Most of this trail is in the forest. Wear shoes with excellent traction and anticipate blisters. This trail is steep. It is rocky in places and slick in others. The final mile of trail flattens out and follows the Burnt Cabin Gulch to the recently replaced Burnt Cabin Trail Bridge that crosses the South Fork Walla Walla River.
Expect to work. We broke the trail up by switchbacks, resting at the turns. As mentioned, the near constant shade from the forest is much needed. There are dispersed camping spots near the Burnt Cabin Bridge.
Remember to share the trail. This is a multi-use trail that is popular with horseback and motorcycle riders as it connects with the South Fork Walla Walla Trail, allowing for extended trips or through-hiking on trails such as the Rough Fork Trail, Table Springs / Bear Creek Trail, and North Fork Walla Walla Trail.
Amenities
There is a quite large parking area. As an added convenience, the road loops around the trailhead, which makes traveling with a trailer much easier. The parking area is grass, so keep that in mind as the snow melts or after heavy rain. There is a vault toilet, hitching rails, and a loading dock. Pack your trash out.
Regulations
Motorized Vehicles | Class 3 ATV (motorcycles) only: Must have current ORV registration and ATV safety card (motorcycles are a class III ATV). Safety cards are free online if over age 16 and are good for life. Riders under 16 must take a hands on course. Full details are available 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.
