OUTSIDE WALLA WALLA

Umatilla Rim Trail

Umatilla Rim Trail (Photo Credit: Gwen Dildine)

ACTIVITIES

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Trails ,
Mountain Trails ,

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(Hiking, Trails, Biking & Cycling, Mountain Trails)

Overview

Summary

This trail provides so much fun for so many users. Hiking and mountain biking are just a few ways people can enjoy this part of the forest. As the name suggests, the Umatilla Rim Trail follows the ridge and skirts the North Fork Umatilla Wilderness area. It is a long trail with multiple access points to allow for different experiences on the same trail. Multiple lookout areas provide incredible views of the Blue Mountains, and a number of creek crossings keep users refreshed and entertained. Keep this trail in mind for close to town outdoor recreation enjoyment.

WHAT TO EXPECT

There are lots of options and details associated with this trail due to its length and intersection with so many other trails. To simplify, we recommend starting at the Horseshoe...

There are lots of options and details associated with this trail due to its length and intersection with so many other trails. To simplify, we recommend starting at the Horseshoe Prairie Trailhead and simply start walking or biking. The forest starts to open up after a few creek crossings, and there is a wonderful meadow about three miles down the trail.

Recreate for as many miles as you please and turn back. Once you are familiar with the area, and since the Horseshoe Prairie and Ninemile Trailheads are so close to each other, consider using a buddy system for convenient transportation. Because it is so close to town, it is easy to play outside for a while and still complete a few chores at home.

Accessing the trail via the Ninemile Trailhead is equally as nice, and actually might provide more open viewscapes within the first few initial miles. The Ninemile Trailhead is not the start of the Umatilla Rim Trail. To head toward the Horseshoe Prairie Trailhead travel north, which is straight, from the trailhead.

Amenities
There is a vault toilet located at the Andies Prairie Sno-Park across the highway from the Horseshoe Prairie Trailhead.

Regulations
This trail borders the North Fork Umatilla Wilderness area and intersects other trails that go into the Wilderness area. Only foot traffic and horseback are allowed to cross this boundary, so please be mindful of this fact based on how you are recreating in the forest. For a complete list of wilderness regulations visit the Umatilla National Forest website.

Motorized vehicles: Class 3 ATV (motorcycles) only. Must have current ORV registration (WA, ID, CA tags honored) and ATV safety card (motorcycles are a class III ATV). Safety cards are free online if over age 16 and those are good for life. Riders under 16 must take a hands on course. Full details at the Oregon Online ATV Safety Education Course 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/ Biking

The Umatilla Rim Trail (#3080) is a choose-your-own-adventure type of trail. There are a handful of access points thanks to a number of trail intersections. On a bike, we like to start at the Horseshoe Prairie Trailhead and end ten miles down the trail at the Ninemile Trailhead, which provides an easy to find and convenient pick up point.

If your cardio is on point, take the trail back ten miles to the Horseshoe Prairie Trailhead. You could also ride Summit Road two miles back to HWY 204, and turn left and ride along HWY 204 for 3/4 of a mile to the Horseshoe Prairie Trailhead. The shoulder is actually quite wide along the highway, which makes the effort slightly less intimidating.

Roughly 1.5 miles before exiting at Ninemile Trailhead (our favorite spot to start if hiking), or 1.5 miles into the trail if you choose that as your starting point, you will cross the Nine Mile Ridge Trail (#3072). That trail enters the Wilderness area so only foot traffic and horseback travelers may use it.

If you are looking for a longer ride, you can continue past the Ninemile Trailhead to the junction with the Lake Creek Trail (#3079) roughly four miles further, which is where the Umatilla Rim Trail officially ends. Once on the Lake Creek Trail, it is half a mile to the Lake Creek Trailhead on NF-035. It is possible to continue past the Lake Creek Trail junction if you choose. Continue west along the Buck Mountain Trail (#3075) for a few more miles before it crosses into the Wilderness area. If you are on wheels, you will have to backtrack.

Consider downloading the Motor Vehicle Use Map. This part of the forest is reflected on Maps 13 & 14. The Avenza Map app is also quite helpful as users can upload three maps (or unlimited with a subscription) within the app to use offline. It can track your location offline and overlay your location on the map. Most of the intersections along the trail are not clearly marked, which is why this tool is so helpful.

Consult the Forest Service page for agency information.

Umatilla Rim Trail Gallery

WHEN TO GO

Being atop the Blue Mountains, this trail opens when the snow melts in late spring or early summer. The trail may be a bit muddy post snow melt, and there are a few creek crossing. Plan on getting wet and...

HOW TO GET THERE

Horseshoe Prairie Trailhead From Walla Walla, take HWY 11 south through Milton-Freewater, OR. Travel another five miles and turn left on Winn Road. Follow this little backroad for two miles and then turn left to connect with HWY 204. Travel...