Day 5 - Pendleton, OR - Tuesday

Every morning on the Columbia Queen begins with a variety of choices. You may join a low-impact exercise program led by our fitness expert, enjoy a cooked-to-order breakfast in the dining room, a continental breakfast on the back porch, or have light breakfast delivered right to your stateroom. Then, saddle up your enthusiasm for a sensational day in Pendleton, the center of Oregon’s cowboy country. Discover Underground Pendleton, with an exclusive Columbia Queen tour of this rock-and-timber subterranean city created by and for 19th century Chinese laborers.

Then it’s time to travel to the world-famous “Pendleton Round-up Grounds,” site of one of the country’s most prominent rodeos. Enjoy an exclusive presentation of authentic rodeo events performed by world-class rodeo champions, plus old time country music, sheep herding, Flintlock Long Rifle firing and more. Yeehaw!

After lunch you’ll get a taste of history from the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla, at the Tamastslikt Cultural Institute, the only Indian-owned and operated interpretive center on the Oregon Trail. Here you’ll enjoy a unique Native American dance performed in full tribal costume, exclusively for Columbia Queen guests.

Daily tour background descriptions:

Pendleton Underground
The Pendleton Underground Tours' properties are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and are located in what was once the red light district of Pendleton. The buildings on the tour have been maintained, true to the original state, allowing the visitor to see the sidewalks and basalt-rock tunnels the way they were constructed pre 1890's. This special authenticity adds to their uniqueness, making the tours what they are today.

Umatilla County Historical Museum
The Museum is located in what was once Pendleton's railway depot. Erected in 1909, the historic building with its classic architectural details and antique fixtures was refurbished by the Society and opened as a museum in the Fall of 1988. In the spacious high-ceiling exhibit area visitors can view artifacts commemorating the Oregon Trail which passed through the county; a collection of beautiful, intricate Indian beadwork; displays devoted to the development of local agriculture and the well-known Pendleton Woolen Mills; an authentic 10-foot long marble shoeshine stand; an original railroad telegraph system; and new exhibits introduced throughout the year. Visitors can also experience a one-room setting in the restored and fully furnished Byrd School sited on the grounds.

Tamastslikt Cultural Institute Welcome to Nicht-yow-way, homeland of the Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla Tribes- three distinct peoples melded together over the past 150 years. Tamástslikt Cultural Institute is the interpretive center for all three tribes. The Institute includes world-class exhibits, a Museum Store, and the Kinship Café. We are a small group of people who have maintained our traditional song, dance, art, language, clothing, religion, and food, despite significant events and changes in our lives. We are a small group of people with a big story to tell. Tamástslikt is more than a visitor attraction—the facility helps document and preserve traditions and practices that distinguish the Confederated Tribes from any other peoples. Columbia Queen guests will also experience a unique Native American dance performance while visiting Tamastslikt.

Pendleton Round- Up Grounds/Historic Pioneer and Wild Wild West Program
Pendleton, home of the world-famous Pendleton Round-Up, offers a chance to experience the Wild West of more than a century ago. Guests will enjoy a show that includes real Pendleton Rodeo activities, Old Time Country Music, Flintlock Long Rifle firing, sheep herding and rodeo barrel racing demonstrations.

Optional Tours 9 Holes of Golf at Wildhorse Golf Course (For this tour, a separate step-on van will take guests to the Golf Course, then guests will re-board the coaches with the other passengers at Tamastslikt/Golf Course.) Designed by John Steidel, the course is nestled at the base of the Blue Mountains. The Wildhorse Golf Course is modeled after the traditional Scottish links-style course with plenty of bunkers and tall grass. The four sets of tees range from 5,718 yards at the front to 7,128 yards from the championship tees. The course is playable yet challenging for all levels of players. Each hole is surrounded by spectacular, unobstructed vistas with gentle rolling hills and fairway mounds that reflect the foothills of Blue Mountains. Players at the course can eat at The Clubhouse Grill and the pro shop carries a wide variety of golf apparel, accessories and equipment.