It would be hard to miss the greatest land feature of this part of Eastern Oregon. The Columbia River has long been the subject of tall tales, songs, and dreams. It tumbles out of Canada, draining parts of four states and two provinces, giving and taking life as it journeys to the Pacific Ocean. It is the lifeblood of the region's farmers, the roadway of barges and riverboats, and the sacred pathway for a salmon's migration. It influences the lives of every creature that passes within miles of its shores, and its stories trickle into every other tale of the region.

In spite of the magnitude of the majestic river, it takes more than just the eyes to fully appreciate this region. Be prepared to use all of your senses to experience this gateway to eastern Oregon. Listen to the rhythm of the ancient language and songs of the Umatilla, Cayuse, and Walla Walla. Watch the timeless Columbia River roll past, murmuring stories of native people, Lewis & Clark, and the Oregon Trail migration. Taste a mountain huckleberry, salmon smoked in the open air, and barbecued steak hot off the grill. Notice the sweet smell of row after row of onions freshly plucked from the field and huge poplar plantations. Oregon’s written history began here—and food for her future grows here.