Discover Eastern Oregon: Recreation in Eastern Oregon
Published 11:30 pm Tuesday, July 6, 2021
- Gabriel Montero, 3, leaps from the edge of the pool while playing at the Hermiston Family Aquatic Center on Tuesday, July 7, 2020.
PENDLETON
Pendleton Family Aquatic Center
1901 N.W. Carden Ave.
Hours: Facility opens in June (partially in May)
Cost: Daily, $5-$7, season passes available
The facility features three pools, including a zero-depth, 50 meters, and a dive well. With multiple slides, concessions, and family picnic areas with gas grills, people can spend the day soaking up the sun. (541-276-0104, www.pendletonparksandrec.com/parksrec/page/pendleton-aquatic-center).
Pendleton Ice Rink
1205 S.W. Court Ave.
Hours: TBA in winter
Cost: to be announced at opening
Located at Roy Raley Park, enjoy seasonal fun. Includes open skates, family nights and special events (541-276-8100, www.pendletonparksandrec.com).
Pendleton Parks & Recreation
865 Tutuilla Road
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Varies; many free services
The Pendleton Parks division maintains 22 public parks and 20 landscaped areas, which also includes 11 reservable park shelters, disc golf courses, tennis courts and sports fields. Search the website to find activities, classes and special events offered by the parks department (541-276-8100, www.pendletonparksandrec.com/parksrec).
Pendleton Rotary Disc Golf Course
1000 S.W. 37th St.
Hours: dusk to dawn
Cost: Free
The lightly wooded park setting offers varied terrain with a mostly flat front 9 and sometimes steep back 9. For club sponsored events, which include entrance fees and payouts, search Pendleton Disc Golf Club on Facebook (541-276-8100).
Pendleton Underground Tours
31 S.W. Emigrant Ave.
Hours: Monday & Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Cost: $15/reservations required
Get a glimpse at the gambling, bootlegging, prostitution and underground history of Pendleton with educational entertainment. Also, see website about yearly Pendleton Comes Alive, which features live actors (541-276-0730, www.pendletonundergroundtours.org).
Rudy Rada Skatepark
101 Northgate
Hours: Daily, 5 a.m. to midnight
Cost: Free
Constructed in 2008 by Dreamland Skateparks, it features 11,000 square feet of skating surface, including bowls, stairs and rails. (541-276-8100)
WILDHORSE RESORT & CASINO
46510 Wildhorse Blvd.
Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m. to 4 a.m.; Friday-Sunday, 24 hours
Casino gaming, including more than 1,200 Vegas-style slots, poker, table games, keno and bingo. See website for current game closures due to COVID-19 restrictions (800-654-9453, www.wildhorseresort.com).
Other recreational opportunities at the casino complex are listed below:
Children’s Entertainment Center
Hours: Daily, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Cost: Prices based on time/number of children in family; ranging from an hour for one kid at $7 to five kids for three hours at $57. Snack option also available
A fun-filled kid’s getaway with a variety of video games, a jungle gym, karaoke machine, movies and arts & crafts. For ages 3-13; must be potty-trained. (541-966-1580).
Family FunPlex Arcade
Hours: Sunday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Cost: Varies, purchase credits at FunCard Kiosks
More than 30 arcade games for all ages. Earn points for prizes at redemption center.
Quaking Aspen Lanes
Hours: Sunday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Cost: $25-$35/hour
Features 24 lanes, including eight boutique lanes and two private party rooms. Pins & Pizza Family Package is $45. Bowling reservations required on weekends (541-966-1690).
Wildhorse Cineplex
Hours: Movies start between 1-8 p.m.
Cost: $7.50
Catch a flick at the five-screen cinema, featuring premium surround sound, theater seating and 3-D screens. See website for current movies and online ticket purchases.

Quaking Aspens Lanes, the bowling alley at the new Wildhorse Family FunPlex sits ready for use during a tour of the facility on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2020.
Staff photo by Ben Lonergan
HERMISTON
Desert Lanes Family Fun Center
1545 N. First St.
Hours: Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Cost: $20-$30 per hour
A 16-lane bowling alley and gaming arcade with redemption prizes. Also, an on-site restaurant and bar. Party packages available, and glow bowling with laser, disco and black lights is offered on weekends (541-567-6364, www.bowldesertlanes.com).
Hermiston Stadium 8 Cinema
355 W. Theater Lane
Hours: Varies, matinee and evening
Cost: Regular admission, $8-$11; Tuesdays, $6
Multiple theaters showing anywhere from 5-7 different movies each day. With reduced capacity due to COVID-19, people are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance (541-567-1556, www.moviesinhermiston.com).
Hermiston Desert Disc Golf
1300 N.W. Elm Ave.
Cost: Free
Dedicated in September 2017, the 18-hole course is a natural desert setting with custom tee pads and baskets. Open year round. Call Matt Richmond at 541-571-1160 or Ginger Wilkinson at 541-314-5727 for information about events hosted by the Umatilla Disc Golf Club (541-667-5018, www.hermiston.or.us/parksrec/page/hermiston-desert-disc-golf-course).
