Oregon Travel Council | Page 86

ASHWOOD (GHOST TOWN) Thirty-two miles northeast of Madras, this turn-of-the-twentieth century gold and silver boomtown is now considered a ghost town. The Ashwood area was first inhabited by the Native American Sahaptin and Northern Paiute people. In the 1870s, settlers moved into the area to raise cattle and sheep. The area has an abundance of petrified wood, jasper, and thundereggs, making it a popular stop for rock and mineral enthusiasts. BOARDMAN Incorporated in 1927, Boardman is home to just over 3,000 people. This agricultural community, located along Interstate 84, is a major hub for the transportation of manufactured goods. The Boardman area offers excellent hunting and fishing opportunities as well as recreation such as water sports and scenic views of the Columbia River along paved walking trails. For more information, contact: Boardman Chamber of Commerce PO Box 1, 206 N Main | Boardman, Oregon 97818 [phone] www.boardmanchamber.org CONDON This city in Gilliam County is home to just under 1,000 people. Condon is known for its historic main street, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Annual events include the Tumbleweed Basketball Tournament, the Fabulous 4th, the Fall Festival, and the Robert Burns event which honors the area’s Scottish heritage. For more information, contact: Condon Chamber of Commerce 116 S Main Street • PO Box 315 Condon, Oregon 97823 [phone] [email protected] condonchamber.org HEPPNER Heppner, the county seat of Morrow County, was originally known as Stansbury Flat but changed to honor Henry Heppner, a Jewish pioneer who opened the town’s first general store in 1873. Today, it’s home to about 1,500 people. The town was nearly destroyed by a flash flood in 1903. Heppner is well known for hosting the annual “A Wee Bit O’Ireland” celebration around St. Patrick’s Day. For more information, contact: Heppner Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 1232 | Heppner, Oregon 97836 [phone] www.heppnerchamber.org HERMISTON Hermiston, located near the junction of Interstates 82 and 84 seven miles south of the Columbia River, is a city in Umatilla County. The area is known for its abundant sunshine and rela84 tive low precipitation. Annual events include the Farm City Pro Rodeo and Umatilla County Fair. Hermiston is home to a quarter mile circle track that is the site for annual racing events. For more information, contact: Hermiston Chamber of Commerce 415 S HWY 395 • PO Box 185 Hermiston, Oregon 97838 [phone] www.hermistonchamber.com JOHN DAY Named for the nearby John Day River, which was named for a Virginian member of the 1811 Astor Expedition, John Day is a close-knit community with abundant recreational opportunities. Enjoy fishing in the John Day River, hunting, hiking on various trails, or tour the local shops. PENDLETON Pendleton was named after George H. Pendleton, Democratic candidate for Vice-President in 1864. The area is known for short, cool winters and hot summers. Annual events include the Pendleton Round-Up, which was started in 1910. Local arts institutions include the Pendleton Center for the Arts. Since 2002, The Pendleton Farmers’ Market has run annually from mid-May through mid-October. For more information, contact: Pendleton Chamber of Commerce 501 S Main St. Pendleton, OR 97801 [phone] www.pendletonchamber.com PILOT ROCK Named for its prominent basalt rock formation, this timber and agricultural community with just under 1,600 residents is about 15 miles south of Pendleton. “The Rock,” as it is known to locals, can be seen from the base of the Blue Mountains on a clear day. The town’s annual Community Days takes place in August, featuring a variety of events including a bake sale, show & shine, and beer garden. UMATILLA Named for the Umatilla River which enters the Columbia, this city is home to about 6,500 people. Incorporated in 1864, it was a major trade and distribution center during the gold rush of the 1860s and 70s. In 1968, the city was moved to higher ground due to the expected flooding from the building of the John Day Lock and Dam. The city includes several parks, including the 40-acre Nugent Park which features a boat ramp along the shores of the Umatilla River. For more information, contact: Umatilla Chamber of Commerce 100 Cline Ave. | Umatilla, Oregon 97882 [phone] www.umatillaoregonchamber.org OREGON TRAVEL AND RECREATION GUIDE