Echo Attractions at a Glance
Click below to view a pictorial guide to scenic and historical attractions in and around the city of Echo. These same storyboarded collections will be on display at various upcoming events and locations.
National Historic Oregon Trail Site
County Road 1300 (Old Highway 30)
Echo, Oregon
Info: (541) 376-6038
¼ mile of visible Oregon Trail ruts located on private land but open to the public. Two parallel sets of wagon ruts descend into the canyon.
"This day we traveled sixteen miles. We first ascended a long hill on the northeast side of the stream (Umatilla River), to a high plain, over which we traveled for fifteen miles, then down a long hill to the valley, then one mile to the stream.
Here we found good camping and a butcher located here, with a bountiful supply of good beef, which he sold very cheap, and which we hungry emigrants ate with good relish."
P.V. Crawford, August 1851
Oregon Trail Diary on Lower Utilla Crossing
Corral Springs National Historic Oregon Trail Site is located on County Road 1300 (Old Highway 30), also known as Umatilla County Scenic-Historic Road, 5 miles SE of Echo. The site is on private land owned by the Ramos family. The family has given permission for public access to the ¼ mile of visible Oregon Trail ruts. If problems with garbage or vandalism occur, permission may be revoked.
Two parallel sets of wagon ruts descend into the canyon. There is parking for buses and private vehicles. There are no rest room facilities.
O.R. & N. Co. Railroad Museum
230 Bridge Street
Echo, Oregon
Info: (541) 376-6038
Museum features Union Pacific and Oregon Railway and Navigation Company tools, photos and other items used in early operations.
The Chinese House Railroad Museum features Union Pacific and Oregon Railway & Navigation Company tools, photos and other items used in early Echo and Oregon railroad operations.
Historic Photos of Echo and relics from Echo businesses are also on display. A large collection of patent medicine bottles, alcohol containers and a few Chinese artifacts were excavated from the site of the White House privy pit by archaeological students in the mid-1990s and are also part of the collection.
The museum gets its name from the fact that railroad section headquarters in the late 1800s had a 'China House' and a 'White House,' for white laborers or the foreman and his family. Each house had its own privy pit. This museum was the original China House. It was donated to the Fort Henrietta Foundation by Rosina Luciani, who's husband John was the railroad foreman at Echo for 39 years.
National Register of Historical Places
33263 Oregon Trail Road
Echo, Oregon
Info: (541) 376-6038
This historic site consists of 13 contributing buildings including a Queen Anne style home dating from 1902. Founded by Joseph Cunha.
The Cunha Farmstead site consists of thirteen contributing buildings. A fourteenth, the original Umatilla County Jail building, can now be found in Fort Henrietta Park. The Queen Anne style home dates from 1902.
The owner, Joseph Cunha, was a Portuguese immigrant from the Azores, who came to America as a stowaway on a Boston-bound ship. Through hard work and intelligence he built up a ranch and business operation that was one of the largest in the county. He was instrumental in construction of St. Peter's Church and the Echo Bank Building.
National Register of Historical Places
230 W. Main Street
Echo, Oregon
Info: (541) 376-6038
Built in 1920 by Joseph Cunha and opened in 1921, the building features a Beaux Arts style in glazed terra cotta and brick.
The Echo Bank Building, constructed in 1920 by Joseph Cunha, was opened in 1921. It is an example of the Beaux Arts style of the 20th century. Raymond W. Hatch designed the building. The exterior is glazed terra cotta and brick. The interior features marble flooring and iron-banking teller’s cages.
The bank is now a museum.
The bank as a business, was incorporated in 1905 by local ranchers and in 1933, though still solvent, was closed by its founders. Echo businessmen bragged that the bank survived the depression to be sold to First National Bank of Pendleton.
The building was used as a cash exchange and later as an insurance office. In 1980, Joseph C. Andrews purchased and donated it to the Echo Historical Museum, Inc.
National Register of Historical Places 20 S. Bonanza Street Echo, Oregon Info: (541) 376-6038 Built in 1916, with renovation completed in 2000, the building has many Mediterranean features including the cupola, parapet and arched entrance.
