CURRENT CONDITIONS

77° F

OUTSIDE WALLA WALLA

Mill Creek Recreation Trail

Mill Creek Recreation Trail (Photo Credit: Steve Dildine)

ACTIVITIES

(

Walking Paths ,

)

(Hiking, Walking Paths)

Overview

Summary

This path is a great in-town opportunity to get the whole family outside. Playgrounds, bathrooms, benches, and a paved route with multiple access points make it accessible for all. Add in the chance to see wildlife, the flow of Mill Creek, and the scenic Blue Mountains as a back drop–this trail checks off most of the wish list. As an added bonus, connect to the Bennington Lake trail system via the Kingfisher Trail or Whitetail Trail to extend the adventure.

WHAT TO EXPECT

The trail runs east-west paralleling Mill Creek sloping ever so slightly toward town. This elevation change is noticeable when biking. The trail is paved from start to finish, and pets...

The trail runs east-west paralleling Mill Creek sloping ever so slightly toward town. This elevation change is noticeable when biking. The trail is paved from start to finish, and pets are allowed but must be on a leash. Wheeled transportation is allowed as long as it is non-motorized. The trail covers 2.5 miles from end to end, starting and finishing at parks with playgrounds and restrooms.

Enjoy the sound of Mill Creek and views of the Blues and wildlife. There are bridges located at Rooks Park, the U.S. Corps of Engineers office, and Walla Walla Community College allowing access to the south side of Mill Creek into the Bennington Lake trail system.

For a longer trip, you can connect into the Bennington Lake trail system at the east end of Mill Creek Recreation Trail by the dam joining the Whitetail Trail or the Kingfisher Trail, which is the south side path along Mill Creek.

Amenities
Restrooms and water are located at Rooks Park and Eastgate Lions Park. Restrooms also available at Corps of Engineers parking lot. Several benches along the way make the path accessible and manageable for many users.

Regulations
Pets must be leashed.

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
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 Mill Creek Recreation Trail is a 2.5 mile paved path running parallel with Mill Creek. This multi-use trail is open to non-motorized transportation and is pet friendly. It is a wide trail that actually is marked down the center, which makes it easier for traffic to flow safely.

Mill Creek Recreation Trail Gallery

WHEN TO GO

The Mill Creek Recreation Trail is open year round. The Rooks Park parking lot is closed beginning mid October and services at Rooks Park may be limited, such as locked bathroom doors. This trail is so accessible that it definitely...

HOW TO GET THERE

There are multiple ways to access the Mill Creek Recreation Trail. The most popular way to join the trail is located at the Walla Walla Community College baseball/softball field parking lot, which is centrally located on the trail. At the...