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Tiger Ridge Trail

Mostly used by hunters and ATVs, this trail provides access to a great camping area and connects with the North Fork Walla Walla Trail. If you are looking for a trail less traveled, this one is for you. The northern section takes you along Tiger Ridge, while the southern end leads to the North Fork Walla Walla River. A great candidate for an overnight pack-in camping trip as this is a shorter trail, but pack light as the trail looses elevation quickly.

  • What To Do
    • Hiking/ Biking

      Both ends of this trail begin off of NF-6511, but only the southern section is marked with a trail sign. The south branch is roughly 1.25 miles in length leading down a nice, wide trail that ends at the North Fork Walla Walla Trail (#3222) and a camping area. The north branch is a half mile further west on NF-6511 and starts from an unmarked parking area. The trail leads you down Tiger Ridge a few miles before the trail is lost. 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.

  • What To Expect

    On the southern end of the trail, enjoy and wide but fairly steep journey downward amongst old growth forest. At the end of this trail you will arrive at a large camping area along with the junction of the North Fork Walla Walla Trail (#3222). This section of trail is only roughly a mile in length. It can make for a great overnight camping trip. The northern part of this trail follows the narrow Tiger Ridge a few miles downward before the trail is lost due to a washout several years ago. Efforts are underway to connect this trail with the West Tiger Creek Trail (#3229).

    This trail is designated for ATV class 1 and 3 use. The southern section of this trail is a nice ride down. However, we would NOT recommend attempting the northern section of trail on anything with wheels. The trail is steep with very dry and soft soil. The trail is only about a foot wide, so taking a four wheeler isn't possible. Riding a motorcycle on the northern section is NOT safe to attempt. As the trail moves from the top of the ridge to the sidehill, the chance of washing out is extremely high with almost nowhere to turn around.

  • When To Go

    Summer and fall offer the best use of this trail as weather restricts access late fall through late spring.

  • How To Get There

    Please do not solely rely on Google Maps as their route might not always reflect what is maintained. Head east on Isaacs Avenue out of Walla Walla 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 a gate for the Mill Creek Watershed. Once you are on Tiger Creek Road you will cross into the National Forest as you make your way nine miles up the winding, gravel road. Tiger Creek Road becomes NF-65 once it crosses into the National Forest. Enjoy spectacular views on the way. At about 7.5 miles there is a sharp turn that meets up with two other marked roads (NF-6511 and NF-6512). Take the first right onto NF-6511 and follow for two miles. The southern part of this trail is just off to the left of the road marked by a trail sign. To access the northern part of the trail continue on NF-6511 another 1/2 mile to an unmarked road/ parking area located on your right. As a note, NF-6511 is a rough, single lane road and parking for this trail is extremely limited. If bringing a trailer for horses or ATVs, park at the NF-6511 junction with NF-65.

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, Mountaineer

  • Seasons:

    Summer, Fall

  • Elevation:

    3,400 - 4,500 feet

  • Pets:

    Yes

  • Reservations:

    N/A

  • ADA:

    No

  • Multi-Use:

    Yes

  • Motorized Vehicles :

    Yes

  • Fees

    None

  • Permits

    None

  • Regulations

    Motorized vehicles: Class 1 ATV (50" or less in width) and 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

    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. 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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