EVERY YEAR, HUNDREDS OF GOATS EAT THEIR WAY THROUGH PENDLETON. HERE’S WHY – AND HOW YOU CAN SEE THEM THIS SPRING:
Every spring, Pendleton’s population balloons by roughly 1,000 new–albeit temporary–residents. But these kids and their parents aren’t just visiting: These goats are baaaaad news for weeds and undergrowth around town. (We promise that’s the last goat pun in this blog post.)
Here’s the skinny: Every April and May, the city of Pendleton brings hundreds, if not thousands, of goats to town to eat weeds and undergrowth–all to prevent the spread of invasive and noxious plants, and to cut down on fuel for potential wildfires as summer temperatures arrive.
The first goats arrived in 2012, and roughly 1,400 will eat their way through Pendleton this spring. So if you’re interested in seeing the parade of goats around town, here’s a quick rundown of what you should know about the annual tradition:
1. Why Does Pendleton Use Goats?
Years ago, the City of Pendleton looked for a cost-effective way to solve a number of challenges: City staff wanted to meet federal regulations for levee maintenance to prevent flooding, remove invasive species of plants along the Umatilla River and throughout town, and get rid of any undergrowth that might make ample fuel in case of wildfire.
The city’s solution? Goats. Lots and lots of goats.
The thinking went that hundreds of goats could graze for a few weeks around town, eating the problematic plants and clearing away thickets that might add to seasonal fire risks. Clearing away the brush would also satisfy requirements established by the U.S. Corp of Army Engineers and U.S. Department of Homeland Security for levee maintenance and debris removal. (Not just that, but it’s a whole lot easier than hiring gardeners for the world’s largest weed-picking project.)
Pendleton first brought about 900 goats to town in 2012, and the number swelled to more than 1,400 this spring. (Fun fact: Goats were chosen over sheep, because their digestive system does better at helping eliminate noxious weeds.)
2. Where Can You See Goats Around Pendleton?
In all, the goats munch their way through about 66 acres of city land, including on the levee along the Umatilla River, the vegetation-rich area just north of the river, the city’s river intake and pump station site, and the city’s wastewater recovery facility.
Your best bet for seeing the goats will occur the week of May 20, 2019, when goats will be present along the main levee in and around downtown Pendleton; the goats will start at the west end of the levee, near Trailhead Park, and work their way east along the River Parkway.
3. Is It Safe to Approach the Goats?
Strange as it sounds, the goats are working. And this isn’t a petting zoo–so think twice before trying to get a selfie with one of the resident goats. For starters, the goats are all confined to a specific area by an electrified fence, and trying to breach that barrier may cause harm. What’s more, the goats aren’t trained for petting and may react negatively if they feel threatened, so we’d suggest enjoying the view from behind the fence.
Along those lines, the goats are accompanied by herd dogs, so visitors should keep their pets on a leash while viewing the herd.
If you’re coming to town to see a county fairs’ worth of grazing goats, consider staying the night and seeing what Pendleton has to offer. We have a variety of hotels, historic lodgings, B&Bs, and more to meet every budget. See where to stay on your next trip to Pendleton.
FLY BETWEEN PORTLAND AND PENDLETON – IN STYLE. HERE’S HOW:
Let’s face it: Flying commercial is about as much fun as finding out your favorite hotel is sold out for Round-up week.
But it doesn’t have to be that way: Thanks to Boutique Air, it’s never been easier (or more fun) to fly between Portland and Pendleton – whether for Round-up or a relaxing weekend getaway. That means free parking, no TSA line, and a check-in process that’s as easy as ordering your favorite drink at Rainbow Cafe.
Interested in a first-class flight experience? Here’s how it works:
With Boutique Air, the days of showing up hours before a flight – and waiting in glacial TSA lines, hoping flights aren’t delayed, and rushing to your gate – are but a memory.
Coming from Portland, the 200-mile flight couldn’t be easier. Here’s how it works:
Check in via the Boutique Air website up to 24 hours in advance; you can print your boarding pass or show your pass on a mobile device.
Show up 30-60 minutes before your flight, with free parking available at Boutique’s terminal; that terminal, by the way, is separate from the main terminal at PDX – so you’re not fighting for space in a mammoth parking garage. (And, yes, Boutique accommodates passengers with TSA Pre✓.)
Show your pass, and hop aboard the eight-seat plane; the limited seating means you don’t feel like cattle being herded into the cabin.