Built in 1916, Echo City Hall underwent renovation that was completed in 2000. The building has many Mediterranean features including the cupola, parapet and arched entrance, and is classed as beaux-arts style. In addition to city offices, the building houses the Echo Public library, Echo Community Center and museum displays such as Fort Henrietta Utilla Indian Agency artifacts and vintage clothing collection.
Auditorium and Ballroom 20 S. Bonanza Street Echo, Oregon Info: (541) 376-6038 A renovated 1916 auditorium and ballroom on the second floor of the Echo City Building at City Hall. Antiques and historic atmosphere are in abundance.
If you are looking for an attractive and affordable place to hold a wedding, reception, anniversary celebration or fundraiser, the Echo Community Center Auditorium and Ballroom is the place for you. Antiques and historic atmosphere are in abundance. The ballroom is 43 by 65 feet plus there is a stage and kitchen. In 2000 the City of Echo completed the renovation of this 1916 auditorium located on the second floor of the City Hall building. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places. The 14-foot ceiling, vintage-style chandeliers, moldings, three-color paint scheme and antique maple floors all provide an elegant but functional place to host dances, weddings, receptions, anniversaries, plays or even bridal showers. Add to this the back bar that once found a home in the old Echo Hotel, the turn-of-the century oak piano, the beautiful floral arrangements, and you have an elegant place to hold any function. Tables, chairs and use of the kitchen are included in the rental fee.
Public Golf Course 400 Golf Course Road Echo, Oregon Info: (541) 376-8244 A hilly, challenging, 9-hole public course with low greens fees overlooking the Umatilla River Valley. Pro shop, snack bar, driving range and cart rentals.
This challenging yet scenic 9-hole municipal course attracts regulars from throughout northeast Oregon and southeast Washington. Inexpensive rates and easy access add to the attractions of the rolling course complete with pro shop, snack bar, driving range and cart rentals. Echo Hills is located in the historic community of Echo, just one mile off I-84, exit 188. The town is 20 miles west of Pendleton and 8 miles south of Hermiston. The course is located on rolling hills overlooking the Umatilla River Valley, a green oasis in the Eastern Oregon desert. Par: 72 Yardage: 5,867 Rating: 67.6 Slope: 117 For additional information on membership classes, rates and greens fees, contact Echo Hills Golf Club using the information above. Membership fees are due March 1st of each year.
National Register of Historical Places 131 W. Main Street Echo, Oregon Info: (541) 561-4642 Built by J.H. Koontz around 1883. A restaurant and saloon continue today. The building is currently vacant, while it is being renovated.
Built by J.H. Koontz in 1882 and was added to the National Register in 1997, the building is a Greek Revival style. The building is currently vacant, while it is being renovated, but has been a popular restaurant & lounge until recently . The porch and balcony in the historic photo c. 1950 were pulled down by a runaway horse and wagon soon after the photo was taken. The building was also home to the undertaker, whose workshop was on the third floor. The hotel closed in the late 1960s. Some former employees believe the building is haunted and it does have an interesting history, which included finding bullet holes in the wall that give credence to a local story from the 1920s.
National Historic Oregon Trail Site Off Highway 320 Echo, Oregon Info: (541) 376-6038 National Historic Oregon Trail Site features nearly one mile of visible Oregon Trail ruts located on 320 acres of public lands.
The Echo Meadows historic site features nearly one mile of visible Oregon Trail ruts located on 320 acres of public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management. A half mile hiking path with an overlook provides viewing of the wagon ruts and abundant local wildlife. In this designated Area of Critical Environmental Concern, the Oregon Trail and cultural resources are protected by law. Access to the site is 5.5 miles west of Echo. Turn north from Highway 320 onto a gravel road. Proceed 1.2 mile to site entrance and parking area. No sanitary facilities or drinking water is available. The site is closed to all off road vehicles beyond parking lot. A kiosk houses interpretive panels with Oregon Trail information.
National Register of Historical Places 21 N. Bonanza Street Echo, Oregon Info: (541) 376-8411 Built in 1886 on land donated by J.H. & Cynthia Koontz, the Echo Methodist-Episcopal Church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1997.
