Fodor's Expert Review Pendleton Woolen Mills

Pendleton's most significant source of name recognition in the country comes from this mill, home of the trademark wool plaid shirts and colorful woolen Indian blankets. This location is the company's blanket mill; there's also a weaving mill in the Columbia Gorge town of Washougal, Washington, near Portland and about three hours west of Pendleton. If you want to know more about the production process, the company gives 20-minute tours on weekdays at 11 am and 3 pm; reservations are suggested. The mill's retail store stocks blankets, towels, and clothing with good bargains on factory seconds in the back room.