Ukiah is a small, rural eastern Oregon community of approximately 260 people located along Camas Creek in the heart of the Blue Mountains. The post office was established September 22, 1890 and in December 23, 1975 Ukiah was incorporated and elected Lloyd Waid as their first Mayor.
Known as Camas Prairie, the wide open valley and rolling grasslands around the town of Ukiah are primarily privately owned. Low-elevation grasslands transition into forest lands primarily managed by the Umatilla National Forest. The North Fork John Day Ranger District has a diverse mix of habitats ranging from juniper-sagebrush-bunchgrass communities at the 2,600 feet elevation in the Potamus Creek area to subalpine fir-whitebark pine habitats at the 8,000 feet elevation in the Vinegar Hill-Indian Rock Scenic Area.
Recreational opportunities in the area are diverse. The highest recreational use occurs during the late summer and fall hunting seasons, which begin in mid-August with archery season and extend through November. Wildlife is abundant and includes elk, deer, turkeys, cougars, coyotes, bald eagles, black bear, and antelope. Camping is a popular recreational activity in the area. There are 15 developed campgrounds and countless undeveloped sites on State and National Forest lands surrounding Ukiah. Anglers enjoy fishing in numerous locations such as Olive Lake or the North Fork John Day River.
Though summers are beautiful in Ukiah, many recreationists find winter just as exciting. Winter recreation activities include sledding, snowmobiling, and skiing. Winter is also a great time for wildlife watching. Bald eagles often winter along Camas Creek and can be seen soaring in the crisp winter sky above Ukiah. Elk and deer herds winter on the Bridge Creek State Wildlife Area south of Ukiah and are often visible to travelers.
The Blue Mountain Scenic Byway winds its way through the forest and is truly a spectacular drive. Travelers may see everything from scenic Potamus Point to the historic Fremont Powerhouse. The Winom-Frazier Off Highway Vehicle complex is located 12 miles east of Ukiah. It provides off-road riders and other users more than 125 miles of motorized trails to explore.