| The Umatilla National Forest, located in the Blue Mountains of southeast Washington and northeast Oregon, covers 1.4 million acres of diverse landscapes and plant communities. The Forest has some mountainous terrain, but most of the Forest consists of v-shaped valleys separated by narrow ridges or plateaus.The landscape also includes heavily timbered slopes, grassland ridges and benches, and bold basalt outcroppings. Elevations range from 1,600 to 8,000 feet above sea level. Changes in weather are common, but summers are generally warm and dry with cool evenings. Cold, snowy winters and mild temperatures during spring and fall can be expected.Umatilla is an Indian word meaning "water rippling over sand." Explorers Lewis and Clark passed this way in 1805, and Marcus and Narcissa Whitman crossed the Forest in 1836 to establish a mission near Walla Walla, Washington. Thousands of emigrants followed the Oregon Trail westward, and many remained in Blue Mountain country.A wide variety of recreational opportunities are available on the Umatilla National Forest. Three classified wilderness and three national Wild and Scenic Rivers add their assets to the Forest. Fishing is available in the many creeks, streams, rivers, lakes and reservoirs within the Umatilla National Forest.The Umatilla National Forest provides over 30 campgrounds ranging from primitive to fully developed. Most of the campgrounds are open to both tent and RV camping. Some of the campgrounds provide drinking water, restrooms, and picnic tables.There are hundreds of miles throughout the Forest that are designated to off-road vehicle use. There are also trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. With winter come opportunities for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. |
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