Hermiston is located in Umatilla County northwest of Pendleton, between Echo and Umatilla, serving Highway 395 and Interstate 84. This community is also situated along the banks of the Umatilla River, near Cold Springs Reservoir and the Cold Springs National Wildlife Refuge.
Laced with irrigation canals, Hermiston and the surrounding farmland were claimed from the desert as part of the Umatilla Irrigation Project. Hermiston is regionally known for its desert honey, potatoes, and watermelon. The immediate Hermiston area has been able to diversify its economy with food processing, cold storage/warehousing and distribution facilities.
Hermiston is also home to the Union Pacific Railroad switching facility and adjacent to a refrigerator cargo dock for transportation on the Columbia River transportation system. The nearby Columbia River also provides hunting, Fishing, and other recreational opportunities.
