The Umatilla River is an 89-mile tributary of the Columbia River located in northeastern Oregon, flowing through Umatilla County. Originating in the Blue Mountains at the confluence of its north and south forks in the Umatilla National Forest, the river flows west through the Umatilla Indian Reservation before passing through Pendleton and eventually joining the Columbia River at the city of Umatilla. This freestone river system varies from small to large in size throughout its course and offers diverse fishing opportunities for both coldwater and warmwater species. The river's watershed comprises approximately 2,450 square miles and includes multiple tributaries that add to its flow, including Meacham Creek, McKay Creek, Birch Creek, and Butter Creek. Once severely degraded, the river has seen significant restoration efforts led by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, bringing salmon back to waters where they had previously disappeared due to irrigation use and habitat damage.