After years of living in the area, it is easy to get used to having the Columbia River just down the road. In reality, this historic, geologically fascinating area deserves a visit from time to time. At the heart of the Wallula Gap area, this short hike offers expansive views and cultural heritage information.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Stretch your legs, learn a little, and enjoy the views. There is no place to hide on this trail, so if it is hot and sunny make sure to bring...
Stretch your legs, learn a little, and enjoy the views. There is no place to hide on this trail, so if it is hot and sunny make sure to bring water and apply sunscreen. For more activities in the area, please enjoy our Journey Through Time at Wallula Gap blog. Additionally, the Walla Walla 2020 group has assembled a comprehensive Wallula History site. Where the Great River Bends is an excellent read that I guarantee you will reference often.
Amenities No facilities available. The parking lot is directly off of HWY 730.
Regulations No trespassing after dark, and no rock climbing.
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 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.
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.
Distance:
Within 1.5 Hours
ADA:
No
Elevation:
Multi Use:
No
Seasons:
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Pets:
Yes
Motorized Vehicles:
No
Fees:
None
Land Manager:
National Natural Landmark (National Park Service)
Permits:
None
Amenities:
No facilities available. The parking lot is directly off of HWY 730.
WHAT TO DO
Hiking/ Viewpoint
Just a few hundred feet of elevation gain makes a big difference when viewing the Columbia River and Wallula Gap area. This short trail is one mile round trip and shows off basalt pillars as well as the impact of the Missoula floods. The trail is well marked and provides historical information (now sun-baked so refer to our picture below) regarding a Native American legend about who the twin sisters were.
Twin Sisters Gallery
WHEN TO GO
Pick any clear day or, if you are lucky, sunset to take the quick walk up to Twin Sisters and neighboring viewpoints. Even in the winter, the clouds hanging over the river offer up some pretty dramatic scenes.
HOW TO GET THERE
Head west on HWY 12 for 30 miles to Wallula Junction and keep straight joining HWY 730, which follows the mighty Columbia River. Two miles past the junction (mile post 4.2) on the left side of the highway is the...
Head west on HWY 12 for 30 miles to Wallula Junction and keep straight joining HWY 730, which follows the mighty Columbia River. Two miles past the junction (mile post 4.2) on the left side of the highway is the abrupt turnout for Twin Sisters so keep your eyes peeled and blinker ready.
Take caution when turning into the small parking area as oncoming traffic does not have a clear view of that crossing. Likely, you will miss the turn, and that is okay. Continue to Port Kelly Road just past the Walla Walla Yacht Club to turn around.
Please note, you will encounter the Wallula Historic Site first (mile post 4.8), which is another indicator that the Twin Sisters parking area is quite near.
Outside Walla Walla assumes no responsibility for the use of this website or the information provided. Every activity carries potential risks that should be assessed individually based on each person’s circumstances. By using the information, you acknowledge the foregoing and agree to release us from any liability arising from your use. We make no warranties, express or implied, of any kind regarding the operation of the website or the results you may obtain from using the content, information, materials, products, or services offered on the Outside Walla Walla website. Use of the Outside Walla Walla website is the sole responsibility of the user. In no event will we be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages resulting from the use of this website or the information contained herein.
The Outside Walla Walla website contains links and advertisements to third-party websites. These links are provided for your convenience and do not imply that we endorse the content of those websites. We are not responsible for the content or accuracy of linked third-party websites, nor do we guarantee the accuracy or truthfulness of the information they contain. If you choose to access linked third-party websites, you do so at your own risk.