The Echo Methodist-Episcopal Church was built in 1886 on land donated by J.H. & Cynthia Koontz. The church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1997. The church is a New England-Style Church with gothic and craftsman elements. Before the church was constructed, services & revivals were held in a grove of trees called Spike's Grove, located south of town in a Cottonwood Grove along the Umatilla River owned at the time by Elvira Teel and later her daughter and son-in-law Elmer & Pamela Spike. The first minister of the new church was Rev. H.F. Williams, L.D. In 1910 the Koontz family donated more land and a wing was added to accommodate the growing congregation. The old tower was removed and a new, larger tower with crenelated top was built which, with the added wing, resulted in an asymmetrical building. Two large windows were modified with an arched top light.
Umatilla County Special Library District 20 S. Bonanza Street Echo, Oregon Info: (541) 376-6038 Located in the historic Echo City Building at City Hall, The Echo Public Library is part of the Umatilla County Special Library District.
Winery and Vineyard 551 N Thielson Street Echo, Oregon Info: (541) 376-8100 Echo Ridge Cellars is a family endeavor, including our extended winemaking family who are among the most knowledgeable and hard working people in the industry.
City of Echo 10 W. Main Street Echo, Oregon Info: (541) 376-6038 A modern skateboard, BMX and inline skate facility, the Echo Skatepark is open from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm. Click to read skatepark rules.
The Echo Skatepark is a modern skateboard, BMX and inline skate facility. Grants and donations provided funds to build the park. Hours are 9:00 am to 8:00 pm daily.
Please do not park west of the skatepark fence or block access to the RV Park entrance. Parking violators may be towed.
National Register of Historical Places 320 W. Main Street Echo, Oregon Info: (541) 376-8411 Built in the 1860s, this commercial building housed a number of businesses including the Echo News. The Linden Tree in front is on Echo’s Heritage Tree List.
Built in the 1860s, this commercial building housed a number of businesses including the Echo News. W.H. Crary operated the newspaper from the ground floor and lived above for many years. It was also used as a second hand store, a Japanese restaurant and even a 1910 Sanborn Maps business. It is now an apartment building. The building may have been moved from Umatilla City in the 1880s. The Linden tree in front of the building is on Echo’s Heritage Tree List and was planted by W.H. Crary himself. A marker on the tree provides additional information.
America in Bloom Award Recipient (3) Official Flower: Dahlia Official Tree: Red Horse Chestnut See floral displays throughout the spring and summer. Echo is the Floral City of Umatilla County. The Dahlia is our official flower and the Red Horse Chestnut is our official tree; the Dorn Tree in Fort Henrietta Park.
National Historic Oregon Trail Site 10 W. Main Street Echo, Oregon Info: (541) 815-1475 An RV park and campground lies adjacent to Fort Henrietta Park, a National Historic Oregon Trail Site named for the Fort Henrietta Militia stockade.
City of Echo Bonanza and Dupont Streets Echo, Oregon Info: (541) 376-6038 Picturesque formal park located behind city hall at the corner of Bonanza and Dupont Streets, the site of many community events.
The 2006 America in Bloom (AIB) report states, "The community should recognize these parks' improvements are superior for any town in America, but more important in a city as small as Echo with a limited budget." George Park is a small formal park located behind city hall at the corner of Bonanza and Dupont Streets. It is the site of many community events including the annual National Night Out gathering. A consultant with the Oregon Arts Council wrote that the diversity of trees and landscape in the George Park make it “a work of art” in and of itself. The park features a gazebo, rose garden, an abundance of trees, a pond and waterfall and picnic facilities. Restroom facilities are available when the park is rented. The gazebo is a Craftsman-style designed by City Administrator, Diane Berry and constructed by Gene Berry with assistance of other volunteers. All labor was donated and a state parks grant covered materials. As the result of memorials and donations, the water feature was added and dedicated in 2009 for Oregon’s 150th Birthday celebration project. Information on reserving and renting the park or park benches, or making donations are available by calling city hall at (541) 376-8411. George Park was established by Mr. & Mrs. F.T. George soon after the town was founded on the site of an old commercial building and lumber yard. The George’s owned the George and Miller Company Store across the street. Along with Mr. & Mrs. Frank Spinning, they packed buckets of water across the street to help the Black Locust trees that originally shaded the park get established. While the land was used as a community park for generations, it was not formally donated to the city until the George’s daughter, Marian Berg, did so in 1966.
