This wilderness area is located in the northern Blue Mountains of northeastern Oregon and encompasses 20,144 acres in Umatilla and Union counties. The North Fork Umatilla Wilderness, located 30 miles east of Pendleton, 15 miles south of McKuster Ranch is the smallest wilderness in northeast Oregon. But this little wilderness feels much bigger for those who take the time to trek into the heart of the area and fully experience its variety of terrain and vegetation. Visitors find the area peaceful, yet challenging and enjoyable from early spring through late fall. Hunting, hiking, and equestrian use are important activities occurring in the wilderness.

Added to the Wilderness Preservation System on June 26, 1984, the North Fork Umatilla Wilderness is relatively new. One of the major driving forces behind this wilderness designation was the production of high-quality water from the North Fork Umatilla River.

The North Fork Umatilla River supports sizeable runs of anadromous fish, which makes this area a popular spot for anglers. There are also several streams within the wilderness that contain native trout, and a few streams support spawning steelhead.

The wilderness is characterized by terrain that varies from gentle, sloping hills to extremely steep, timbered canyons. The elevation in the area ranges from 2,000 to 6,000 feet, assuring a good workout for hikers and equestrians using the 27-mile trail system. The wild, unpredictable weather of the Blue Mountains also adds to the challenge anytime of the year.

If you enjoy hunting and spotting wildlife, the North Fork Umatilla Wilderness supports a good wildlife population. Since the elevation is relatively low, the trail system opens up early in the season, providing opportunities for spring hiking and horseback-riding trips.

Shuttle service for the North Fork Umatilla Wilderness Area depends on how much time you have, there are two ways to get there from McKuster Ranch.
1) To ride into the No. Fork Umatilla Wilderness we will shuttle you to Harris Park/ BLM trailhead. At that point you will follow the South Fork to the Target Meadows Trail, which takes you to the Tollgate area. Consider having lunch at the Tollgate Store. From the Tollgate Store you will then travel about 200 yards along Hwy 204 to access the North Fork Wilderness trailhead. You will then follow this trail through the wilderness to Corporation, just below the forks of the Umatilla River -or-
2) We will shuttle you to the No. Fork Umatilla Wilderness Area trailhead just off Hwy. 204 at Tollgate.
From that point the wilderness trail will take you to the forks of the Umatilla River, just outside of the wilderness area near Corporation, our pickup point.
Shuttle fee for either of these rides is $75-US.

Umatilla National Forest Wilderness Areas

Here is a listing of other local trails in the Umatilla National Forest you might be interested in riding.

Last update: October 2004
Web master: D. McKain
Web design: mckaincomputergraphics