Attractions and Places To See around Umatilla - Top 5

Umatilla, Oregon, offers a wealth of natural beauty. You can visit the Umatilla National Wildlife Refuge for wildlife and bird watching, or enjoy the Columbia River for boating, fishing, and kayaking. The expansive Umatilla National Forest provides opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing, including specific spots like Jubilee Lake and the Umatilla River Trail. Don't miss Hat Rock State Park for distinctive landscapes and hiking.

Yes, Umatilla has a rich history. Explore the Old Townsite of Umatilla, a protected area with archaeological significance, offering a glimpse into the region's early days. The Umatilla Museum & Historical Foundation preserves and educates about local history, including Native American tribes and the Oregon Trail. You can also learn about hydropower and salmon at the McNary Lock & Dam.

Families can enjoy various activities. McNary Park features sports fields, a playground, and a swimming pool. The Umatilla National Wildlife Refuge and Umatilla National Forest offer accessible trails and opportunities for wildlife spotting that children often enjoy. The Pacific Salmon Visitor Information Center at McNary Lock & Dam provides educational exhibits suitable for all ages.

For hiking, the Umatilla National Forest is an excellent choice, featuring trails like the Umatilla River Trail which offers scenic views. Within the forest, Jubilee Lake has a popular 2.6-mile loop trail. The Umatilla National Wildlife Refuge and Hat Rock State Park also provide scenic hiking opportunities. For more outdoor activities, consider exploring the areas around the Columbia River.

The Columbia River is central to water activities in Umatilla. You can enjoy boating, fishing, and kayaking, with direct access available at McNary Marina Park. Jubilee Lake within the Umatilla National Forest is also popular for boating and fishing, and Clearwater Lake Recreation Area offers swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing.

Absolutely. The Umatilla Museum & Historical Foundation is dedicated to preserving the history of Umatilla. A short drive away, in Pendleton, the Heritage Station – Umatilla County Historical Society Museum offers a journey through time with historic buildings. For Native American heritage, the Tamástslikt Cultural Institute on the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Reservation provides interactive exhibits.

The best time to visit Umatilla for outdoor activities is generally from late spring through early autumn (May to October). During these months, the weather is typically mild and pleasant, ideal for hiking, boating, and exploring natural areas like the Umatilla National Forest and the Columbia River. Summer also brings community events like Umatilla Landing Days and the Rock the Locks Music Festival.

The Umatilla National Wildlife Refuge is a prime location for wildlife and bird watching, home to burrowing owls, badgers, deer, and various migratory birds. The McNary Wildlife Nature Area, east of Umatilla, also provides important habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife around its ponds and sloughs. The vast Umatilla National Forest is also rich in diverse wildlife.

Yes, Hat Rock State Park features a distinctive rock outcropping that was noted by Lewis and Clark, offering stunning landscapes and views along the Columbia River. The Umatilla National Forest itself provides numerous viewpoints across its diverse terrain, including narrow ridges, plateaus, and river canyons. The Umatilla River Trail also offers excellent views of the canyon.

Umatilla hosts several community events. The Umatilla County Fair is an annual highlight. Other events include Whisky Flats Days and Umatilla Landing Days, a two-day summer event with fireworks and live entertainment. The Rock the Locks Music Festival is a major attraction, and the Umatilla Saturday Market runs from early May to mid-autumn, offering local vendors and live music.

Yes, camping is available, particularly within the Umatilla National Forest. Jubilee Lake is a popular spot for camping. The Clearwater Lake Recreation Area also offers 42 breezy, shaded campsites at Clearwater Lake Campground, complete with bathhouses and showers. The Wenaha River Access Point within the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness provides great camping access along the Wenaha River.

The McNary Lock & Dam is a significant site on the Columbia River. Visitors can learn about the life cycle of salmon and the history of hydropower at the Pacific Salmon Visitor Information Center located there. It plays a crucial role in navigation, power generation, and fish passage in the region.