Pilot Rock is a city in Umatilla County, Oregon, United States. The population was 1,328 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Pendleton–Hermiston Micropolitan Statistical Area. The main industries are timber and agriculture. Pilot Rock is home to 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.