Explore Pendleton, Oregon
Located east of the Cascade Range, Pendleton, Oregon has a population of 17,107 and is the county seat of Umatilla County. Pendleton was established as a stop along the Oregon Trail by Dr. William C. McKay, and he built a log cabin there in 1847.
McKay was working for the Hudson's Bay Company to provide medical care for its employees and customers at Fort Vancouver. McKay helped establish Pendleton as a supply stop on the trail between Fort Vancouver and Fort Hall in Idaho. In 1855, McKay built a gristmill and sawmill on his land claim near Pendleton. These mills provided much-needed supplies for settlers traveling along the trail.
With the establishment of these mills, Pendleton became an important stopping point for pioneers headed west. Pendleton officially became a city in 1888, with about 700 people. The city continued to grow steadily throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its success was due largely to woolen mills that produced fine-quality wool fabrics. These wools were shipped all over the world.
Some of Pendleton's most popular tourist destinations include the Pendleton Woolen Mills, the Pendleton Round-Up, and the Tamastslikt Cultural Institute. The Pendleton Woolen Mills offers a unique shopping experience for visitors and still operates using traditional methods. The Pendleton Round-Up is an annual rodeo that has been held in the city since 1910. The Tamastslikt Cultural Institute is a museum that tells the story of the Native American people who have lived in the area for centuries.
Campgrounds Near Pendleton, Oregon
Columbia Sun RV Resort offers the perfect place to stay in Kennewick, Washington. This pet-friendly campground offers more than 125 sites that can accommodate up to 50 amps for your RV or camper.
Wright's Desert Gold is an excellent choice for large groups. Guests can choose to stay in the camper or rent a room for the night. Such benefits are especially useful for families traveling with children. A relaxing hot tub is also available in the pool area.
Are you looking for a quiet space to settle down and get some rest? Look no further than Franklin County RV Park. This locals-favorite RV spot offers clean restroom facilities, great spaces to pitch a tent, and seven huge motorhome spaces. Plus, if golf is your thing, this campground should top your list as it is just down the street from one of the most popular golf courses in town.
State Parks Near Pendleton, Oregon
Wanapum State Park is located on the Columbia River in Washington State. The park is home to the Wanapum Dam, built in the 1960s. The dam is 2,000 feet long and 185 feet high, impounding the reservoir behind it. The reservoir behind the dam is Wanapum Lake, a popular spot for fishing, swimming, and boating. The park also has hiking trails, picnicking areas, and a campground.
Wallowa Lake State Park is located in Oregon's Wallowa Mountains and is adjacent to the Eagle Cap Wilderness. It is a popular destination for camping, hiking, fishing, and swimming. The park features a beautiful lake surrounded by mountains, forests, and meadows. Several trails wind through the park, providing stunning views of the scenery.
Potholes State Park is a 4,000-acre camping and day-use park located in the Columbia Basin of central Washington. The park features a large reservoir with boating and fishing opportunities, as well as hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails. The potholes — deep, water-filled depressions scoured out by glaciers during the last Ice Age — are a geological curiosity. Today, they provide a haven for migratory birds and other wildlife. Visitors to Potholes State Park can enjoy various activities, including camping, picnicking, swimming, boating, and fishing. There are also several miles of hiking and biking trails that wind through the park's diverse landscape.
National Sites Near Pendleton, Oregon
Whitman Mission National Historic Site commemorates the lives of Marcus and Narcissa Whitman. They were early missionaries to the Cayuse people of what is now southeastern Washington state. The Whitmans established a mission near present-day Walla Walla in 1836. Over the next decade, they worked to learn the Cayuse language and culture and to spread Christianity among the Cayuse people. In 1847, a measles epidemic struck the Cayuse people, decimating their population. Today, Whitman Mission National Historic Site includes a visitor center with exhibits on the Whitmans' lives and work and the history of Native Americans in the region.
John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is famous worldwide for its extensive fossil record. The fossils at the monument represent a wide range of Cenozoic Era plants and animals, including many that are now extinct. The fossils on display at the monument shed light on the evolution of life on Earth as well as the changing climate of our planet over time. Scientists worldwide come to study the fossils here. Tourists visit the monument to see the incredible fossils and learn about the history of our planet.
The Oregon National Historic Trail covers half a dozen states and comprises more than 2,000 miles. Originally, the trail became a popular route for families heading to the American West because it was a bit easier to travel than other options. Still, the trail took travelers an average of 10 months to complete. Today, the Oregon National Historic Trail is a popular RVing destination that passes by several historic sites. Some of the popular sites along the Oregon portion include the Larch Mountain hiking trail and Mount Hood Railroad. The trail is also near several great RV campgrounds.
National Forests Near Pendleton, Oregon
Umatilla National Forest, located in northeastern Oregon, features a beautiful and diverse landscape. The forest is home to a variety of plant and animal life and offers several recreational opportunities. Umatilla National Forest is divided into two main sections: the North Fork and the South Fork. The North Fork is characterized by its dense forests and rocky terrain, while the South Fork is more open and rolling. Both forks offer a variety of hiking, camping, fishing, and other outdoor activities. Umatilla National Forest is important to the state's natural heritage. It provides a habitat for a wide range of wildlife, including several endangered and threatened species.
Malheur National Forest is located in the Blue Mountains of Oregon and encompasses 1.4 million acres. The forest is home to elk, deer, bighorn sheep, cougars, and black bears. More than 400 species of birds also live in Malheur National Forest. The forest is popular with hikers, campers, and fishermen. There are more than 500 miles of trails that wind through the forest. Many of these trails offer stunning views of the Cascade Mountains and Mount Hood. Fishing is also popular in Malheur National Forest, as there are more than 30 lakes and streams stocked with trout.
Ochoco National Forest is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts of all stripes. With towering mountains, verdant groves of trees, and pristine rivers, it's no wonder this region is popular with hikers, campers, and anglers. But Ochoco National Forest is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and black bears. And with more than 100 miles of trails crisscrossing the landscape, there's plenty of opportunity to see all the forest has to offer.
