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South Fork Walla Walla Trail

THIS AREA IS CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO FLOOD DAMAGE: This part of the world continues to top the list of favorite, nearby places get outside. Whenever we have company in town who have never experienced the Blue Mountains or if we just want to stretch our legs and listen to running water, this is the spot. The word iconic comes to mind. Just a short drive southeast of town, the trail is excellent for all members of the family. Overall, a wonderful way to experience the outdoors while visiting the valley, and locals are fortunate to have such great access to outdoor recreation activities so close to home.

  • What To Do
    • Hiking/ Biking/ Snowshoeing

      The South Fork Walla Walla Trail (#3225) is 19.6 miles one way. The upper trailhead is Deduct Trailhead on Forest Service Road 65, and the lower trailhead near Harris Park. This trail also provides access to Table Springs/ Bear Creek Trail (#3223), Burnt Cabin Trail (#3226--the bridge is closed), the North Fork Walla Walla Trail (#3222) via trail #3223, and Rough Fork Trail (#3227). Access from Deduct Trailhead is reliably available by summer.

      Consider downloading the Motor Vehicle Use Map. This part of the forest is reflected on Map 15. The Avenza Map app is also quite helpful as users can upload three maps (or unlimited with a subscription) within the app to use offline. It can track your location offline and overlay your location on the map. Most of the intersections along the trail are not clearly marked, which is why this tool is so helpful.

    • Fishing

      There are multiple opportunities just off the trail to set up for a day of fishing. Fishing regulations are highly specific and based on location and species. Please always consult the latest information available from the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife.

    • Camping

      No camping is available at the trailhead, but Harris Park is less than a mile back down Walla Walla River Road. If backpacking, dispersed camping is available along the trail.

  • What To Expect

    Views are amazing along the trail, a definite departure from the rolling wheat fields surrounding town. A great place to bird, enjoy butterflies, put the camera to use, or just enjoy the scenery. If hiking or biking, there are areas of steep ground and/or narrow trail. Know your limits on a bike or consider walking your bike up areas you aren't familiar with to gain confidence in the trail's path. Be aware of snakes, especially in the summer. The first few miles from the lower trailhead are young family friendly with areas of mandatory hand holding.

    If interested in mountain biking or backpacking the entire 19.6 mile trail, access via Deduct Trailhead will no doubt provide a thrilling ride or enjoyable multi-day hiking adventure. Other trails (such as Table Springs/ Bear Creek Trail, Rough Fork Trail, and Burnt Cabin--bridge currently closed) also connect into the South Fork Walla Walla Trail. These junctions are not well marked, so please carry the appropriate maps or consider the aforementioned app. There are many areas of steep drop offs, so make sure to recreate within your skill level.

  • When To Go

    There really isn't a bad time to use this trail. There are so many different ways to enjoy the area across the seasons that it makes sense to visit often. We enjoyed a Blue Mountain Land Trust event in the spring finding insects (lots of beautiful butterflies and aquatics) and we rented mountain bikes in the summer to escape the valley heat. Even though accessing the lower trailhead is close to town, the trail never feels crowded, and the roar of the river makes it fairly difficult to hear anything but nature anyway. And, actually, Deduct Trailhead is only an hour away, but access is reliably available by summer.

  • How To Get There

    Please do not solely rely on Google Maps as their route might not always reflect what is maintained. There are multiple ways to access this trail. To keep it simple, we will focus on how to access the endpoints. To start at the top of the trail, go to Deduct Trailhead. Head east on Isaacs Avenue and continue onto Mill Creek Road. Travel on Mill Creek Road for 14 miles and you will come to a junction with Tiger Creek Road (sometimes referred to as Tiger Canyon Road or Tiger Ridge Road). Turn right onto Tiger Creek Road and cross a small bridge before the road begins its ascent. If you miss your turn, you will come to the gate for the Mill Creek Watershed. Once on Tiger Creek Road, take it 10.5 miles and you will see a sign for the South Fork Walla Walla River Trailhead (which is really Deduct Trailhead for the South Fork Walla Walla Trail). Take the next right, and follow the road about 1/4 mile to its end.

    The most popular way to access this trail is via the lower trailhead near Harris Park. There are a couple ways to get to Harris Park and the South Fork Walla Walla Trail. To avoid gravel and dirt roads, travel south on HWY 11 and go through Milton-Freewater, OR. Take a left on SE 15th Avenue (there is a sign for Harris Park). SE 15th Avenue becomes Walla Walla River Road and continues for roughly 14 miles. The road will take a right bend and become the South Fork Walla Walla River Road. Follow that road to the end, and the trail begins at the gate.

    The second route takes you through wheat fields, so it is dusty and highly utilized by farming equipment. If this interests you, head south on Second Avenue in Walla Walla (go all the way to the end of Second Avenue) and take a right on Howard Street (the cemetery is on the right). You will pass Prospect Point Elementary and reach a four-way stop; keep straight and continue south (Howard Street becomes Cottonwood Road). You will come to another four-way stop at the intersection of Cottonwood Road and Langdon Road; continue straight heading south on to Powerline Road. After two miles you will cross the Oregon State Line and Powerline Road becomes County 525 Road. County 525 Road will turn to gravel after about 1.5 miles. Continue for six miles, and you will return to pavement on Walla Walla River Road. Travel another 1/4 mile and turn left on South Fork Walla Walla River Road and the road ends at the trailhead.

    If interested in the gravel road option, remember that large trucks and combines use those roads frequently. The road is especially dusty in dry conditions, which is most of the summer, and can make visibility quite low if following another vehicle. Don't take a rental car on this road if you are from out of town. Consider utilizing both routes to take advantage of Milton-Freewater and its many points of interest as well as the unique and beautiful views showcased by the back road.

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), Bureau of Land Management

  • Distance:

    Within 1.5 Hours

  • Difficulty Level:

    Day Tripper, Adventurer, Mountaineer

  • Seasons:

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

  • Elevation:

    2,115 - 5,000 feet

  • Pets:

    Yes

  • Reservations:

    N/A

  • ADA:

    No

  • Multi-Use:

    Yes

  • Motorized Vehicles :

    Yes

  • Fees

    No

  • Permits

    Valid Oregon fishing license (if fishing)--Not available at Harris Park for purchase. Fishing licenses are available online via the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife or you can purchase at Ranch & Home in Milton-Freewater, OR off HWY 11 on your way out of town. Remember, you have to buy an Oregon fishing license in Oregon.

  • Regulations

    Motorized vehicles: Class 3 ATV (motorcycles) only. Must have current ORV registration (WA, ID, CA tags honored) and ATV safety card (motorcycles are a class III ATV). Safety cards are free online if over age 16 and those are good for life. Riders under 16 must take a hands on course. Full details at the Oregon Online ATV Safety Education Course website.

  • Amenities

    There are vault toilets at both trailheads. Back at Harris Park, there are picnic tables, campsites, additional toilets, playground and swings, sand volleyball court, and horseshoe pits.

  • 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. 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.

    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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