Northeast Highlands
Umatilla, Union, and Wallowa Counties
The northeast region stretches from the windy expanse of Lake Umitilla to the tops of the Blue Mountains. The seemingly endless grain fields around Pendleton give way going east to the snow covered crags of the Wallowa wilderness. Where the Columbia river provides irrigation water farms prosper and where the I-205 interstate passes a few jobs are to be had. Beyond that the land is sparse and beautiful. The higher elevations grow pine trees and animal grazing is everywhere. The Wallowa river valley and especially Joseph have attacted adventuresome tourists and artists. Beyond that it is every man for himself.