Recreation
From skiing at Bluewood, fishing on the rivers to hunting and camping in the Blue Mountains to riding the trails on the rolling hills, surprising recreational opportunities abound in Columbia County. Here are just a few:
Umatilla National Forest
2008 marked the 100th anniversary of natural resource and conservation management on the Umatilla National Forest. It’s a forest rich in history, culture, and tradition. What history are we making today? Check out the Umatilla National Forest website for more information.
The Umatilla National Forest, located in the Blue Mountains of southeast Washington and northeast Oregon, covers 1.4 million acres of diverse landscapes and plant communities. The Forest has some mountainous terrain, but most of the Forest consists of v-shaped valleys separated by narrow ridges or plateaus.
The landscape also includes heavily timbered slopes, grassland ridges and benches, and bold basalt outcroppings. Elevation range from 1,600 to 8,000 feet above sea level. Changes in weather are common, but summers are generally warm and dry with cool evenings. Cold, snowy winters and mild temperatures during spring and fall can be expected.
Click here for more Recreational Activities in the Umatilla National Forest.
Click here for Cabin Rentals, and here for information on passes and permits.
Horseback Rides
See Dayton from a different point of view with Western Life Outfitters. Take the ride of a lifetime in the beautiful Tucannon-Wenaha Wilderness area south of Dayton on horseback with Dave and Sas as your guides. Stand on a ridge top with the warm sun on your back, a fresh breeze on your face and let your senses take in the beauty of the Blue Mountains.
Touchet Valley Golf Course
The Touchet Valley Golf Course is in Dayton (509-382-4851), located near the Columbia County Fairgrounds is community nine-hole course that offers plenty of challenging golf with two par 5 holes, sand, water, and the fairly unusual race track hazard. A unique course amid beautiful scenery.
Ski Bluewood
Ski Bluewood is located 20 miles south of Dayton.
Ideally situated in the Blue Mountains of southeastern Washington you'll find Bluewood, one of the States best kept secrets. Bluewood has the second highest base elevation in Washington State and is renowned for its clear skies and dry powder, while receiving an average snowfall of more the 300 inches annually. If you would like to visit a ski and snowboard area this season where you can enjoy short lift lines, uncrowded slopes, unlimited powder, some of the best tree skiing/riding in the northwest, and a wide variety of terrain, then escape to Bluewood. Bluewood = Great Times Hassle Free
And don't forget- Dayton Chamber members offer Bed, Breakfast and Bluewood packages. Click here to see more and take advantage of the tremendous savings on lodging and lift ticket combinations!
Washington Snowmobile Association
Washington Snowmobile Association says Columbia County offers "some of Washington's best kept secret snowmobiling!" The Touchet Corral Sno-Park, located near the Bluewood Ski Area, boats 40 spaces for parking and access to miles of trails in the Blue Mountains. The Godman Guard Station is available for rent from the Pomeroy Ranger District. It includes space for up to 10 people and is located in the Umatilla National Forest at an elevation of 5600 feet. The cabin is available throughout the year but is only accessible by vehicle form June 1st to November 1st. Please remember that many of Columbia County's trails are extremely remote! Always carry survival gear and ride responsibly. A SnoPark Pass is required for parking at many trailheads and can be purchased at Ski Bluewood. Check here for the SE Washington area snowmobile map.