Umatilla Basin

“This basin includes the Umatilla, Walla Walla and Willow Creek drainages. Ranching, forestry, wheat, other forms of agriculture, and Umatilla tribal lands dominate the economy. The Umatilla Basin is the site of successful reintroduction of spring Chinook, which were extirpated for more than 75 years. The Umatilla and Walla Walla Rivers spring from forested hillsides of the Blue Mountains. Headwater areas of these rivers support remarkably high numbers and diversity of native species. Downstream reaches of these rivers flow through highly productive wheat farms, fruit orchards, and other irrigated agriculture.

Lewis and Clark passed through the area on October 19, 1805, and missed the Umatilla River. On their return trip on April 27, 1806 they once again passed the river, and once again they fail to mention it in their journal. In 1841, Charles Wilkes, on his "Map of the Oregon Territory", listed the river as "Umatilla R." on the main map of the territory, and "Umatilla or Utilla" on the inset map of the Columbia River.” Other various spellings of the name exist. "You-matella," "Umatallow," "Umatilah," "Utalla," "Ewmitilly,” "Eu-o-tal-la," and "Umatella" also appear on early maps.”

Content featured on the Oregon Explorer, "Learn about Places: Umatilla Basin" site, information compiled by science writing consultant John Ame.