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The Trails

The Trails

Charm Trail:

Create a one-of-a-kind souvenir of your visit to Pendleton as you follow the Charm Trail through town. Begin your journey by picking up a bracelet & signature charm at a Trailhead (Pendleton Chamber, Heritage Station, Woolen Mills. St. Anthony’s Gift Shop, & the Pendleton KOA) for $6. Then visit each Stop around Pendleton & add other charms for just $2.50 each to complete your bracelet. Follow the trail in any order, & have a charming experience.

Bronze Trail:

Stroll through Pendleton & encounter the city’s iconic bronze statues & public art pieces. Embark on this walking tour to take part in Pendleton’s creative spirit.

Sticker Trail:

Stop by the Pendleton Chamber of Commerce to get your own tumbler, if you don’t already have one, & start collecting at the Sticker Stops!

Mural Trail:

Take a walk (or a drive) & see many of the beautiful murals in Pendleton! Many can be found downtown along the Bronze Trail.

 

Maps Coming Soon!

Three Days in Pendleton



LET ’ER BUCK IN PENDLETON!

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YOUR PERFECT 3-DAY ITINERARY

Despite its stature as one of Eastern Oregon’s largest cities, weighing in at 17,000 people, Pendleton holds onto its small-town charm and has no shortage of personality. Fueled by wide open spaces, majestic mountain ranges, and the spirit of the wild west, the town provides instant gratification for those looking to escape the metropolitan bustle for a good old-fashioned time. Built on the hard work of Oregon Trail pioneers, rodeo riders, proprietors, and a lot of grit, there’s a vibe you can’t quite put your finger on. And the best way to understand it is to head out to Pendleton and experience it for yourself. To get you started, we’ve put together an easy three-day itinerary where you’ll find your fill of where to stay, what to eat and drink, and plenty of good times.

YOU HAVE ARRIVED AT YOUR FINAL DESTINATION

Located just off Interstate 84, traveling to Pendleton by car couldn’t be easier. A straight shot at just over three hours from Portland to the west, and just under three and a half hours from Boise to the east, it’s an easy destination for your next adventure.

 

For those who prefer flying, the Pendleton Airport offers three daily round-trip flights from Portland, which makes it easy to turn that work trip into a weekend getaway, or a hassle-free, car-free escape.

Boutique Air

OVERNIGHT IN PENDLETON

If nostalgic urban vibes and Instagram-worthy shots are your scene, look no further than Pendleton’s newest motel, MotoLodge, whose American heritage-inspired decor, seasonal outdoor heated pool, and 6-person Pendleton Whisky™ Barrel Sauna celebrate the open road and the wild west. Or book a stay at the Pendleton House Historic Inn and bask in European elegance and refinement, magnificent views from the front porch, and gourmet breakfast. Opt for a family-friendly stay with a full breakfast and indoor pool for the kids at Oxford Suites or Hampton Inn, both just minutes from downtown. And if you’re looking for a truly unique experience, stay in Pendleton’s very own bordello, The Working Girls Hotel. This early 1800s boarding house will truly knock your socks off.

Rainbow Cafe
Pendleton Woolen Mills
Pendleton Round-Up
Pendleton Underground Tour
Pendleton Air Museum
Virgil's
Packard
Hamley's

DAY 1: ALL THINGS PENDLETON

The name Pendleton is a brand in and of itself. From woolen mills to rodeos to whisky, these products pay homage to the authenticity, passion, and superior craftsmanship of the town’s residents. Spend the day exploring the history and products that put Pendleton on the map. 

Early Bird

Start the day with breakfast at Pendleton’s famed Rainbow Cafe. Oregon’s oldest tavern, the Rainbow Cafe, has been in operation since 1883, is a hands-down local favorite, and is as colorful as its name implies. 

Let’s Get Western!

Start at the Pendleton Woolen Mill Store to see where it all began. Here, you can watch their jacquard wool blankets being woven in the original mill, then shop for the perfect blanket, apparel, or other gifts to take home. For the full experience, sign up for a free tour, but be sure to stop in midweek, as tours are not offered on the weekends. Next, it’s off to the world-famous Pendleton Round-Up. If you can’t make the rodeo in mid-September, then catch the next best thing at the Pendleton Round-Up Hall of Fame Museum. Here you’ll learn about the Round-Up’s inductees and the history of the rodeo. Continue the edu-cation at the Heritage Station Museum, a converted 1909 train depot in downtown Pendleton that hosts exhibits about Pendleton and Umatilla County’s rich history. Last, end your afternoon with some levity at the Pendleton Underground Tours, “a place where culture is kept, history is told, and legends live on.” Here, guides dress in period clothing and offer up drinks named after the working girls and old proprietors that once resided upstairs. You’ll tour Pendleton’s unique subterranean tunnel system, passing through the Shamrock Card Room, Hop Sing’s (Chinese Laundry), the Empire Ice Cream Parlor, the Empire Meat Market, and beyond. Those over the age of 21 can book a 5 p.m. tour, which includes a drink and other tasters along the way. Continue the immersive Pendleton experience with a Pendleton Whisky™ in the Shamrock Bar every first Saturday of the month after the tour.