Kick back, relax, and enjoy your one-hour flight, high above the scenic Columbia River Gorge and Columbia Plateau – all from the comfort of a plush leather seat.
No, we didn’t leave out the TSA lines, baggage claim, and cramped gates. The check-in and boarding process really is that simple.
Getting Around Pendleton
Your flight will land at Eastern Oregon Regional Airport – just a few miles northwest of Pendleton – and you have two options for getting into (and getting around) town.
The first is through Boutique Air’s car rental service, Boutique Car. The service offers economy cars, standard sedans, SUV crossovers, and full-size SUVs – all from $64-$79 per day (which includes unlimited mileage).
If you’d rather not rent a car, you can arrange for a ride through Elite Taxis, Inc.
Stay the Night
You don’t really want to fly out and back the same day, so stay the night (or the weekend) in Pendleton.
Pendleton hosts a variety of lodgings to suit every budget and outing – including high-end business lodging, historic hotels, quaint B&Bs, and more. Check out the various lodgings around Pendleton, and make your reservation today.
It’s already February: Your New Year’s resolutions fell by the wayside weeks ago, you’re binging Marie Kondo’s show on Netflix and promising this is the week you get organized, and you’re wondering how to get back on track.
January might be in the rear-view mirror, but it’s not too late to make goals for 2019–like resolving to visit Pendleton.
Sure, we’re a bit biased. But no matter when you decide to visit, you’ll find something to love all year long. Here’s a taste of what to expect every month of the year:
February: Enjoy the City’s Fun Dining Scene
With fewer crowds in the off-season, you’ll enjoy shorter waits and more elbow room at some of the city’s best-loved restaurants. And with dozens of dining rooms to choose from, you’re never lacking choices – for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Every year, your favorite bartenders and mixologists compete in the Battle of Bars–where EVERYONE is a winner.
Here’s how it works: Local bars make their signature Pendleton Whisky drinks–and visitors sample the entries and vote on their favorites. The event includes dinner and live music, and the friendly competition raises money for the Pendleton Round-up and Happy Canyon Hall of Fame.
And even if you miss the Battle of the Bars, Pendleton’s craft cocktail scene is worth a visit: Oregon Grain Growers Brand Distillery serves cocktails made from its various spirits, and the Rainbow Cafe has been serving thirsty patrons for more than 125 years.
April: See the Pendleton Goats
Pendleton boasts an unusual tactic in the battle against overgrowth along the Umatilla River: goats–lots and lots of goats.
Each spring, the city of Pendleton employs hundreds of goats to clear away potentially flammable brush near the Umatilla riverbed and along Pendleton’s parkway. The goats usually arrive in April or May–and periodically clear away brush over the summer. And visitors are invited to watch the goats munch their way through town–from a safe distance, of course.
May: Get into Gear at the (Mini) Century Ride of the Centuries Ride
Dedicated cyclists have long flocked to the Century Ride of Centuries in Pendleton, which has long spotlighted three days of rides in the farmlands and forests surrounding town. This year, however, the host organization–Pendleton on Wheels–is dialing the event back to one day.
But the group hopes to make up for it with a ride up the challenging Cabbage Hill. The 78-mile ride ends in the heart of the Blue Mountains, with a turnaround at an Oregon Trail interpretive site just past the community of Kamela. Those up for a full century ride can start in the Pendleton Chamber of Commerce parking lot, rather than at Tamástslikt Cultural Institute, and those wanting a shorter ride can turn around at Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area for a 44-mile ride.
No matter how long you ride, reward yourself with the burger bar buffet at OMG! Burgers & Brews in downtown Pendleton.
And if cycling’s not your thing, stop by for Pendleton Cattle Barons Weekend. The event honors Pendleton’s legacy as a Wild West outpost with horse sales, educational events, ranch rodeo events, the North American Stock Saddle Bronc Championship, and more.
June: Get Ready for Summer
School’s letting out, so it’s time to plan your perfect summer vacation in Pendleton.
Families flock to the Children’s Museum of Eastern Oregon, which hosts several educational exhibits and attractions for kids of all ages; the Pendleton Underground Tours, meanwhile, heads under the city’s sidewalks to explore opium dens, watering holes, markets, and other stops in Pendleton’s old red light district.
