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North Fork Umatilla River Trail #3083
This trail begins at the Umatilla Forks Campground Day-Use Area and ends at Coyote Ridge. This trail is within North Fork Umatilla Wilderness. Since horses are not allowed in the Umatilla Forks Campground Day-Use Area, where the lower trailhead is located, horse users are required to use the Corporation Trailhead to access the North Fork Trail. From Corporation Organizational Camp near Lick Creek horse traffic can cut over on a spur trail to the North Fork Trail.
From the North Fork Umatilla lower trailhead, the trail follows the North Fork of the Umatilla River. The lower trail gains 450’ in the first 4 miles. This is the easiest part of the trail and is popular with anglers, backpackers, day hikers and horseback riders. The upper and more difficult portion of the trail climbs 2000’ in 5.8 miles along a south-facing slope with sparse timber. This section of trail offers the least amount of encounters with other recreationalists, as well as an unobstructed view of the North Fork of the Umatilla drainage. Potable water and vault toilets are available at the lower trailhead.
USGS Quad Map(s): Bingham Springs, Andes Prairie. Download free US Forest Service Topo maps here.
View a printable guide for North Fork Umatilla River Trail #3083 (PDF File)
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | 05/20/2021: Logged out and flood damage repaired 3 miles to Coyote Creek. Still significant flood damage and blowdown up trail from Coyote Creek. Due to flood damage FSR 32 is closed at the cattle guard right before Corporation Work Center (a gate is across the road), however there is a parking lot at the gate where you can park and walk or bicycle to the trails. Forest trails are not maintained and typically not accessible from late fall through late spring due to snow. Please call the local Ranger District Office for up-to-date information. |
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| Open Season: | May - November |
| Usage: | Heavy |
| Restrictions: | Wilderness restrictions apply |
| Closest Towns: | Pendleton, OR |
| Information Center: | Walla Walla Ranger District |
General Information
Directions:Lower Trailhead, North Fork Umatilla: From Pendleton, Oregon: Drive east for 7 miles on Interstate 84 and take Exit 216. Go left (north) for 2 miles to the blinking 4-way stoplight. Take a right onto Mission Road and continue onto Cayuse Road/County Road 931/Emigrant Road. After 1.7 miles turn left onto Cayuse Road (follow Bar M Ranch signs). Travel about 16 miles to where it meets Bingham Road. Turn right onto Bingham Road/County Road 900, cross the railroad tracks, and follow Bingham Road/County Road 900 (NOTE: this road becomes Forest Service Road 32 at the forest boundary) for approximately 9.5 miles. Turn left into the Umatilla Forks Day-Use Area, which is located across the road from the Umatilla Forks Campground. The trailhead is located at the end of the cul-de-sac.
Horse users please use Corporation Trailhead.
Upper Trailhead, Coyote Ridge: From Tollgate, Oregon: Travel east on Highway 204 for 1.25 miles. Turn right (south) onto Forest Service Road 3719. Follow Forest Service Road 3719 for approximately 1.5 miles to the junction with Forest Service Road 3719-040. Turn right onto Forest Service Road 3719-040 and travel approximately ½ mile until the road forks. Continue on Forest Service Road 3719-040 and the trailhead is located at the end of the road on Coyote Ridge near English Springs, about 5/8 of a mile further.
Activities
River and Stream Fishing
This trail provides access to fishing opportunities.Day Hiking
See activity description under Backpacking.| Difficulty Level: | Easy to Intermediate |
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Backpacking
From the lower trailhead, the trail follows the North Fork of the Umatilla River. The lower trail gains 450’ in the first 4 miles. This is the easiest part of the trail and is popular with anglers, backpackers, day hikers and horseback riders. The upper and more difficult portion of the trail climbs 2000’ in 5.8 miles along a south-facing slope with sparse timber. This section of trail offers the least amount of encounters with other recreationalists, as well as an unobstructed view of the North Fork of the Umatilla drainage. Potable water and vault toilets are available at the lower trailhead. We encourage all horse traffic to access this by using the Lick Creek trailhead.| Difficulty Level: | Easy to Intermediate |
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