Hermiston Family Aquatics Center
879 W. Elm Ave.
Hours: June opening anticipated
Cost: Daily, $4-$6, season passes available
A seasonal aquatic center, it features a 50-meter lap pool, splash pad with lazy river, three water slides and a diving board, as well as locker room and shower facilities. A picnic shelter and cabanas are available to rent for parties and events. (541-667-5018, www.hermiston.or.us/parksrec/page/hermiston-family-aquatic-center).
Hermiston Parks & Recreation
415 S. Highway 395
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Varies, many free services
The city of Hermiston Parks Department maintains 13 parks (including a dog park, sprayground and sports complex), 15 landscape areas, and 100-plus acres for the enjoyment of the community. Those with special facilities can be reserved for family, club or group events Also, search the website to view the current activity guide for activities, classes and special events offered by the department (541-667-5018, www.hermiston.or.us/parksrec).
Hermiston Raceway
81236 N. Highway 395
Hours: 4:30 p.m., gates open; 6 p.m., racing starts
Cost: Adults, $20; students/youths/military, $15
Hermiston Raceway Park is a 3/8 mile asphalt oval track. More than a dozen racing dates have been scheduled through October for the 2021 season. Speedy’s Grill offers food and drinks. See Facebook for racing updates. Due to capacity restrictions, fans need to purchase tickets online in advance (509-845-5510, www.hermistonraceway.com).
McNary Lock & Dam
Below Highways 395 & 730
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Cost: Free
Outdoor recreation includes fishing, swimming, playgrounds, several picnic and day use areas, a fish viewing room and 18-hole disc golf. Picnic shelters can be reserved for a fee (877-444-6777, 541-922-2268, www.nww.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation).

Hank Heriza, 13, performs a trick at Rudy Rada Skatepark as Coltin Fender, 12, watches from the edge of the bowl Thursday, Sept. 19, 2019 in Pendleton.
Ben Lonergan/East Oregonian File
OTHER AREA TOWNS:
The Bike Pit – OHV Park
800 R.A. Koch Road, Pilot Rock
Daily, 8 a.m. to dark
Cost: Free, except during scheduled events
Nonprofit public park to ride motorcycles and ATVs. Volunteer efforts and donated funds welcome. See Facebook page for closures, race dates (opening event May 22-23) and upcoming events (541-443-5832, www.facebook.com/pilotrockbikepit).
Boardman Marina Park
1 N.E. Marine Drive, Boardman
Hours: dawn to dusk
Cost: Free
A 3-mile walking/biking trail along the Columbia River, basketball court, children’s play structures, swimming area and more. Hosts summer events, including Music in the Parks (541-481-7217, www.boardmanparkandrec.com).
Boardman Pool & Recreation Center
1 N.E. Marine Drive, Boardman
Hours: Varies due to scheduled classes and lessons
Cost: $4-$7.50 for daily use; membership passes available; some free events.
Pool features a water slide and separate wading and vortex pools. Recreation center has a climbing wall, full-size gym, exercise equipment and fitness room. See website for activity guide, classes and special events (541-481-7217, www.boardmanparkandrec.com).
Don Baxter Skatepark
601 N. Main Ave., Irrigon,
Hours: daylight to 10 p.m.
Cost: Free
Constructed by Grindline Skateparks, the April 2007 grand opening was met with fanfare. It encompasses more than 8,000 square feet for beginners and seasoned veterans, including bowls of varying depths, a full pipe, stairs, rails and natural grinding surfaces, and has lights (541-922-3047).
Echo’s Historic Downtown
20 S. Bonanza St., Echo
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Free
Home base for self-guided tours of seven National Register of Historic Places buildings and a dozen other locally recognized historic buildings. (541-376-8411, www.echo-oregon.com/attractions).
Irrigon Marina Park
430 N.E. Eighth St., Irrigon
Hours: dawn to dusk
Cost: Free
A family-oriented park on the Columbia River that offers a public access boat ramp, marina facilities, picnic area, fishing and playground activities. Hosts summer events, including Music in the Parks. A sports complex is adjacent. (541-922-3047, www.ci.irrigon.or.us/marina-park).
Morrow County OHV Park
33 miles southwest of Heppner off Highway 207
Hours: 2021 camping season, May-October
Cost: trail use is free
Offering trails for all-terrain vehicles, hiking and biking. Also, various camping options available May 7-mid-November (541-989-8214, www.morrowcountyparks.org).
Umatilla Marina Park
1710 Quincy Ave., Umatilla
Hours: dawn to dusk
Cost: Free
On the Columbia River, it offers picnic sites, fishing and access to water sports. Marina and water fuel dock available. Not far from the McNary Wildlife Nature Area (541-922-3939, www.umatilla-city.org/marina).