Umatilla National Forest receives proposals for Spout Springs

By on Tuesday, January 30th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

PENDLETON – Umatilla National Forest staff have announced since it released a request seeking someone to manage and operate Spout Springs Ski Area and Resort in July 2022, they received numerous phone calls, emails, and messages, including over a dozen formal responses with various proposals for year-round recreation opportunities.

The Umatilla National Forest is working with property and realty staff within the federal government to determine potential steps to move forward, which could include a competitive process to advertise and select an operator to initially operate under a special use permit for government-owned facilities or to sell the infrastructure. If a sale occurs, the business and improvements would belong to the ski area owner, but the land would remain in federal ownership.

The U.S. Forest Service’s goal is to see Spout Springs Ski Area and Resort, near Weston become a destination location. Staff said this process takes time and they will continue to share updates as they become available.

Photo via Umatilla National Forest