Dine and Drink

Now that you have a solid foundation on all things Pendleton, it is time to wine and dine in true cowboy style with a Barrel-cut filet, topped with bacon and finished with a Pendleton Whiskey demi-glace reduction at Virgil’s at Cimmiyotti’s, a historical landmark in downtown. This restaurant has seen its fair share of history but has remained an iconic Pendleton dining experience since 1959. Finish the evening with a nightcap at The Packard Tavern or live music at Hamley Saloon.

Makers Tour
Alexander's Artisan Chocolates
Oregon Grain Growers
The Prodigal Son

DAY 2: CHARM TRAIL, PENDLETON BUCKS, AND LOCAL MAKERS

Stroll the streets lined with merchants, makers, and restaurants, and you’ll quickly discover what makes Pendleton special: its people. Fittingly, day two of your Pendleton adventure is all about the local culture. 

Before heading out on the Charm Trail, be sure to load up on some Pendleton Bucks at the Visitor Center. Available in any denomination and valid at almost 40 participating businesses, including some of Pendleton’s many entrepreneurs, makers, and proprietors, Pendleton Bucks work just like a gift card and allow cardholders to support local businesses while receiving specials and discounts in the process. 

Armed with your Charm Trail bracelet and Pendleton Bucks from the Visitor Center, you’re ready to hit the trail. While exploring the businesses on the Charm Trail, take the time to discover the incredible makers who call Pendleton home. Highly skilled as both makers and merchants, you’ll learn about and experience the dedication and heart that goes into their craft. At Alexander’s Artisan Chocolates, chat with French-trained Master Chocolatier Alexander about his chocolate bean-to-bar process. Then, step over to the wine bar and learn how to pair wine with chocolate from Sommelier Steve. A few blocks down the road Staplemans Custom Boot Shop is home to four artisan boot makers who create, customize, and repair leather boots and shoes on-site. See the entire process unfold while you shop the custom footwear.

 

When you’ve worked up an appetite (and a thirst), stop into Pendleton’s first craft brewery, The Prodigal Son. The brewery pours a lineup of appropriately named Pendleton ales and a full pub-style menu that will satisfy and quench your palate.

 

Next, it’s over to New York Clothier, a true American haberdashery, where you’ll try on handcrafted clothing designed with American aesthetics. You’ll find vintage-inspired bow ties, custom hand-tailored shirts, and curated lifestyle goods. If you’re lucky, you’ll meet the owners, Kevin and Kay, and learn what drew them to the area from New York to set up shop and make Pendleton home.

 

Cross the street to LL Bevington to meet maker/owner Linda Bevington. She works as she operates her storefront, creating custom purses and leather goods to accessorize your style and decorate your home.

 

Once you’ve got your steps in and loaded your trunk with local goods, head to Oregon Grain Growers Brand Distillery. This family-owned and operated establishment is the first post-Prohibition distillery in Pendleton. Focused on locally sourced ingredients and the highest-quality vodka, whisky, rum, and gin, their spirits pay homage to the hard-working growers that make the products possible. Enjoy a pizza in the eatery and taste their many handcrafted spirits.

 

After a full day of exploring Pendleton’s makers, artisans, and other local stops along the Charm Trail, we understand if you’re ready to call it a night. But if you’re looking to close out the day with one more activity, check out the Get Wild 2023! Live music calendar and catch a show before hitting the hay.

Hiking
Stella Darby Bronze Trail
George Fletcher Bronze Trail
Echo XC Mountain Bike Race

DAY 3: GET OUTSIDE!

Today it’s time to get outside and get to know Pendleton’s abundance of natural spaces. Surrounded by mountain ranges and wilderness areas, the region hosts ample opportunities to enjoy the town’s year-round recreation opportunities.

Hiking

On day three, recharge your wellness tank with Pendleton’s sweeping scenery. Begin with a light breakfast and a cup of joe at Buckin Bean Coffee. The only roastery in Umatilla County, the coffee beans roasted on-site are best when paired with their housemade pastries, breakfast, and lunch. With coffee in hand, follow the Pendleton Bronze Trail and get warmed up for an active morning. Scan the QR code on the Bronze Trail website and explore the 20 stops along the trail. From there, continue your walk along the Pendleton River Parkway, a non-motorized path that follows the South Bank of the Umatilla River and provides snapshots of the world-famous Round-Up grounds, parks, and downtown. 

