Umatilla National Forest

Umatilla National Forest Review

The 1.4-million-acre Umatilla National Forest has three wilderness areas: the Wenaha-Tucannon, the North Fork Umatilla, and the North Fork John Day, as well as the Blue Mountain Scenic Byway and 22 campgrounds. "Umatilla" is the Indian word for "water rippling over sand." In the Blue Mountains of northeastern Oregon and southeastern Washington, the diverse forest land is found both east and south of Pendleton and extends south almost as far as John Day, where it borders the Malheur National Forest. To the east, it is bordered by the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. Major thoroughfares, including I-84, U.S. 395, and routes 204 and 244, pass through portions of the forest. In the summer months, the Blue Mountain Scenic Byway provides a beautiful way to travel to Baker City from Ukiah or points farther west. A ski area in the Umatilla National Forest, Spout Springs (has an elevation of 4,950 feet at the base, 5,550 feet at the top, and a vertical drop of 550 feet. There are 11 runs and 21 km of Nordic trails, as well as a large freestyle tubing hill., Summit of Hwy. 204 at Tollgate, Milepost 22;, 79327 Highway 204, Weston, 97813. 541/566-0320. www.skispoutsprings.com. Day ski passes $30 adult, $25 ages 12-17, $20 children 5-11. Winter, as per conditions, call for hours)