtrail #visiteasternoregon #easternoregon #traveloregon #agritourism #farmtofork #oregonwine #farmfresh
Umatilla County is home to vast capital in natural resource based outdoor recreation opportunities. From the banks of the mighty Columbia River you can experience pristine waters for boating and kayaking. The beautiful Blue Mountains offer up a plethora of outdoor experiences such as camping, hiking parts of the Oregon & Lewis and Clark trails, fishing and hunting. If you have an appetite for two wheel adventures our unique landscape gives you many mountain bike trails like the Red to Red trail in Echo, the Adventure Trail in Pendleton, the Lewis and Clark Trail at Hat Rock State Park. and the Blue Mountain Scenic Loop going through Pilot Rock. Whatever your adventure, the mural of Umatilla County gives a rich experience in many outdoor sports year round. For more information https://visiteasternoregon.com/choose-your-adventure_umatilla-co/ #chooseyouradventure #exploreumatillacounty #umatillacounty #visiteasternoregon #easternoregon #traveloregon #echoredtored #pendletonadventuretrails #lewisandclarktrail #hatrockstatepark ##bluemountaincenturyscenicloop
This past Thursday in Eugene at the Association of Counties Conference, Umatilla County had the pleasure in showcasing some of the specialty items at the Product Tasting event. It’s a fun filled evening of sharing and networking with other counties and getting to show off many of our hard working businesses. Thank you to those businesses that participated and to those who helped. #rivertohillsfarmtrail #whiskyandrocksfarmtrail #EchoRidgeCellars #zerbacellars #rotiecellars #bluemountaincider #oregongraingrowersdistillery #oregontrailhoney #walchlifarms #patandtamsbeef #wallawallacheesecompany #crockettroadlavender #barhytemustard #pendletonwhisky #umatillacounty #exploreumatillacounty #easternoregon
Umatilla County shares in the legendary history of Lewis and Clark and the Oregon trail. The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, and the Pioneers who eventually came to call this limitless area home. A desire to share a genuine love for our way of life is woven into our many cultures steeped in rich traditions that have endured the generations. Many generational farmers, ranchers, culinary artisans and makers have brought forth their talent and desire to share what makes Umatilla County unique in our area farm trails. Many historic places such a as Frazier Farmstead, Heritage Station, Tamastslikt Cultural Institute, Pendleton Underground Tours, the Echo Historical Museum and Fort Henrietta are just a few of the rich and diverse connections to the influential history and culture of Umatilla County. We are proud of our heritage, culture and way of life. We are connected to the soil through generations. Let us share our story with you. And with any luck, you’ll have a story of your own written with the memories of your time in Umatilla County. For more information https://visiteasternoregon.com/choose-your-adventure_umatilla-co/ #chooseyouradventure #exploreumatillacounty #umatillacounty #visiteasternoregon #easternoregon #traveloregon #historyandculture #frazierfarmstead #heritagestation #tamastslikt #pendletonunderground #echohistoricalmuseum
Sip, snack, feast and savor to your taste buds delight Whatever you’re in the mood for, The River to Hills and the Whisky & Rocks Farm Trails have a bounty of abundance to experience. In communities across Umatilla County, ardent agricultural enthusiasts promote these trails to introduce visitors to the distinctive taste of the countryside. These unique, self-guided farm trails showcase the freshest local offerings from farmers, culinary artisans and libations creators Along the way, you can take in the historic landscape that is home to beautiful event locations and amazing attractions all while soaking up the natural beauty of the region. For more information https://visiteasternoregon.com/choose-your-adventure_umatilla-co/ #chooseyouradventure #exploreumatillacounty #umatillacounty #rivertohillsfarmtrail #whiskyandrocksfarmtrail #visiteasternoregon #easternoregon #traveloregon #agritourism #farmtofork #oregonwine #farmfresh
Umatilla County is home to vast capital in natural resource based outdoor recreation opportunities. From the banks of the mighty Columbia River you can experience pristine waters for boating and kayaking. The beautiful Blue Mountains offer up a plethora of outdoor experiences such as camping, hiking parts of the Oregon & Lewis and Clark trails, fishing and hunting. If you have an appetite for two wheel adventures our unique landscape gives you many mountain bike trails like the Red to Red trail in Echo, the Adventure Trail in Pendleton, the Lewis and Clark Trail at Hat Rock State Park. and the Blue Mountain Scenic Loop going through Pilot Rock. Whatever your adventure, the mural of Umatilla County gives a rich experience in many outdoor sports year round. For more information https://visiteasternoregon.com/choose-your-adventure_umatilla-co/ #chooseyouradventure #exploreumatillacounty #umatillacounty #visiteasternoregon #easternoregon #traveloregon #echoredtored #pendletonadventuretrails #lewisandclarktrail #hatrockstatepark ##bluemountaincenturyscenicloop
The Whisky & Rocks Farm Loop - Savor the taste of the season Delicate chocolates and tasty cheeses, plentiful orchards and award winning wines, brews and spirits. The rolling landscape of Umatilla County is known for its bounty. This is just a sample platter of one of our food and farm trails with a few of our growers and culinary artisans and their homegrown offerings. Click on the link provided for an online map of our self guided trails and taste your way through our food and farm trails of delectable cuisine, delicious libations and one of a kind experiences and gifts. https://storage.googleapis.com/eovajag-1/4/word-and-pdfs/maps/whisky-rocks.pdf #umatillacountytourism #whiskyandrocksfarmloop #easternoregon #traveloregon #farmtofork #farmfresh #farmersmarkets #oregonbounty #drinkoregon #oregonwine #oregonfarmbureau #celebrateoregon #oregonwheatgrowers #oregonexplored #oregonlive #oregonfresh #oregongraingrowersdistillery #prodigalson #winnhomestead #frazierfarmstead #wallawallacheesecompany #watermillwinery #bluemountaincider #zerbacellars #innatwildrabbitfarms #dragonsgatebrewery
The River to Hills Farm Trail - Savor the taste of the Season Buckets brimming with berries, generous slabs of sweet melon, bottles of award winning wines, brews and spirits. The rolling landscape of Umatilla County is known for its bounty. This is just a sample platter of one of our food and farm trails with a few of our growers and culinary artisans and their homegrown offerings. Click on the link provided for an online map of our self guided trails and taste your way through our food and farm trails of delectable cuisine, delicious libations and one of a kind experiences and gifts. https://storage.googleapis.com/eovajag-1/4/word-and-pdfs/maps/river-to-hills.pdf #umatillacountytourism #rivertohillsfarmtrail #easternoregon #traveloregon #farmtofork #farmfresh #farmersmarkets #oregonbounty #drinkoregon #oregonwine #oregonfarmbureau #celebrateoregon #oregonwheatgrowers #oregonexplored #oregonlive #oregonfresh #sagecenter #ordnancebrewing #kandkblueberries #smithstinyfarmandmicrocreamery #bennetbotanicalgardens #kirsanthemums #walchlifarms #echoridgecellars #snoroadwinery #blackacrefarm
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