 

Or, immerse in nature at Umatilla National Forest; here, you can hike, bike, trot, and watch wildlife along the trail system of the North Fork Umatilla Wilderness. Be prepared with trail maps, appropriate footwear, and extra water; the trails can be challenging, and as always, please leave the wilderness area in better condition than you found it. The area’s dense natural beauty and shade trees provide a tranquil place to appreciate and connect with nature. After you’ve worked up an appetite, head back into town and refuel with a taste of Pendleton and an all-American lunch at a local favorite for over 40 years, The Saddle Restaurant and Lounge.

Views of the Blues

After lunch, drive through the Southern Blue Mountain Scenic Loop; the 120-mile route will lead you to small Eastern Oregon towns, over Battle Mountain, and through scenic valleys. Named by early settlers for the blue hue of the pine- and fir-lined ridges, the Blue Mountains, or as the locals say, “The Blues,” blanket the land southeast of Pendleton. The range extends east to the Snake River along the Idaho border, and north into Washington. Green lush rolling hills, remnants of pioneer-era homes, crystal clear lakes, and spectacular mountains will accompany you along the loop, and the Blue Mountains’ extraordinary beauty will leave a lasting impression.

Family Fun

If you’re joining us in summer for family fun, beat the heat at the Pendleton Aquatic Center. With three pools with multiple slides, concessions, and family picnic areas with gas grills, this place is FUN and is sure to wear the kiddos out for the last evening in Pendleton.

 

End your day with dinner on the patio at Joe’s Fiesta Mexican Grill, where Joe himself will most likely greet you. True to the Pendleton way, you’ll find top-notch service, refreshing drinks, incredible Mexican cuisine, and a whole lot of personality at Joe’s. 

 

Now that we’ve made the planning easy, and fueled your hunger for excitement, book your stay and LET ’ER BUCK IN PENDLETON! 

Are You Ready For Round-Up This Year?

Ready For Round-Up? Pendleton Oregon

WHAT ARE SOME THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND FOR ROUND-UP?

WHERE WILL YOU STAY?

A solid first option for staying in Pendleton is in a hotel. Luckily for you we have a page that shows you all the hotels in Pendleton! It can be found by clicking the places to stay tab in the menu at the top of the page. If you are looking for other options the chamber also has a private housing list. This can be found on The Pendleton Chambers Website, or by clicking here!

HOW WILL YOU GET AROUND?

First step of getting around is getting to Pendleton! To learn more about travel options to get here visit our getting here page. Now once your here how do you get around town? Well we have a fix for that too! Click the button below to download a guide of intercity transportation options for little to no extra cost. You can also visit The City Of Pendleton’s Transportation page to learn even more about transportation options as well! 

Download Transportation Guide

WHAT DO YOU DO WHILE YOU'RE HERE?

There is so much to do in Pendleton. Even if you plan to make Round-up your primary focus when you are in town, there will still be some spare time. With that said, We have put a recommended two-day itinerary below. Trust us, you won’t regret adding some of these things and maybe more to your personal itinerary for your time in Pendleton.

Day 1: Historical Discovering

Morning:


1. Breakfast: If you’re looking for homestyle cooking and comfort food, Rainbow Café is a great choice. A warm and inviting atmosphere, where locals and visitors alike gather to start their mornings right.

2. Pendleton Underground Tours: Visitors are taken on guided tours through the underground tunnels, led by knowledgeable tour guides who share fascinating stories about the history of Pendleton, the people, and the role the tunnels played in the town’s development.

3. Heritage Station Museum: The museum features vast exhibits on Native American culture, the Oregon Trail, and the development of the city.

4. Lunch: Pair lunch with a craft beer at Prodigal Son Brewery and Pub. This pub offers a delicious selection of pub food and locally brewed beer.

Evening:


5. Pendleton Woolen Mills Store and Tour: The Pendleton Woolen Mills is a living museum of craftsmanship, where looms and machines stand alongside stories and traditions. It’s a place where the past and the present are interwoven, creating textiles that are not only beautiful but also deeply resonant with the history they carry. Make sure to stay after your tour and explore the Pendleton Woolen Mill Store, where you can find high-quality wool products. *Call ahead to schedule a tour of the mill.

6. Dinner: In the heart of Pendleton, Hamley Steakhouse transcends being merely a restaurant – it’s an immersive encounter with history, flavor, and a celebration of the West’s enduring legacy.

