Umatilla National Forest Guide
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Umatilla National Forest is located in the rural Blue Mountains of northeast Oregon. The climate in this area is quite humid with winters that are short and cool and summers that get hot. The closest town is Pendleton, a town that is famous for its Pendleton Round-Up. This is not the rainy, quirky Portland that Oregon is most known for. Eastern Oregon is more of a high desert habitat with an environment all its own. The communities nearby have a small-town vibe.
RV Rentals Near Umatilla National Forest
Umatilla National Forest Hiking Trails
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Oregon Butte Trail
Oregon Butte Trail is actually located just over the border near Dayton, Washington. This is a beautiful forest hike. The trail offers great views. It can get muddy, so you will want good boots. It will get cold fast as the sun goes down.
Length: 5.6 miles
Intensity: Moderate
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Jubilee Lake Loop
The Jubilee Lake Loop is a popular trail that wraps around Jubilee Lake. The trail is mellow enough that you can travel it in a wheelchair or while pushing a stroller. There are a couple of nice areas along the trail where you can stop for a swim break.
Length: 2.6 miles
Intensity: Easy
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Harris Park Trail
The Harris Park Trail boasts scenic views for hikers of any skill level. It is often used for nature trips, walking, running, and horseback riding. If you visit this trail in the spring, you will be greeted by a wide variety of butterflies. In late summer, you will be able to pick blackberries along the way.
Length: 11.3 miles
Intensity: Easy
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Indian Ridge Trail
The Indian Ridge Trail is a wonderful area where you will have fun bird-watching. There are a few steep climbs, so you will want to wear shoes with good traction. Look for herds of elk, fantastic views, and wildflowers on the trail during your hike.
Length: 8.9 miles
Intensity: Moderate
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Tiger Canyon
The Tiger Canyon Trail is an out-and-back trail that features a river winding through a pretty forested area. This trail has a couple of nice picnic spots. You will have to cross the creek a couple of times, so be ready for wet feet.
Length: 19.1 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Activities in Umatilla National Forest
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Identifying Flora and Fauna
The forested areas are made up of mostly grand fir and Douglas fir. You will also see some Ponderosa pine and other smaller trees. If you visit the forest just after the snow melts, you will see stunning displays of wildflowers.
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Fishing
The forest offers numerous fishing opportunities for beginners and experienced anglers. You will find rivers, streams, high-elevation lakes, and small ponds surrounded by magnificent scenery. Try your luck at catching Chinook salmon, steelhead, or several species of trout.
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Geocaching
If you are a treasure hunter, the forest does have some geocaches stashed away. Enjoy exploring while you search and then go online to share your adventures with others.
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Nature and Bird Watching
The forest has abundant fish and wildlife habitats. It includes one of the biggest Rocky Mountain elk herds in the country, and you will also see herds of white-tailed and mule deer. Blue and ruffed grouse live near the springs, streams, and rivers.
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Stargazing
Dress warmly and bring a thermos of hot cocoa to check out the stars. The temperatures drop quite a bit after dark. This forest is in a rural area, so the city lights will not interfere with your view of the starry night sky.
How to get to Umatilla National Forest
Address: 72510 Coyote Road, Pendleton, OR 97801
Fee: Day Pass Fee $5.0
Fee: Annual Pass Fee $30.0
The Umatilla National Forest is a perfect picture of the old Wild West days. The arid forested area is home to three different wilderness areas where you may spot moose, bighorn sheep, black bear, and more. It is a beautiful area for hiking, fishing, and exploring different habitats. Since the forest covers more than a million acres, traveling by RV means you can wander throughout the area without worrying about having a comfortable place to sleep.
Frequently Asked Questions About Umatilla National Forest
What is the closest town to Umatilla National Forest?
One of the closest towns to the Umatilla National Forest is Pendleton, Oregon. This town is large enough to have plenty of restaurants, hotels, campgrounds, and stores where you can stock up on supplies for your trip. Pendleton is also a fun town where you can explore Oregon's wild west history.
What type of wildlife lives in Umatilla National Forest?
Wildlife in the Umatilla National Forest includes moose, elk, black bears, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, deer, and wolves. The forest is also home to wild turkeys, grouse, and a variety of other birds plus many fish that swim in the forest lakes and streams.
How many hiking trails does Umatilla National Forest have?
The Umatilla National Forest has hundreds of hiking trails for every level of ability. There are trails for day-hikers, multi-day backpackers, horseback riders, and cyclists throughout the forest.
What is the best time to visit Umatilla National Forest?
Summer is the best time to visit Umatilla National Forest. You can hike, rock climb, mountain bike, and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities.
Winter is also a fun season to visit, and there are downhill ski resorts in the forest where plenty of people enjoy spending the day. Some of the amenities in the forest may not be available in winter, however.
Is Umatilla National Forest open all year round?
Yes, Umatilla National Forest is open year-round. Parts of the forest may be inaccessible in winter, and some of the amenities like water may be turned off in some places during cold weather. However, there are downhill ski areas to enjoy, and plenty of other winter activities like cross-country skiing and snowmobiling to try in the forest.