National Register of Historical Places 20 S. Bonanza Street Echo, Oregon Info: (541) 376-6038 Home base for self-guided tours of seven National Register of Historic Places' buildings and a dozen other locally-recognized historic buildings.
National Register of Historical Places 141 N. Main Street Echo, Oregon Info: (541) 376-0421; [email protected]
Built in 1904-05 by J.H. Koontz and recently renovated, this beaux-arts styled building is the new home of Sno Road Winery and Piercy Family Vineyards.
Built in 1904-05 by J.H. Koontz, this beaux-arts styled building served as a general store and feed and seed. Son-in-law, Charles Miller, and F.T. George then operated the George & Miller Store until their new building was finished in 1910 on Bridge Street. Then came the O.B. & Bob Store. At some point the building was converted to a restaurant, then bowling alley. After the bowling alley was closed c. 1972, the building became a fiberglass factory for constructing satellite dishes and boats. The city of Echo sold the building in 2009, Renovation was recently completed and building unveiled as the new home of Sno Road Winery and tasting room.
Local Historic Site County Road 1300 (Old Highway 30) Echo, Oregon Info: (541) 376-6038 Just southeast of the Echo city limits, Oregon Trail emigrant, David Koontz is buried at this historic spot near the Trail.
An Oregon Trail emigrant, David Koontz is buried at this historic spot near the trail. The grave is just southeast of the Echo city limits along County Road 1300. The marker is between the road and the railroad tracks. David Koontz was not related to town founder J.H. Koontz. Another landmark is visible from the Koontz gravesite across the railroad tracks and to the south. A painted barn depicting an advertisement for Dr. Pierce’s Golden Medical Discovery is shown on this page and can be viewed in the Echo Gallery.
National Register of Historical Places 210 N. Dupont Street Echo, Oregon Info: (541) 376-8411 Built in 1881 in the Italianate style, the house is one of the finest examples of this style in Umatilla County. The house site has four contributing buildings.
This Koontz House site has four contributing buildings. Built in 1881 in the Italianate style, the house is one of the finest examples of this style in Umatilla County. The ornate brackets, wide eaves, turned posts and fancy balustrades further mark the house as one whose owner was wealthy and able. The features of the house combine to denote it as one of the finest of its time.
Tree City USA 801 E. Gerone Street Echo, Oregon Info: (541) 376-6038 Established in 1993 and located east of the football field, the small arboretum features over 100 ornamental trees and shrubs.
Echo has been an award-winning Tree City USA since 1989 and is Oregon’s smallest tree city. The Oregon Trail Arboretum is located on Neely Lane across Gerone Street from Echo Elementary, just east of the school's athletic field. It features over 100 ornamental trees and shrubs. The arboretum was established in 1993 by the City of Echo with grants from the Meyer Memorial Trust and Oregon State Urban Forestry Program. An Echo Elementary 5th grade class won a contest to name the arboretum with their submittal of the name: Oregon Trail Arboretum. Anodized aluminum markers and interpretive panels were added in 1998 thanks to a grant from the Kinsman Foundation. Most of the established trees and shrubs have markers, but some of the newer trees do not. The markers provide information on the tree’s common name, botanical name, height and width, and other notes. The interpretive panels tell about the history of Echo’s trees and the city’s Urban Forestry Program. The Red Horsechestnut was designated as the city’s official tree in 2009. The trees located along Gerone Street and the football field are also part of the arboretum. In 2003, the Gene Berry Memorial Gazebo was constructed and dedicated.
