North Fork Umatilla River

North Fork Umatilla Wilderness from Coyote Ridge Trail

  • Easy (to Coyote Creek)
  • 5.4 miles round trip
  • 350 feet elevation gain
  • Open except in winter storms
  • Use: hikers, horses


  • Moderate (to Coyote Ridge)
  • 11 miles round trip
  • 1050 feet elevation gain
  • Open April through November

In Pendleton’s backyard, the North Fork Umatilla Wilderness resembles a one-third-scale version of Hells Canyon, with jagged canyons carved into tablelands of Columbia River basalt lava. The smaller scale of this canyon makes it better suited for day trips. Even hikers with children can handle the 2.7-mile walk to Coyote Creek. And by adding a 2.8-mile climb you gain a viewpoint.

Start by driving …

This chapter taken from the book 100 Hikes/Travel Guide: Eastern Oregon.