Tucannon River Trail

This 8-mile round trip trail is a relatively easy walk, although it does have some branches hanging on the side and you walk along a few sheer hillsides. There is river access at the beginning and the turn around (after 4 miles) and the majority of the rest of the trail goes in and out of old growth forests. I brought water for SusieDog to have a few times along the trail. This trail has lots of camping spots along it and is a gateway to many more trails within the National Forest if you're looking for some overnight adventures.

The road up is a bit bumpy. My Subaru Impreza made it, but not without a few frightful sounds. Directions: From Dayton, head east on Patit Road for 14 miles, turning left onto Hartsuck Grade and following it 4 miles to Tucannon River Road. Continue 13.2 miles south on Tucannon River Road (which becomes Forest Road 47) to a Y intersection. Bear left onto FR 4712 and follow this rough-at-times road 4.7 miles to its end and the trailhead (elev. 3550 ft). Privy available.

More information (including those directions) available at: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/tucannon-river#trailhead-map

Permits needed: NW Forest Pass

Cape Lookout South Trail

A bit of a ways from Walla Walla is Cape Lookout State Park. It has wooded beautiful trails including the south trailhead that is 1.8 miles down through the wood to your own beach (beautiful!)

From Tillamook, turn left on to Pacific Coast Scenic Byway and then OR-131W. Follow signs to the state park. Once you see the state park on your right, keep following the road and the signs to trailhead. No permit required (I believe)

Saddle Mountain

15 minutes from Walla Walla is a seasonably closed road that's a lovely hike up and down (literally up and down). I've been out twice now and had no problems with the pups off leash (keep them close to be mindful of field owners). There's no water so be sure to bring water for all the mammals in your party. 

To get there, (google maps works too) go south on Park/Howard past Prospect Point. Once you get to the 4 way stop after Table Rock, take a left on Cottonwood. Follow that road a ways and then take a right on Foster (the next right available a ways after Hood) and follow it into Oregon (gravel road indicates state line). Go a bit further and you'll see a t-sign and y intersection. Park there in a way that doesn't block field access or hurt crops. Then walk up the road with the wooden signs and enjoy!

Mormon Grade

In the hills above Walla Walla, there are some lovely roads with amazing sights. One of them is Mormon Grade, between Scenic Hill and Pikes Peak. About 15 minutes from downtown Walla Walla, this is a great destination for dinner up or a sunset. 

Please note that all the land around the road is private so this is very much an eat near your car adventure. 

Yantis Park, Milton-Freewater

Milton-Freewater, Oregon, has a great park for summer play complete with a pool, beach volleyball courts, playground, and lots of fields. We recently discovered that there is an excellent trail network in the hills above the park that is fun for hiking. 

To get there, go to Milton-Freewater (highway 11 south) and follow the signs to the aquatic center. Once you park, go away from the soccer and ball fields toward the end of the park. Follow the foot path up the hill. Then there are trails through the fields* in both directions! Enjoy!

*I don't know who owns the fields - be respectful please!

Snowshoeing at Andes Prairie

Andes Prairie is a great place for an early season snowshoe! We went up one of the first snowy weekends in November and there weren't any snow machines there and not even too many sledders. It was like the place was all ours - something that rarely happens on Sundays there! 

We hiked out to Andes Ridge (from the restroom closest to the driving entrance go up the trail to the major trail and then take a right again. Follow signs to Andes ridge. We only had about 90 minutes to play so we did 45 minutes up and 45 minutes back - just enough to enjoy the sun before going back to the Walla Walla fog. 

To get there, drive to Tollgate (through Milton-Freewater on highway 11, left on Winn Road after you're a few miles out of town, left at highway to go up the mountain) and keep going past Spout Springs about 6 or so miles (I'll clock it soon, I promise). Look for signs for Andes Prarie Snopark and take a left into the parking lot. Lots of parking (shared between Andes and Horseshoe Praries) and two restrooms at the lot - one pit toilet on either side. 

You will need either an Oregon (or reciprocal state (not Washington)) annual permit or daily. Annuals can be purchased at Oregon sporting stores or the DMV for about $30 and daily permits can usually be purchased from the Tollgate store for $7 (go patron that store - the owner will appreciate it!). 

Happy exploring!

Hat Rock State Park

Hat Rock State Park (click for link), located off highway 730 between Wallula and Umatilla,  is a lovely state park with a walking trail, a link to the Lewis & Clark Commemorative Trail (click for link), a boat launch, fishing pond, and more, is a great link to the Columbia River for paddling and adventuring.

The park is free and open to the public and requires no permits. To get there from Walla Walla is a 50 minute drive.  Go west on highway 12 towards Pasco and Wallula. Instead of turning right at Wallula, go straight and drive as the highway turns to hwy 730 and Oregon. You'll go past a few turn outs (posts to come) and two recreation areas and then you'll see the signs for Hat Rock State Park.  Turn right and follow the road veering left until you hit the boat launch/park area.

Enjoy!