CURRENT CONDITIONS

78° F

OUTSIDE WALLA WALLA

Whitman Mission National Historic Site

Whitman Mission National Historic Site (Photo Credit: Gwen Dildine)

ACTIVITIES

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Walking Paths ,
Birding ,

)

(Hiking, Walking Paths, Birding)

Overview

Summary

At the edge of town lies a plethora of history. Walk the grounds of Whitman Mission and follow the Oregon Trail. Interpretive displays are spread throughout the premises as are benches, so take a moment and enjoy the natural landscape and wildlife. Two walking paths give you plenty of space to roam. Where else can you stroll along the Oregon Trail and actually see where the wagon wheels once rolled?

WHAT TO EXPECT

The paved path is great for all ages. There is plenty of space to roam and sights to see with benches spread throughout to rest. If able to make your...

The paved path is great for all ages. There is plenty of space to roam and sights to see with benches spread throughout to rest. If able to make your way up a fairly steep incline to the Whitman Memorial Shaft enjoy a great viewpoint of the Mission itself as well as the surrounding valley. You can walk a section of the Oregon Trail, as well as walk through the Mission grounds. Many interpretive signs offer information regarding where the buildings once stood.

On the north end of the property near the picnic area you will find the Mill Creek Loop. This is a mowed path through grassland bordering Mill Creek. There are no benches or water fountains on this path. In the winter this path makes for a good snowshoeing and cross-country skiing area just minutes away from downtown. Leashes are still required on this path as is cleaning up after your pet.

Amenities
A restroom is available at the Visitor Center. Water fountains, available spring through fall, are located outside of the Visitor Center and at the Whitman Memorial Shaft atop the hill. A picnic area with tables and a BBQ grill is available on a first come first served basis. There are several benches located along the paved path. Paved path is ADA friendly. Wheelchairs are available for loan at no charge during operating hours. Informative signs have an audio feature.

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.

A restroom is available at the Visitor Center. Water fountains, available spring through fall, are located outside of the Visitor Center and at the Whitman Memorial Shaft atop the hill. A picnic area with tables and a BBQ grill is available on a first come first served basis. There are several benches located along the paved path. Paved path is ADA friendly. Wheelchairs are available for loan at no charge during operating hours. Informative signs have an audio feature.

WHAT TO DO

Walking Paths

There are two walking paths to choose from that offer users both scenic and historic views. The path around the Mission is about a mile long. It is paved and takes you around the original grounds and burial sites, as well as along a small section of the Oregon Trail. The other path is labeled the Mill Creek Loop and wanders through the grasslands by way of a mowed path approximately 0.8 miles in length.

Consult the National Park Service page for agency information.

Birding

April through November are the best months to view birds such as Marsh Wren, Virginia Rail, Northern Harrier, Lewis’ Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, and Wild Turkey. During the spring, Broad-winged Hawks and many warbler species are common sightings. Check out the eBird list for historical records of the rare and unusual species that show up here.