Day 2: Cultural Exploration


Morning:


1. Breakfast: Welcome to Roosters Country Kitchen, where breakfast is a symphony of flavors that awaken your senses and set the perfect tone for your day in Pendleton, Oregon.

2. Tamástslikt Cultural Institute: Often referred to simply as Tamástslikt, is a renowned cultural center and museum located on the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) near Pendleton. Here you will learn about the history, culture, and traditions of the CTUIR. The museum offers engaging exhibits and interactive displays.

3. The Pendleton Round-Up & Happy Canyon Hall of Fame: This institution pays tribute to the legacy, history, and individuals who have made significant contributions to the Pendleton Round-Up and Happy Canyon Night Show.

4. Lunch: Great Pacific Wine & Coffee Co. is a charming establishment that provides a relaxed and inviting atmosphere where patrons can savor quality beverages and enjoy a variety of lunch choices.

Evening:


5. Wildhorse Resort & Casino: Head to the Wildhorse Resort & Casino for an evening of entertainment. The resort offers casino gaming as well as a family fun center offering bowling, a cinema, and an arcade.

6. Dinner: Then have dinner at the Wildhorse Resort & Casino. The resort features multiple dining options ranging from casual to upscale. You can enjoy a variety of cuisines, from American classics to Asian-inspired dishes, or for a more upscale dinner, The Plateau offers a fine dining experience within the Wildhorse Resort & Casino. It’s a good idea to check in advance and make a reservation if needed.

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Biking

Option 1: Dive Deeper into Details
Are you eager to immerse yourself in the specifics? Visit the website of the location you’re interested in to learn more about what they offer. By directly engaging with their site, you’ll gather all the insights you need to tailor your experience to your preferences.

Quick Details:

Unveil the beauty of Pendleton from a unique perspective—on two wheels! Biking in Pendleton is not just an activity; it’s an immersive journey through picturesque landscapes, charming neighborhoods, and a community that embraces cyclists. Whether you’re an avid cyclist or a casual rider, Pendleton offers a plethora of biking experiences that cater to every level of expertise.

A few ways to bike in Pendleton include:

Scenic Routes, Pendleton River Parkway Trail, Join cycling events, and the Pendleton adventure trails, but the best way to learn about biking in Pendleton is to visit pendletononwheels.org

Option 2: Craft Your Perfect Itinerary
Prefer to keep your options open while building an itinerary that suits your tastes? Feel free to add the location you’re considering to your personalized itinerary. Continue to explore the various pages for more inspiration and activities that resonate with you.

Pendleton Blog

The Travel Pendleton Blog

Welcome to the official Travel Pendleton blog, your home for the best food & drink, shops, attractions, entertainment, & lodging in Pendleton, Oregon. In addition to those great stories, we’re excited to tell the stories of the people, places, & experiences that make Pendleton such a fun & fascinating place to visit.

Pendleton is a town filled with timeless charm, rich history, & captivating experiences. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local looking for new inspiration, here are some tried & true tips, trips, & inspirations to make the most of your time in Pendleton:

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Pendleton Views

Pendleton is a town that exudes history, culture, & natural beauty, all intertwined with a distinctive Western flair. The town’s unique charm is beautifully captured in photographs, allowing you to glimpse into its captivating atmosphere.

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Pendleton Whisky Music Festival
Round-Up Stadium
To See Is To Explore
Travel Pendleton
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Bronze Trail
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koa-office

Pendleton KOA

Open All Year.

Pendleton owes its establishment to the Oregon Trail emigrants of the 1840s, who traveled across the rugged Blue Mountains to reach the West.

Our park offers a full range of amenities to accommodate your family or group’s stay. The exceptional view of the Blue Mountains, along with our friendly and personalized service, is guaranteed to make your visit comfortable and enjoyable. We offer clean restrooms and shower facilities, plus a laundry area and a meeting room for groups.

Pendleton owes its establishment to the Oregon Trail emigrants of the 1840s, who traveled across the rugged Blue Mountains to reach the West. Today, those same rugged mountains and the beautiful Columbia River are just minutes from your comfortable base camp at this KOA. Spend the day exploring Pendleton’s charming galleries and shops or the world-famous Pendleton Woolen Mills, which has been distributing locally made blankets and tapestries since 1909. Don’t miss the Pendleton Underground Tours. Nearby, the Wildhorse Resort & Casino hosts many renowned entertainers and events throughout the year. Home to the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, the Pendleton area is rich in history and culture. Enjoy the comfortable facilities at the campground, including free Wi-Fi and cable TV.

Campground Amenities
50 Max Amp
65′ Max Length
Wi-Fi
Cable TV
Propane ($)
Kamping Kitchen
Pavilion

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