Things To Do
in Pendleton
Pendleton is a charming city located in Umatilla County, Oregon, known for its rich history and cultural heritage. It is famous for the Pendleton Round-Up, one of the largest rodeos in the country, held annually since 1910. The city is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, including the Blue Mountains and the Umatilla National Forest, offering ample outdoor recreational opportunities.
With a vibrant downtown area featuring historic architecture, local shops, and dining options, Pendleton offers a welcoming and nostalgic small-town atmosphere for residents and visitors alike.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $80 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Pendleton Underground Tours, where you can learn about the town's fascinating history. The guided tour will take you into the hidden tunnels beneath the city.
Grab lunch at a local café and then head to the Pendleton Woolen Mills for a tour of the textile factory. Witness the intricate process of wool weaving and pick up a souvenir blanket.
Enjoy a delicious dinner at a downtown restaurant featuring local cuisine. Afterward, catch a live show at a nearby theater or enjoy a peaceful stroll along the riverfront.
Begin your day with a hike at the Umatilla National Forest, where you can enjoy stunning views and fresh air. Bring along a picnic breakfast to savor amidst nature.
Explore the scenic landscapes on a mountain biking trail or go horseback riding in the forest. In the afternoon, unwind by fishing at a nearby river.
Head back into town for a barbecue dinner at a local grill. Conclude your day by watching the sunset over the mountains.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Small-town charm with a close-knit community
- Beautiful natural scenery and outdoor recreational opportunities, including nearby mountains and rivers
- Rich history and cultural heritage, with events and festivals celebrating local traditions
- Affordable cost of living compared to larger cities
- Access to quality education and family-friendly amenities
- Limited job opportunities in certain fields, requiring commuting for some positions
- Fewer entertainment options and amenities than larger urban areas
- Potential for harsh weather conditions, especially in winter months
- Limited access to healthcare facilities compared to metropolitan areas
- Transportation options may be limited, making car ownership essential
Best Activities in Pendleton
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the scenic trails at Bobcat Rim, offering breathtaking views of the Umatilla National Forest and various wildlife sightings.
Try your luck fishing in the Umatilla River, where you can catch trout and other fish species in a picturesque outdoor setting.
Set up camp at McKay Reservoir, a perfect spot for fishing, kayaking, and enjoying the beautiful natural surroundings.
Enjoy a leisurely ride or a brisk walk along the Pendleton River Walk path, which offers stunning views of the river and landscapes.
Visit the Umatilla National Wildlife Refuge to observe a variety of bird species in their natural habitat, ideal for nature lovers.
Take a guided horseback ride through the Blue Mountains, where you can experience the trails and beautiful vistas.
Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting on the Grand Ronde River, suitable for both beginners and experienced rafters.
Tours
Uncover the best of Pendleton with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Pendleton
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and landscape.
Has scenic vistas of the Blue Mountains and the city of Pendleton.
Provides picturesque views of the Umatilla River and the surrounding countryside.
Offers beautiful views of the Columbia River and the surrounding natural scenery.
Food in Pendleton
Pendleton Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A quintessential Pendleton dish, this unique sausage showcases the local huckleberries and the rich, lean flavor of elk meat. It can be found at local diners and specialty food stores like Pendleton Country Market.
Must-Try!
A Native American-inspired dish that features a crispy, fluffy fry bread topped with savory taco fillings. Don't miss out on this delicious treat at local powwows or the famous Rainbow Cafe.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Pendleton better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This vibrant market offers a plethora of fresh produce, handcrafted foods, and local delicacies. Be sure to sample the artisanal cheeses, freshly baked bread, and seasonal fruits.
For an authentic taste of Pendleton on the go, head to the Hamley Steakhouse food truck where you can savor mouthwatering steak sandwiches, BBQ dishes, and more.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Pendleton has a rich history intertwined with Native American culture, particularly the Umatilla Tribe. It is important to show respect for their traditions, attend cultural events, and support local indigenous businesses.
Participating in local events and community gatherings is valued in Pendleton. Showing interest in community projects and being open to meeting residents can foster positive relationships.
