Setting:
The Umatilla River cuts
through the
valley creating the Echo Meadows. The Meadows is a large scenic
flood
plain that first was home to Native Americans as early as 3000 years
ago, and by
1860
was enticing Oregon Trail emigrants to settle and farm here. This
valley is an attractive mix of cottonwood and willow lined river
bottom surrounded
by rolling hills of sage brush, rabbit bush, bunch grass, wheat and
many other crops.
Center
pivot irrigation systems pumping from wells over 1000 feet deep began
to
make the desert bloom in the 1970s. As a contrast to the desert-like
hills, Echo has often been described as an
oasis in the desert, a fact that residents take pride in.
Echo has been an
award-winning Tree
City USA since 1989 and has developed a small arboretum. The Oregon
Trail Arboretum is east of the football field, and features over
100
ornamental trees and shrubs.
Housing/Land:
Housing is limited, but over 200 acres of undeveloped land zoned for
residential, light industrial and tourist commercial development
is located on
the
hills north and east of town. Most of the property located on the
valley
floor
has been developed.
Schools:
Echo still retains its school, educating Kindergarten through 12th
grade students.
RV
Park:
Fort Henrietta RV Park
offers low
rates for campers visiting NE Oregon in an historic setting. The park
lies
adjacent to the city's Fort Henrietta Park, a National Historic Oregon
Trail Site.
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