Photo by Gary West and Vance Colburn
National Register of Historical Places since 1997 33208 Marble Street, Echo, Oregon 97826 Further information : www.echoheritage.org [email protected] 541.303.5730 First dedicated in 1913, this uniquely beautiful church was the religious home of area Catholics for decades. Early immigrants wanted a place built in the Portuguese Colonial Revival style and for some time, this was their Mission home staffed with largely Irish [mostly Capuchin ] Franciscans based in nearby Hermiston. The building features a stucco façade, ornate statuary on a faux marble altar from Daprato Rigali Studios in Chicago, as well as a recently refurbished c. 1900 pump organ [Ser. No. 61080] built by Burdett Organ Company of Freeport, Illinois. Along the west side there are several stained-glass windows that were gifted to Echo from Our Lady Of Angels in the 1960’s. The dedication written there is for an endeared Fr. Dominic O’Connor (1883 – 1935) who has a fascinating biography as, among other things an IRA chaplain, author, convict, teacher, student, a person considered “always a gentleman” and, in his last assignment as a Priest, served as Pastor at Our Lady of Angels. Fr. Dominic was so beloved at home and here in Oregon that, in 1958, his remains were respectfully repatriated in Rochestown Cemetery, Cork, Ireland, …and with much ceremony. St. Peter’s is currently in the custody of the local Echo Heritage Association; dedicated to preservation and ongoing service of the site as meeting place and historical icon.
Downtown and Columbia Valley 75041 Snow Road Echo, Oregon Info: (541) 376-0421 Lloyd and Lois Piercy are owners of this 3,600 acre, 1865 Cunha Ranch vineyard in the Columbia Valley and winery storefront in the historic Koontz Building.
Renovation of the historic downtown Koontz Building was recently completed and the building unveiled as new home of Sno Road Winery, tasting room and event center. The center features Friday night wine tastings with live music most weeks and an Artist of the Month display. Sno Road Winery is open Wednesday through Saturday. Lloyd and Lois Piercy are the second owners of the 3,600 acre, 1865 Cunha Ranch near Echo. Purchased in 2002, they knew immediately that the bluffs were a perfect terrain for wine grapes. The vineyard was established in 2004 with the following varieties: Tempranillo, 4 Acres; Petit Verdot, 2 Acres; and Cabernet Sauvignon, 25 Acres. In 2005, a block of Muscat Canelli, and in 2006, Zinfandel were planted. In 2009, Carmenere and Pinot Noir were added. Echo West Estate Vineyard is located in Oregon’s Columbia Valley AVA. Its wind swept sunny southeast slopes perch on the bluff overlooking the Umatilla River. The steep 850 foot elevation, with volcanic ash and topsoil, make a unique place for growing grapes. Harvests produce beautiful, hardy, full fruit flavored grapes.
National Register of Historical Places 20 S. Dupont Street Echo, Oregon Built around 1868 in Umatilla, the building was purchased, taken apart and moved by railcar to Echo where it was reassembled in 1906.
The Masonic Lodge was built circa 1868 in Umatilla Landing, making it the second oldest Masonic Lodge in Eastern Oregon. When the railroad was constructed, Umatilla Landing followed the course of many boom towns and boosted. The county seat was shifted to Pendleton and many of the buildings were abandoned. The Masonic Lodge as well as at least three other commercial buildings were relocated to Echo, where they remain today. As a result, two of these, the Masonic Lodge and Umatilla County Jail, are two of the oldest buildings in the county. The Lodge was taken apart, the pieces marked, loaded on a railroad car, and moved to Echo in 1906 where it was reassembled. The total cost was approximately $160. The lower floor was rented to businesses (one was a pool hall that sold Near Beer) and the top floor used for lodge activities. In 1910, the lodge members paid to have a basement dug and the building was moved 50 feet south to its current location.
N. Thielsen Street Dupont Street Echo, Oregon Info: (541) 376-6038 A local exhibit of vintage farm equipment and descriptive panels, representing Echo's rich agricultural history, are now on display to the public.
A local exhibit of vintage farm equipment and descriptive panels, representing Echo's rich agricultural history, are now on display to the public. The collection of vintage equipment is located at the north end of town. Grants from the Umatilla County Cultural Coalition and Fort Henrietta Foundation covered the cost of signage and painting the equipment in 2011.
From I-84, exit 188, head south on Thielsen Road for 1 mi. Turn right on Main Street and proceed into the historic downtown area.
Portland, Oregon: 188 mi.
Boise, Idaho: 242 mi.
Kennewick, Washington: 41 mi.
Pendleton, Oregon: 20 mi.