Tollgate Crossing owner selected to operate Spout Springs
By Griffin Beach on Thursday, June 18th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
PENDLETON – The search for a new operator of the defunct Spout Springs Ski Area didn’t require a long journey.
Tollgate Crossing owner Trevor Abell was selected by Umatilla County Commissioners over bids from the Anthony Lakes Outdoor Recreation Association (ALORA) and Geoffrey LeGault of Klamath Falls.
Abell’s group includes Dennis Murphy, the CEO of Hayden Homes and a longtime Tollgate resident. Jeff Kohnstamm, president of Timberline Lodge and RLK and Co., is serving as an honorary advisor.
“We are truly grateful and blessed to be apart of this next phase for such a staple in our community,” Abell said. “It is as honor to be able to work alongside Umatilla County and Walla Walla Walla Forest Service to bring the full potential to the community with such an amazing resource.”
Commissioner Cindy Timmons said Abell’s emphasis on year-round activities was a major selling point.
“People have asked for that,” said Timmons. “That’s what this proposal does, I’m very excited.”
In addition to reopening the mountain for winter skiing, Abell’s plan includes warmer-weather activities such as mountain biking, disc golf and summer events featuring live music. The group also aims to expand winter operations to include backcountry snowcat skiing, a family sledding area and a snowcross track.
According to the proposal’s timeline, winter activities will return on a limited basis within the first year, though organizers did not specify if that includes the upcoming winter season. Full operations and year-round expansions are targeted for years two and three.
“Our priority is to reopen operations as quickly as possible while ensuring safety, compliance, and long-term sustainability,” the proposal stated
Although the ski area is located in Union County, local officials there asked Umatilla County to manage the request-for-proposal process.
Above photo: Former lodge at Spout Springs.
Below photo: Ski area map with proposed improvements taken from Wednesday’s Umatilla Co. Commissioners meeting packet.
