OUTSIDE WALLA WALLA

Harris Park Trail

Harris Park Trail (Photo Credit: Steve Dildine)

ACTIVITIES

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Trails ,

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(Hiking, Trails)

Overview

Summary

The Harris Park Trail takes hikers on a sidehill extravaganza. On the trail, the added elevation above Harris Park shows off the South Fork Walla Walla River drainage. Consider leaving the kiddos at home. This trail is slick and loose, steep in various spots, and hugs the cliffs. Take your time. Keep your eyes on the trail, but make sure to stop and enjoy one of the best views of the Blue Mountains.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Since the road is washed out to the South Fork Walla Walla Trailhead, this trail bypasses some of the damage caused by the flood. Although not a particularly long trail,...

Since the road is washed out to the South Fork Walla Walla Trailhead, this trail bypasses some of the damage caused by the flood. Although not a particularly long trail, it is incredibly beautiful. It is also primitive, rugged, slick, and not maintained. Proceed with caution and at your own risk. Consider letting the kiddos sit this one out.

Amenities
Back at Harris Park, there are picnic tables, campsites, additional toilets, playground and swings, sand volleyball court, and horseshoe pits.

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
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

This primitive trail compliments the South Fork Walla Walla Trail, especially since that trail was heavily impacted by a flood in 2020. The Harris Park Trail spans the length of the park all the way to the South Fork Walla Walla Trailhead, gaining a few hundred feet above the river north of Harris Park. The trail is roughly a mile long. There is brief mention of the trail on the Umatilla County site.

Harris Park Trail Gallery

WHEN TO GO

Do not attempt this trail if snow is present. Spring is a lovely time to visit as many wildflowers are blooming, snow is still visible at higher elevations, and the melt creates a number of waterfalls cascading down adjacent hillsides....

HOW TO GET THERE

There are a couple ways to access this area. To avoid gravel and dirt roads, travel south on HWY 11 and go through Milton-Freewater, OR. Take a left on SE 15th Avenue (there is a sign for Harris Park). SE 15th Avenue becomes Walla Walla River Road and continues for roughly 14 miles. The road will take a right bend and become the South Fork Walla Walla River Road. Drive approximately seven miles and just prior to the bridge over the South Fork Walla Walla River there is a small parking area on the right. The trail is unmarked and across the street.

The second route takes you through wheat fields, so it is dusty and highly utilized by farming equipment. If this interests you, head south on Second Avenue in Walla Walla (go all the way to the end of Second Avenue) and take a right on Howard Street (the cemetery is on the right). You will pass Prospect Point Elementary and reach a four-way stop; keep straight and continue south (Howard Street becomes Cottonwood Road). You will come to another four-way stop at the intersection of Cottonwood Road and Langdon Road; continue straight heading south on to Powerline Road.

After two miles you will cross the Oregon State Line and Powerline Road becomes County 525 Road. County 525 Road will turn to gravel after about 1.5 miles. Continue for six miles, and you will return to pavement on Walla Walla River Road. Travel another 1/4 mile and turn left on South Fork Walla Walla River Road. Drive approximately seven miles and just prior to the bridge over the South Fork Walla Walla River there is a small parking area on the right. The trail is unmarked and across the street.

If interested in the gravel road option, remember that large trucks and combines use those roads frequently. The road is especially dusty in dry conditions, which is most of the summer, and can make visibility quite low if following another vehicle. Don’t take a rental car on this road if you are from out of town. Consider utilizing both routes to take advantage of Milton-Freewater and its many points of interest as well as the unique and beautiful views showcased by the back road.