Pendleton is a city with stories to tell, from early European settlers braving the Oregon Trail to the ranchers, cowboys and missionaries following in their footsteps. Intertwined with their stories are those of the natives who’ve called the area home since time immemorial – the Umatilla, Cayuse, Walla Walla and other tribal groups.
The Umatilla name graces both the river that bisects the city and the surrounding county itself. The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla are deeply invested in the area’s present (and future), running many of the town’s businesses and the nearby Wildhorse Resort & Casino. The surrounding country is gorgeous, with the Blue Mountains rising in the southeast and the mighty Columbia river curving in from Washington to the northwest.
Come to Pendleton and you’ll understand why more than a few early travelers on the Oregon Trail doubled back after reaching the Pacific, returning to the area to create the town that would eventually become Pendleton.
Where is Pendleton?
Located at the base of the beautiful Blue Mountains in Eastern Oregon, Pendleton sits nearly equidistant between Portland and Boise on Interstate 84. Pendleton is serviced by daily flights between Portland (PDX) and Eastern Oregon Regional Airport (PDT).
Why Come to Pendleton?
Pendleton is way more than just a Rodeo Town. Pendleton has vibrant art scene, visit-worthy venues, well-preserved architecture, excellent restaurants and so much more. A stroll around downtown Pendleton illustrates the town’s cultural melange. Renovated buildings house shops selling antiques and handcrafted items next to galleries offering paintings by local artists (and classes taught by the artists themselves), dive bars where locals chat over beer and whiskey down the block from upscale eateries offering wine and chocolate pairings, and a plethora of shops selling hand-crafted cowboy attire and native jewelry.
Heading outside of town itself takes you to the Umatilla Reservation, home to Oregon’s largest casino and the Tamastslikt Cultural Institute, whose exhibits tell the stories of the Confederated Tribes and of pioneer settlement through the eyes of the area’s first peoples.
Visiting Pendleton – What to Know
Pendleton’s Whiskeyfest and Round-up week (also known as Rodeo Week) are massive events, so unless you’ve got a local friend with a spare room, book your accommodations well in advance. RV parking is also an option during peak season!
Pendleton Underground Tours offers the Pacific Northwest’s largest, most thoroughly restored Underground tunnel system replete with artifacts dating back to the 19th century. They offer kid-friendly tours and slightly racier adults only tours, so be sure to book in advance!
The Wildhorse Resort & Casino offers plenty of kid-friendly activities, including arcade games, a jungle gym, bowling lanes, a multi-screen movie theater and more. There’s also a good food court and a few top-notch restaurants.
The Pendleton Bronze Trail is a series of 20 statues (the majority are on Main Street) telling stories of the town’s colorful past.
Pendleton’s residential North Hill contains dozens of historic homes marked with plaques, some of which date into the 19th century. Keep hiking uphill and you’ll reach a high plateau with panoramic views of the Blue Mountains.
The Pendleton Library puts on its annual live action cemetery touron the second weekend in October, featuring local actors playing the roles of historic figures.
The Pendleton Adventure Trails offers 18 miles of well-maintained trails perfect for mountain biking, motocross and horseback riding. Most local cyclists start early during summer months to avoid the heat. Check out https://www.pendletononwheels.org/cycling-rides-routes/ for more information about Cycling in Pendleton!
The Pendleton Center for the Arts features rotating exhibits from artists around the region and offers visitors the chance to purchase works by local makers.
