Umatilla National Forest, National forest in Oregon, United States
Umatilla National Forest is a national forest in Oregon, United States, covering over 1.4 million acres (about 5,700 square kilometers) across the Blue Mountains. It features rolling hills, deep canyons, and patches of old-growth forest, with elevations ranging from about 1,500 to 9,000 feet (450 to 2,700 meters).
Umatilla National Forest was established in 1908 by President Theodore Roosevelt. It was later expanded and managed for multiple uses, including timber, recreation, and wildlife habitat.
The forest is named after the Umatilla River, which comes from a Native American word. Today, it is a place where people come to hike, fish, and camp, and some areas are used by tribes for traditional activities.
Visitors can access the forest via several highways and forest roads, but some areas are remote and require a vehicle with good clearance. Check weather conditions before heading out, as mountain roads can be snowy in winter and some trails are only open seasonally.
The forest contains the North Fork John Day Wilderness, a large roadless area with rugged terrain. It is also home to a population of mountain goats, which are often seen on rocky slopes.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 94,512 contributors worldwide.