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CURRENT CONDITIONS
28° F
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Sinks Trail

Enjoy a steady climb through old growth forest and open meadows as you make your way toward a gem of a finish line. Gaining 1,200 feet over roughly five miles makes it easy on the lungs. It is also a manageable distance for a leisurely stroll through the woods. This trail is a favorite for mountain biking.

  • What To Do
    • Hiking/ Biking

      Sinks Trail (#3233) is a five mile out and back trail which starts just off NF-6307 and ends at Jubilee Lake. The Umatilla National Forest website and topographic map shows this trail ending on NF-63035 after 4.5 miles. We could not find a trail or road for this departure. There is a well-defined trail that continues through a few meadows and ends at the Jubilee Lake rope swing.

  • What To Expect

    This trail is a steady climb along the sink it is named after. Much of the trail is through old growth forest without much understory, offering a great view of the forest floor. Near the trail's end, you break into a couple of large open meadows which are full of wildflowers and butterflies. Make the push up the final climb and you can see Jubilee Lake through the trees. A welcome, short walk downhill drops you off at the rope swing on the east side of the lake, a perfect ending on a hot summer day. If mountain biking, remember that the Jubilee Lake Recreation Loop Trail (#3230) is open to foot traffic only. Keep your bike parked at the end of the Sinks Trail.

  • When To Go

    As with most trails in this area, late spring after the snow melts begins the season. This trail is more enjoyable in summer and fall after the ground has had a chance to dry. The trees provide ample shade. We rode the trail in triple digit heat, and the forest cut that heat significantly. The rope swing at Jubilee Lake helped a bit as well.

  • How To Get There

    Please do not solely rely on Google Maps as their route might not always reflect what is maintained. From Walla Walla, take HWY 11 south through Milton-Freewater, OR. Travel another five miles and turn left on Winn Road. Follow this little backroad for two miles and then turn left to connect with HWY 204. Drive roughly 19 miles and turn left onto Skyline Road/ NF-64 (just past Langdon Lake). Follow NF-64 for 10 miles then turn right on NF-63. Drive another 5.5 miles and turn left to keep on NF-63 towards Elgin. Just another mile down the road, there is a sign for Sinks Trail. Park at the road gate. The trail is a short walk down the road and is marked on your left.

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

  • Your Public Lands

    Umatilla National Forest (Walla Walla Ranger District)

  • Distance:

    Within 1.5 Hours

  • Difficulty Level:

    Day Tripper, Adventurer

  • Seasons:

    Spring, Summer, Fall

  • Elevation:

    3,500 - 4,700 feet

  • Pets:

    Yes

  • Reservations:

    N/A

  • ADA:

    No

  • Multi-Use:

    Yes

  • Motorized Vehicles :

    No

  • Fees

    None

  • Permits

    None

  • Regulations

    None other than being good stewards of the land!

  • Amenities

    Pack in and pack out. No facilities available in the immediate 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

    Navigation: Consider downloading the Avenza Map app. It is an incredible resource that allows users to upload three maps (or unlimited with a subscription) within the app to use offline. It can track your location offline and overlay GPS data from the phone onto the map. 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 back-up paper maps. Tell others where your adventure is taking you and when you expect to return.

    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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