CURRENT CONDITIONS

82° F

OUTSIDE WALLA WALLA

Nine Mile Ridge Trail

Nine Mile Ridge Trail (Photo Credit: Gwen Dildine)

ACTIVITIES

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Trails ,

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(Hiking, Trails)

Overview

Summary

An instant favorite, the Nine Mile Ridge Trail shows off the Blue Mountains in stunning fashion. The trail enjoys dense creek-side vegetation and long stretches of fields full of grasses, wildflowers, and sagebrush. The forest also provides an opportunity to enjoy a little shade and take in the views. This trail climbs over 1,000 feet in just over two miles. Hikers are rewarded by views of the South Fork of the Umatilla River and North Fork Umatilla Wilderness area, a truly special place.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Expect to climb up the mountain at a very doable slope. Our young children managed surprisingly well, and the thought occurred to me that trail running this area could be...

Expect to climb up the mountain at a very doable slope. Our young children managed surprisingly well, and the thought occurred to me that trail running this area could be fun. A few drainage crossings make for slick conditions.

The trail is not maintained regularly so be prepared to duck under a tree or two, push down brush, and navigate areas of slight wash-out on the trail. The trail is never lost. Whether conquering all 13.6 miles out-and-back in one day or going with where the day takes you, this trail will go down as memorable.

Amenities
Pack in and pack out. There are no vault toilets in the area (upper or lower trailhead). The nearest vault toilet is at Umatilla Forks Campground and Umatilla Forks Day-Use Area not far back down the road.

Regulations
Wilderness regulations apply in the North Fork Umatilla Wilderness. Such restrictions include no motorized equipment, bicycles, or hang gliders to name a few. Groups larger than twelve are prohibited as well as caching or leaving equipment or supplies for longer than 72 hours. Most applicable to hikers is the fact that shortcutting a switchback on any trail is also a violation of wilderness regulations. For a complete list of wilderness regulations applicable to those within the , visit the Umatilla National Forest website.

Wildlife Awareness
We are all so fortunate to recreate in the Blue Mountains and Walla Walla Valley. So many opportunities exist to play outside, whether in a national forest, wilderness area, or on a Wild and Scenic River. With these opportunities comes great responsibility to appreciate that we are mere visitors and should all take pride in being good stewards of the wild.

Many animals call these protected places home, including moose, elk, bear, cougar, bobcat, and snakes to name a few. Take precautions to respect their home and understand the appropriate response should an encounter occur.

Additionally, many plant species thrive in the Blue Mountains, so staying on trail is always good practice.

Carry First Aid supplies to better respond to accidents or encounters, and always let others know where the day’s adventure is taking you.

Field Notes
Navigation: Consider downloading the Avenza Map app. This app allows users to upload three maps (or unlimited with a subscription) to use offline. It can track your location offline and overlay GPS data from the phone onto the map. The vehicle use maps (for trails allowing motorized vehicles) are the easiest to use.

Otherwise, Geo Tracker offers similar tracking capabilities and additional details about your adventure. If no service, Geo Tracker will at least show your location. The Blue Mountains and surrounding area offer a remote recreating experience, and knowing your location is paramount to staying safe. Always make sure to bring paper maps. Tell others where your adventure is taking you and when you expect to return.

Pets: In general, pets are allowed on a leash and under control throughout jurisdictions. The only restrictions we have encountered are around swimming areas. As a best practice, be mindful of riparian habitat in general. You never know where a precious spawning area might be located. Pack it in and pack it out applies to your furry friend as well.

Disclaimer: While the Outside Walla Walla team has enjoyed all the adventures listed on this site, we cannot provide real-time conditions & maintenance reports. Extreme weather can change access overnight. Volunteer groups might lose capacity to manage trail systems. We do our best to report that information and update our site accordingly, but please read our Disclaimer (footer) and proceed with any adventure as your comfort level allows.

WHAT TO DO

Hiking

Nine Mile Ridge Trail (#3072) is a 6.8 mile trail that starts at the Buck Creek Trailhead (lower trailhead) and ends at its junction with the Umatilla Rim Trail (#3080) roughly 1.5 miles north of the Nine Mile Trailhead (upper trailhead). Three trails start at the Buck Creek Trailhead.

Walk a very short distance from the trailhead to where the three trails split. The Nine Mile Ridge Trail is on the left and immediately climbs. The Buck Creek Trail (#3073) is the center trail, and Buck Mountain Trail (#3075) is off to the right. We never officially found a sign but noticed not far up the trail a sign that points hikers down the mountain to the aforementioned trails.

Consult the Forest Service page for agency information.

Nine Mile Ridge Trail Gallery

WHEN TO GO

From the lower trailhead, the Nine Mile Ridge Trail is a perfect candidate for a winter or spring trail. Make sure to call the ranger station if flood conditions are mentioned throughout the valley. The road may close due to...

HOW TO GET THERE

Directions to the Lower Trailhead (Buck Creek Trailhead): An important note about how to reach these trails—the bridge on Spring Hollow Road is impassible. Some apps will direct you to take Pambrun Road. This will lead to a ten mile...

Directions to the Lower Trailhead (Buck Creek Trailhead): An important note about how to reach these trails—the bridge on Spring Hollow Road is impassible. Some apps will direct you to take Pambrun Road. This will lead to a ten mile backtrack to the highway. Currently, Google Maps is reflecting the correct route via Mann Road. The passable route does involve gravel roads. These roads are typically well maintained, but expect some water running over the road depending on the weather, potholes, and mud.

From Walla Walla, take HWY 11 south just past Athena, Oregon. Turn left on Mann Road and continue for 1 mile to its intersection with Crawford Hollow Road (these two roads make a Y, the paved road transitions from Mann Road to Crawford Road). Keep right and stay on Mann Road (now gravel) at the Y & continue for 4 miles. Turn left on North Cayuse Road and continue to the end of the road. Make a left turn returning to pavement on Cayuse Road & continue for 5 miles. Make a right turn onto Bingham Road/ County Road 900 (becomes Forest Service Road 32 at the forest boundary) and follow (for 8.5 miles) to Corporation, North Fork Umatilla, and Buck Creek Trailheads as they present along the road.

The Buck Creek Trailhead is just past Umatilla Forks Campground. Veer left onto Forest Service Road 3200-045 (which also leads to the Buck Creek Kiwanis Organization Camp) for approximately a quarter mile to the Buck Creek Trailhead at the end of the road. There is enough parking for about eight vehicles; those bringing horses should park at the Corporation Trailhead.

Directions to the Upper Trailhead (Nine Mile Trailhead): Take HWY 11 south passing through Milton-Freewater, OR and continue for five miles then turn left on Winn Road. Travel another two miles and then turn left onto HWY 204. Take HWY 204 east for approximately 27 miles and turn right on Summit Road / NF-31. Continue for three miles and turn right on NF-287 at the sign for Umatilla Rim Trail (#3080). There is a large parking area next to Nine Mile Pond. Walk north along the Umatilla Rim Trail for 1.5 miles to meet the Nine Mile Ridge Trail heading west into the North Fork Umatilla Wilderness. There should be a sign marking this junction, but keep an eye out just in case it is no longer there or damaged.