banner
CURRENT CONDITIONS
28° F

Take a stroll along the Touchet River in historic Dayton, Washington. This path checks several boxes on anyone’s recreation wish list. It is family friendly, easy to access, near playgrounds, features art, and hugs the river. Another great perk of this path is that it connects to Main Street, so grab a bite and get shopping. Please take note, the property owners who allow public access on their land make this trail possible.

  • What To Do
    • Walking Paths

      The levee trail is roughly two miles long and begins at Flour Mill Park just off HWY 12 and ends on South 4th Street/ Touchet River Road. The trail passes through a patchwork of private and public land. Without everyone's cooperation and stewardship of this land, this wonderful opportunity wouldn't be possible.

  • What To Expect

    If starting your adventure from the north entrance at Flour Mill Park, signage makes it appear as though it is private property. It is. Generous property owners have agreed to allow public access on the levee trail. Be extremely considerate of this arrangement as this is a wonderful opportunity for all. The river alone is enough to attract any outdoor enthusiast. A few historic features make it extra special. The connection to a public park and Dayton fishing pond, not to mention proximity to downtown, means each visit is unique.

  • When To Go

    Explore this path all year. Dayton is a lovely town with a lot to offer. Theater, history, food, and shopping would keep anyone busy. There is more! Dayton is also the gateway to the northern Blue Mountain region. As the region's only ski resort, Ski Bluewood keeps locals and visitors alike busy all winter long. Spring through fall hiking and camping opportunities are plentiful, and some of those trails, with a few feet of snow, are glorious to snowshoe. Enjoy the levee trail but definitely visit often and take advantage of all Dayton has to offer.

  • How To Get There

    From Walla Walla go east on HWY 12 for 30 miles. The north entrance to the Touchet River Levee is located just across the Touchet River bridge at Flour Mill Park on your right.

    For additional parking and/or central access to the path, turn right on South 1st Street after crossing the Touchet River bridge and follow for roughly half a mile until the road ends at Pietrzcki Park.

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

  • Distance:

    Within 1.5 Hours

  • Difficulty Level:

    Day Tripper

  • Seasons:

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

  • Elevation:

    1,660 feet

  • Pets:

    Yes

  • Reservations:

    N/A

  • ADA:

    Yes

  • Multi-Use:

    Yes

  • Motorized Vehicles :

    No

  • Fees

    None

  • Permits

    None

  • Regulations

    No motor vehicles are allowed.

  • Amenities

    Parking and restrooms are available at the north end of the trail along HWY 12 at Flour Mill Park. More parking and restrooms are located at Pietrzcki Park, which is approximately the mid-way point.

  • 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.