CURRENT CONDITIONS

78° F

OUTSIDE WALLA WALLA

Pendleton Adventure Trails Recreation Area (PATRA)

Pendleton Adventure Trails Recreation Area (Photo Credit: Gwen Dildine)

ACTIVITIES

(

Trails ,
Mountain Trails

)

(Trails, Mountain Trails)

Overview

Summary

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 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...

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.

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

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.

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/ 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.

Pendleton Adventure Trails Recreation Area (PATRA) Gallery

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....

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...