Residents of Pendleton appreciate polite conversation and friendly demeanor. Using courteous language, making eye contact, and greeting people warmly are essential in maintaining respectful interactions.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Pendleton with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Pendleton
Ensure a smooth experience
In Pendleton, as in much of the United States, tipping is common in the service industry. It is customary to tip around 15-20% of the total bill in restaurants, depending on the quality of service. Bartenders typically receive a dollar per drink or 15-20% of the tab, while delivery drivers commonly expect a tip of 10-20%. Tipping is considered a way to show appreciation for good service.
Payment methods in Pendleton include cash, debit and credit cards, and increasingly popular mobile payment options. Most businesses accept major credit cards, and it is common to see contactless payment options. In some smaller establishments, cash might still be preferred. Additionally, there are ATMs available for cash withdrawals.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Pendleton.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is a great time to visit Pendleton as the weather is mild and the surrounding landscape is blooming with wildflowers. Outdoor activities such as hiking and exploring the nearby national parks are popular during this season.
Summer in Pendleton is warm and dry, making it perfect for exploring the outdoor attractions like rivers, lakes, and the nearby Blue Mountains. The town also hosts the Pendleton Round-Up, a famous rodeo event, during this time.
Fall brings cooler temperatures and the vibrant colors of changing leaves to Pendleton. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as fall foliage tours and wine tasting at the local vineyards.
Winter in Pendleton can be cold and snowy, but it's a great time for winter sports enthusiasts to visit. Nearby ski areas offer opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and other snow-related activities.
Pendleton at Night
Hiking in Pendleton
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A vast area offering numerous trails for hiking, with beautiful forest landscapes and scenic views.
A hiking trail that provides a challenging trek with rewarding views from the summit.
A popular trail for both hiking and backpacking, featuring stunning canyon views and diverse wildlife.
A moderate trail that winds through a beautiful canyon landscape, ideal for a day hike.
Offers a more rugged hiking experience with opportunities for wildlife sighting and panoramic views.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Pendleton through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Pendleton by plane.
Located approximately 250 miles northwest of Pendleton, SEA serves as a major gateway for international flights to and from the Pacific Northwest.
About 215 miles to the west of Pendleton, PDX is the largest airport in Oregon and offers numerous international flight options.
Approximately 220 miles northeast of Pendleton, GEG serves the Spokane area and offers various international destinations.
Located around 280 miles to the southeast of Pendleton, BOI provides both domestic and some international flight services.
Situated about 450 miles south of Pendleton, RNO connects to several international destinations, especially to and from California.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in Pendleton, primarily consisting of non-Hispanic whites.
A significant portion of the population, including individuals of various ethnic backgrounds.
A smaller demographic group, contributing to the cultural diversity of Pendleton.
Comprises individuals with Native American ancestry, reflecting the region's heritage.
This group includes various Asian ethnicities, representing a smaller fraction of the population.
Individuals identifying with multiple racial backgrounds, contributing to the area's diversity.
The Soul of Pendleton
Discover the essence of Pendleton through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A fast-paced sport played on a rectangular court where two teams of five players each try to score points by shooting a ball through the opposing team's hoop.
A team sport played on a rectangular field where two teams compete to score points by carrying or kicking a ball into the opposing team's end zone.
A bat-and-ball game played between two teams of nine players each, with the goal of scoring runs by hitting a thrown ball and running around a series of bases.
A team sport played between two teams of eleven players each, where the objective is to score goals by getting a ball into the opposing team's net using any part of the body except the hands and arms.
A collective group of sporting events that involve running, jumping, and throwing, often held in an outdoor stadium.
A combat sport that involves grappling techniques such as clinch fighting, throws, and takedowns, often contested in a ring.
A sport where teams and individuals run a race over natural terrain, typically featuring a variety of distances.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Pendleton.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many eateries in Pendleton offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes. Check out Ember's Brewhouse for their sumptuous vegan burgers and diverse vegetarian choices.
Visitors with gluten restrictions can enjoy a variety of gluten-free options at local establishments like Sundown Grill, where they serve gluten-free pancakes and sandwiches to cater to such dietary needs.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Pendleton with these cultural adventures.