Local Places of Interest

Whether you are here for a visit or for a life time, the areas in and around Umatilla is full of fun, historical, and beautiful places to visit.  The State of Oregon Visitor Center in Umatilla, is a resource to local, as well as regional, and state-wide places to visit.  These listed here are but a few.  Days and hours of operation vary according to season for some activities.  Calling ahead for clarification is recommended. 

McNary Dam and Locks  - This dam on the Columbia River: opened in 1954. Visit the powerhouse, navigation lock, visitor center, and the fish viewing center. Self-guided tours year round, with seasonal guided tours. Access to the navigation locks in Washington via Interstate I-82.  East of I-82 at Hwy. 395 and Hwy 730, Umatilla  541-922-4388

Pacific Salmon Information Center -  Housed in the juvenile salmon bypass and transportation facility at McNary Lock & Dam.  You can learn about the life cycle of the salmon and the struggle to ensure their survival with computer exhibits and videos.  There are fish viewing windows, tours of the powerhouse, and wonderful nature trails where you can see a variety of wildlife.  For more information call McNary Dam, Umatilla, 922-4388.

Hat Rock State Park -  Hat Rock State Park, located off U.S. Highway 730 nine miles east of Umatilla, lies on the south shore of Lake Wallula behind McNary Dam on the Columbia River. Hat Rock was the first distinctive landmark passed by the Lewis and Clark Expedition on their journey down the Columbia, and is one of the few remaining sites not underwater.

Umatilla Museum -  Photos, quilts, Native American Artifacts, and items featuring Eastern Oregon's oldest community. Old Umatilla City Hall, Highway 730

Columbia Center Mall - Columbia Center Boulevard, Kennewick, WA. 509-783-2108 

Columbia Crest Winery - Columbia Crest Winery in Paterson, Washington is just minutes away.  It is open for public cellar tours and wine tasting.  Designed as a French country estate, the Patterson facility reflects old world charm while maintaining a working winery with the latest in win making technology.  Set amid more that 2,000 acres of premium European style vinifera vines such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Johannisburg Riesling, and Chardonnay, the Patterson winery reflects Columbia Crest's dedication to the growth of the Northwest wine industry.

Broadmoor Outlet Mall -  I-182 Exit 7, Pasco, WA; 509-544-6168

Umatilla Wildlife Refuge - Between Irrigon and Boardman via Hwy 730 922-3232

Umatilla Fish Hatchery - This hatchery produces fall and spring Chinook and summer Steelhead. Located adjacent to Irrigon Fish Hatchery, it is a part of the Irrigon/Umatilla complex. Umatilla Hatchery rears a portion of its fish production in unique ponds. These ponds are called "Michigan Ponds", patterned after those used in Michigan and are new to this state. Good fishing is available at the hatchery out fall.  Directions: Take exit 168 off I-84; take Hwy. 730 to Patterson Ferry Rd.; turn north on Patterson Ferry Rd. to the Columbia River and hatchery.  541-922-5659

Irrigon Fish Hatchery - This Steelhead hatchery is located very close to the Columbia River and offers a visitors' center as well as wildlife viewing and a show pond for sturgeon. There is a picnic table by the river and good fishing at the hatchery out fall. Directions: Take exit 168 Off I-84; take Hwy. 730 to hatchery sign; turn on W. 8th Street; travel north to Columbia River and hatchery. Irrigon 541-922-5732

Morrow County Courthouse - Built of blue stone in 1902, the historic Heppner landmark is one of the most impressive courthouses in Oregon. Heppner 541-676-9061 (Courthouse)

Morrow County Museum - Heppner 541-676-5524 (Museum)

Blue Mountain Scenic Byway - Set out from the Byway's western portal at Heppner Junction - and Hermiston - and prepare for a history lesson.  Willow Creek, near the town of Cecil, was a popular stopping place along the Oregon Trail.  Oregon Route 74 continues southeast along the creek, through wheat and canola fields and ranches, to the agricultural communities of Ione and Lexington. These towns, which began as sheep stations, still maintain classic examples of frontier architecture.

Four-Mile Canyon Site - The Bureau of Land Management maintains the center, which overlooks a chasm created by the covered wagons traveling west on the Oregon Trail.  5 miles south of Arlington on Hwy 19.  No services on site.

John Day Fossil Beds National Monument - Visitor Center: 6 miles west of Dayville, off Hwy 26. - Visitor Center: 6 miles west of Dayville, off Hwy 26. 541-987-2333

Maryhill Museum - Beautiful art in a scenic setting overlooking the Columbia River.  I-84 west to Biggs. Cross the Columbia River on Highway 97, West to Washington Highway to Maryhill WA. 509-773-3733.

Echo National Museum - Located in a bank building listed on the National Registrar of Historic Places. Pioneer relics, Native American artifacts, historic photographs, documents and farm implements. Open seasonally and by appointment. Main Street, Echo, 541-386-8411.

Fort Henrietta - City of Echo, 17 miles south east of Umatilla, just 1 mile south of I-84. Echo City Hall 376-8411

Pendleton Underground Tours -   Pendleton Underground Tours go underground with a nostalgic tour of Pendleton's wilder side and a lively look at our infamous and entertaining past. Step back 100 years into rowdy cowboy card rooms and tunnels that were once inhabited by Chinese workers. Or enjoy a tasteful tour of an authentic old west brothel. No town has a more colorful past.  37 SW Emigrant, Pendleton 276-0730 or 1-800-226-6398

Pendleton Woolen Mills - 1307 SE Court Place, Pendleton 276-6911

Umatilla County Historical Society Museum - 108 SW Frazier, Pendleton 276-0012

Tamastslikt Cultural Institute - I-84 exit 216, Pendleton 1-800-654-WILD

Pendleton Round-Up Hall of Fame - SW Court Ave. Pendleton, 541-278-0815

Children's Museum of Eastern Oregon - 400 S. Main St. Pendleton, 541-276-1066

Pendleton Family Aquatic Center -  Seasonal - Pendleton  541-276-0104

Whitman Mission - National Historic Site commemorating the life of Marcus and Narcissa Whitman, and a Protestant mission for the Cayuse Indians. Self-guided trails, slide show, seasonal pioneer demonstrations. Highway 12, 7 miles west of Walla Walla. 509-529-2761

Oregon Trail Interpretive Park - Traces of the trail, interpretive panels, radio broadcast of wagon trail sounds for those who slow down and travel at wagon speed.  I-84 Spring Creek Exit 248 12 miles west of La Grande 

Oregon Trail Interpretive Center - Oregon Highway 86, Baker City  541 523-1843                                                   

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