Pilot Rock is a city in Umatilla County, Oregon, United States. The population was 1,502 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Pendleton–Hermiston Micropolitan Statistical Area. The main industries are timber and agriculture. Pilot Rock is home to the Boise Cascade/Kinzua Lumber lumber and pole mill as well as Pilot Rock High School. The name of Pilot Rock refers to a large basalt rock formation which is visible from the old Oregon Trail and was used in navigating wagon trains through the area.