Umapine, Oregon

Umapine (/uməpaɪn/) is a census-designated place and unincorporated community in Umatilla County, Oregon, United States, two miles from the Oregon-Washington border. The traditional boundary covers a wide area.^[1] It has a population of 315 people as of 2010. The community is part of the Pendleton–Hermiston Micropolitan Statistical Area. The current economy is supported by agriculture, including wheat and hay farms, apple orchards, and an increasing number of vineyards. The main establishments in the town are Tate's Umapine Market, The Umapine Creamery and the Waterhole Tavern.^[2]

For several decades the town had a school that served kindergarten through twelfth grade and whose mascot was the Umapine Chiefs. The enrollment at the school averaged 100 students. The school closed and incorporated with nearby Ferndale School District in 1984, which later incorporated with Milton-Freewater Unified School District in the early 1990s. In the early 1990s, the 1911 school building was sold to a local artist who established a fine art bronze foundry, Old School Bronze (formerly Northwest Art Casting).^[2] After the death of the owner the school has since fell into disuse and is currently on the market for sale. It is a three-story brick structure with incredible views on 5 acres.^{[citation needed]}

It is home to two restaurants, Tate's Mercantile and the Waterhole, and the Umapine Creamery. Tate's is housed in one of the original post office and creamery's from 1900s. The Waterhole has existed in various forms to the 1940s. Umapine Creamery is a newer addition. The family-run business and dairy sells cheese at premiere locations throughout the Walla Walla Valley. The tall, dark blue, water tower is a landmark among local pilots.^{[citation needed]}

The community holds regular community "Spring Cleans" and Community Yard Sales. Alternating between the two every two years. The community is now home to several artisans as well as century-old cattle operations. The population is a mix of White and Hispanics. The town of 300 is home to several employers.^[3][4]