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 is an excerpt from 100 Hikes: Eastern Oregon