Pendleton Underground Tours: An Oregon Town Underneath Earth

by | Jun 13, 2017 | Eastern Oregon, History, Travel | 1 comment

For several decades around the turn of the 20th century, there were two towns in Pendleton, Oregon. One of those towns was a typical town above land, but the other was below... And only known to the chosen few. Today, the Pendleton Underground offers a rare glimpse into history.

Oregon is truly a state full of rich history, and you don't have to look far in the Beaver State to unveil our amazing past. In case you weren't aware, Oregon is actually home to the most ghost towns in the country. While it's not generally referred to as your typical ghost town, this unique place is definitely worth a visit.

Pendelton Underground Tours


It's known as the Pendleton Underground, a place that was booming with business in the early 1900s. If you are planning a trip to Oregon or you already live here, we definitely recommend taking a tour of this world-famous spot.

The Pendleton Underground is actually a network of tunnels, that was originally built by the Chinese in the late 1800s.

Pendleton Underground Tours

Swift98b / Trip Advisor

Sadly, Chinese workers were harshly discriminated against by Pendleton's white population. The country no longer needed the thousands of Chinese workers, who helped build the railroad linking Portland to the East Coast in 1883. Their service to a new nation was being replaced by "native sons" for jobs and depressing wages.

Pendelton Underground Tours

cwvw79 / Trip Advisor

For over 100 years, this incredible secret district has been hiding beneath the streets of downtown Pendleton.

pendleton underground

Mahsati / Trip Advisor

At one time, the Pendleton Underground was the place to party in Eastern Oregon. Around 1908, long before Prohibition, Pendelton was home to many secret and controversial businesses. Some were legal, others were not. The Pendleton Underground had saloons, apothecaries, bordellos, a butcher shop, opium dens, and more.

Pendleton Underground Tours

Stanleb434 / Trip Advisor

One story even suggests a pair of train robbers used the tunnels to store their ill-gotten goods. The robbers died here under an old home in a gun battle. It's been said their ghosts still haunt this area and can even be heard screaming “It’s my gold! Mine!”

It wasn't until sometime in the 1980s the Pendelton Underground was discovered, as mysterious potholes started to appear in the streets of Pendleton. And these were not your usual potholes — as city workers unveiled this fascinating hidden gem.

Today the Pendleton Underground offers tours, which will set you back about $15. It takes around 1.5 hours — but first, you must make a reservation.

Pendleton Tour office located at:

31 SW Emigrant Ave
Pendleton, Oregon

You can head over to their website, or call (541) 276-0730 to make a reservation now.

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Written By Tyler James

Tyler James, founder of That Oregon Life, is a true Oregon native whose love for his state runs deep. Since the inception of the blog in 2013, his unbridled passion for outdoor adventures and the natural beauty of Oregon has been the cornerstone of his work. As a father to two beautiful children, Tyler is always in pursuit of new experiences to enrich his family’s life. He curates content that not only reflects his adventures but also encourages others to set out and create precious memories in the majestic landscapes of Oregon. Tyler's vision and guidance are integral to his role as publisher and editor, shaping the blog into a source of inspiration for exploring the wonders of Oregon.

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