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Pendleton Adventure Trails Recreation Area (PATRA)

Scenic adventure rides, check. Downhill jumpline, check. Technical decent, check. The PATRA trail system is open to foot and pedal traffic, conveniently located near the Pendleton Airport. A local volunteer group, Pendleton On Wheels, created a system of short trails suited for all skill levels.

  • What To Do
    • Hiking/ Mountain Biking

      There are several trail options that wind around hillsides and zoom through draws sandwiched between farmland, the airport, the highway, and a whole bunch of solar panels. While the area doesn't seem like much passing at interstate speed, the trails are nothing short of thrilling. Informational signs showing the trails are located at the entrance as well as near the bottom. The area in dominated by intermediate or moderately difficult trails. Consult the Trailforks site for detailed mapping. There are so many options that you will leave planning your return trip.

  • What To Expect

    PATRA has something for every rider. It is a great place to teach kids to ride on a trail, and the walk back up is doable. This makes for great practice runs. Those riders ready to catch air are in for a treat with plenty of jumps to keep the adrenaline flowing.

  • When To Go

    Located in the foothills of the Blue Mountains, Pendleton, Oregon enjoys a semi-arid climate, leaving the trails dry and packed. This trail system is excellent for honing mountain bike skills, but note that the entire system is on south-facing hills. There are solar panels adjacent to PATRA, so you can imagine how much sun and potentially hot this area is at certain times of the year. There is always sunrise and sunset!

  • How To Get There

    From Walla Walla, travel south on HWY 11 to Pendleton, Oregon. Turn left at the first stop light to keep on HWY 11. Turn right onto I-84 West and travel three miles to exit 207. Take exit 207 and keep straight on Airport Road for about a mile, and turn left before entering the airport parking lot. You will see a brown sign directing you toward the parking area. Continue on Airport Road for another mile, and the gravel parking lot is on your left.

Please do not solely rely on Google Maps as their route might not always reflect what is maintained.

  • Your Public Lands

    City of Pendleton Parks and Recreation

  • Distance:

    Within 1.5 Hours

  • Difficulty Level:

    Day Tripper, Adventurer

  • Seasons:

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

  • Elevation:

    1,500 feet

  • Pets:

    Yes

  • Reservations:

    N/A

  • ADA:

    No

  • Multi-Use:

    Yes

  • Motorized Vehicles :

    No

  • Fees

    None

  • Permits

    None

  • Regulations

    The rules are clearly articulated on the sign at the trailhead. To emphasize usage and safety rules, hikers and riders are using the area at their own risk. Leave no trace, including pet waste. Dogs must be under voice command. No amplification of speakers or alcohol without a permit. No smoking or campfires or feeding wildlife. Parents must monitor children's safety and behavior at all times. Please stay on the trail. No motorized vehicles or horses allowed.

  • Amenities

    There is a large gravel parking area, a few picnic tables, and a BBQ. A portable toilet is available in the parking area.

  • Wildlife Awareness

    We are all so fortunate to recreate in the Blue Mountains. So many opportunities exist to play outside whether in a national forest, wilderness area, on a Wild and Scenic River, and more! 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

    Difficulty Level: Here is what we are thinking when we assign a difficulty level: Day Tripper--You don't have much experience in the area but want to get outside! Great for families of all ages. Adventurer--You know your way around the Blue Mountains and love a leisurely day outdoors. Mountaineer--You are ready for a challenge. Wild places excite you and sweat is the goal. Small children beware. Keep in mind some activities may apply to multiple difficulty levels based on usage.

    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.

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