This is about as local as it gets for outdoor activities. Located on the east side of town near Walla Walla Community College, locals and visitors alike are treated to stunning views of the Blue Mountains kissed by rolling fields of wheat. This is a great place to get a little exercise, take the dog for a walk, or escape the city without really having to leave. With so many different activities available, there is something for every member of the family.
Hiking/ Biking/ Snowshoeing
There are three main loops to consider: Kingfisher Trail is just 1.7 miles and follows Mill Creek; Meadowlark Trail is 2.6 miles and hugs the lake and crosses the diversion canal; and Whitetail Trail is 4.8 miles and follows an old gravel road and boundary line. The US Army Corps of Engineers Walla Walla District map makes it easy to follow the trail or create your own adventure! Don’t rule this area out in the winter when the valley is covered in a blanket of snow–just trade the hiking shoes for snowshoes.
Fishing
Previously known as Mill Creek Reservoir, Bennington Lake is a roughly 50 acre body of water designed mainly for flood control. As an added bonus, it offers year-round open fishing season and is stocked with an average of over 15,000 rainbow trout each spring. A kids fishing derby, sponsored by the Tri-State Steelheaders and the Walla Walla District Army Corps of Engineers, is held in June at no cost and without the need of a fishing license. The lake will recede when no water is diverted, which starts early summer, and the low levels can make access tricky. Bank access is good, and there is a boat launch.
Other species in the lake include largemouth bass, white crappie, and yellow perch. Fishing regulations are highly specific and based on location and species. Please always consult the latest information available from the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife.
Birding
The birds attracted to this big park are very interesting as many species come out of the Blue Mountains. Some are unexpected. Birds like Northern Saw-whet Owls, Great Gray Owl, Great Horned Owl, and American Tree Sparrows appear some winters. This area hosts large numbers of species in spring and summer. An early morning jaunt around the lake can bring into view Lazuli Buntings, Calliope Hummingbirds, Yellow Warblers, Chipping Sparrows and many more.
Paddleboarding/ Kayaking
What better way to escape the heat than to lounge on a paddleboard or kayak and float around the bank for a bit. The reservoir is fed by Mill Creek, and since its primary mission is flood control, the lake level does vacillate quite a bit throughout the year. Diversion and thus filling of the lake typically happens after spring snow melt.
Outside Walla Walla assumes no responsibility for the use of this website or the information provided. Every activity carries potential risks that should be assessed individually based on each person’s circumstances. By using the information, you acknowledge the foregoing and agree to release us from any liability arising from your use. We make no warranties, express or implied, of any kind regarding the operation of the website or the results you may obtain from using the content, information, materials, products, or services offered on the Outside Walla Walla website. Use of the Outside Walla Walla website is the sole responsibility of the user. In no event will we be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages resulting from the use of this website or the information contained herein.
The Outside Walla Walla website contains links and advertisements to third-party websites. These links are provided for your convenience and do not imply that we endorse the content of those websites. We are not responsible for the content or accuracy of linked third-party websites, nor do we guarantee the accuracy or truthfulness of the information they contain. If you choose to access linked third-party websites, you do so at your own risk.