And if the weather’s cooperating, stop by one of Pendleton’s many parks. Every summer, Community Park hosts free outdoor movies and pre-screening fun like kickball, cornhole, and concessions–and that’s in addition to the park’s disc golf course. The Pendleton Aquatic Center, meanwhile, gets in on the fun with a dive-in movie on an inflatable screen. And if you’re up for live music, local and regional performers take the stage Wednesday evenings throughout the summer at Roy Raley Park.
We’re also excited to host a few fun events in June, as well. The Wild West Brewfest, happening on June 22, 2019, brings together breweries, wineries, and cideries from throughout Eastern Oregon for a full day of tastings at Roy Raley Park. And the Pendleton Bonanza spotlights local artists, craft beverages, regional food makers, antique sales, vintage motorcycles, and more.
July: Heat Up With a Party in Pendleton
Pendleton really heats up in July, with a pair of popular events taking over town.
First up: Pendleton Whisky Fest boasts live music and days of festivities around town. The fun culminates with a sure-to-be-sold-out concert at the Pendleton Round-up Grounds, complete with on-site food trucks and plenty of Pendleton Whisky; past performers have included Blake Shelton, Pitbull, Maroon 5, and the Zac Brown Band.
The following week, Pendleton Bike Week descends on the city, promising the largest motorcycle rally in the Pacific Northwest. Pendleton Bike Week events include live music, demo rides, tattoo demonstrations, an all-new moto show, and more.
August: See the New Exhibit at Tamástslikt Cultural Institute
There’s never a bad time to visit Tamástslikt Cultural Institute, just outside town at the Wildhorse Resort & Casino complex. But the museum’s newest exhibit, debuting in July, offers a compelling look at Native American identities–and how Native Americans are portrayed in popular culture.
“SAVAGES AND PRINCESSES: The Persistence of Native American Stereotypes” brings together more than a dozen contemporary Native American artists to break down stereotypes and challenge visitors. The pieces on display use humor, subtlety, or irony that allow the artists to reclaim the right to represent their identities.
September: Cross the Pendleton Round-up Off Your Bucket List
This legendary rodeo needs no introduction: Every September, the Pendleton Round-up and Happy Canyon Night Show become the biggest events of the year. For more than a century, the events have brought cowboys, cowgirls, Native Americans, and visitors from all over the world for several days of live music, fairs and festivals, and–of course–rodeo performances. If there’s ever a time to experience Pendleton’s Western heritage, Round-up Week is it.
Sure, Pendleton is a long way from Munich–but that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate with fun for kids and adults at Oktoberfest Pendleton.
The Oktoberfest festivities include beers from local and regional brewers (including The Prodigal Son Brewery and Pub, Barley Brown’s Beer, Blue Mountain Cider, and Iron Horse Brewery), food from local vendors, live music, and more. Best of all, the event is a fundraiser for local organizations; past beneficiaries include the Pendleton Center for the Arts, Pendleton Lions Club, and the Pendleton Animal Welfare Shelter.
November: Enjoy Holiday Fun Around Town
There’s never a dull moment around Pendleton, and that’s especially true during the holiday season.
Find the perfect gift at one of several holiday bazaars, check out a local theater production, enjoy Christmas light displays, join the annual Holiday Stroll through downtown, or–believe it or not–play glow-in-the-dark dodgeball as Santa himself watches on.
December: Find the Perfect “only-in-Pendleton” Gift–or Get Outside
Pendleton is a city of makers, so find that perfect “only-in-Pendleton” gift for everyone on your list with a selection of local items.
Some of the city’s most popular retailers showcase works from some of the city’s most creative minds. A Piece of Pendleton provides space for local artists and businesses to sell their wares, including bird houses, artwork, artisan soaps and lotions, and more; Pendleton Woolen Mills is legendary for its iconic, Native American-inspired designs; and several stores around town sell all manner of Western wear, including custom-fitted hats, horse tack, handmade boots, and more.
And if all those holiday shopping crowds stress you out, head outdoors for a slice of wintry fun in and around Pendleton. Make the trip up Cabbage Hill and into the nearby Blue Mountains for cross-country skiing at Meacham Divide/Mt. Emily Sno-Park–the second largest Nordic ski area in Oregon–or snowshoeing around Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area. Closer to town, Roy Raley Park hosts a seasonal ice rink–complete with hot chocolate.
There’s never a bad time of year to visit Pendleton, home to historic hotels, B&Bs, resorts, lodges, and more. See where to rest your head all year long.
