Umatilla National Forest
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Umatilla National Forest 541-278-3716
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Recreational Trail Opportunities
Walla Walla Ranger District
1415 West Rose
Walla Walla, WA 99863
(509) 522-6290
BUCK CREEK TRAIL #3073 map
Trail Beginning: Buck Creek Trailhead (2400’).
Trail Ending: Lick Creek Trail (3200’).
Access: 33 miles east of Pendleton on the Umatilla River Road, approximately 11 east of Gibbon, continue past the Bar-M Ranch to Corporation Guard Station until you reach the Umatilla Forest day use area. Cross the bridge past the campground and take the first left onto Forest Service Road #3200-045 which least to the Buck Creek Kiwanis Organization Camp. The trailhead is located at the end of the road. There is limited parking at this trailhead.
Restrictions: Horse trailers will need to be parked at the Corporation Trailhead.
Attractions & Considerations: Since this trail is located on the North Fork of the Umatilla Wilderness area, this trail is open to foot and horse traffic only. The trail follows Buck Creek for 3.5 miles, crossing the creek as many as 30 times as it winds through the forest. Users should exercise caution on creek crossing during the spring run-off periods.
The trail is easy going as it climbs only 800’ to where it merges with Lake Creek Trail #3079. Lake Creek Trail continues approximately 2 more miles up the Lake Creek drainage before leaving the Wilderness area. Once the trail has left the wilderness area, it continues for another 2 miles until it reaches Forest Service Road #3150. This portion of the trail goes through clearcuts and burned areas. Potable water and vault toilets are available at the Umatilla Forks day use area.
Length: 3.5 miles
Elevation Variance: 2400’ – 3200’
USGS Quad Maps: Bingham springs
Recommended Season: May 1 – October 1
Use: Light
Difficulty: More Difficult
UMATILLA RIM TRAIL #3080 map
Trail Beginning: Buck Creek Trailhead (2400’)
Trail Ending: Blue Mountain Trail, Lake Creek Trailhead (4450’)
Access: 1. Lower Trailhead: 33 miles east of Pendleton
on the Umatilla River Road, approximately 11 miles east of Gibbon, past
the Bar-M Ranch and Corporation Guard Station until you reach the Umatilla
Forks day use area. Cross the bridge past the campground and take the
first left onto Forest Service Road #3200-045 which least to the Buck
Creek Kiwanis Organization Camp. The trailhead is located at the end of
the road. The Buck Mountain Trail takes off from the Buck Creek Trail
approximately 200 feet from the trailhead. Parking is limited.
2. Upper Trailhead: From highway 204, 8 miles south of Tollgate and 14
miles north of Elgin, turn west on Forest Service Road #31 (Summit Road)
4miles. Turn right on Forest Service Road #3150 to the 035 spur road and
turn right again. This is the Lake Creek Trailhead. Follow Lake Creek
trail for ¾ of a mile to the Buck Mountain Trail junction.
Restrictions: There is no space to park horse trailers at this trailhead.
Attractions & Considerations: Since this trail is located on the North Fork of the Umatilla Wilderness area, this trail is open to foot and horse traffic only. The trail climbs briskly (about 1900’) in the first 1.5 miles. The remaining 6/0 miles climbs only 300’ in elevation, gradually making its way through a series of mountain meadows. A panoramic view can be seen from the top of Buck Mountain.
Length: 7.5 miles
Elevation Variance: 2400’ – 4450’
USGS Quad Maps: Bingham Springs
Recommended Season: May 1 - October 1
Use: Light
Difficulty: Most Difficult
BURNT CABIN TRAIL #3226 map
Trail Beginning: Junction with Trail #3225 (2580’)
Trail Ending: Target Meadows Trailhead (4840’)
Access: From Weston, Oregon, travel 20 miles on State Highway 204 to Forest Service Road 64 junction at Tollgate. Turn left and travel past the Guard Station; turn left onto road 6401 (Target Meadows Road) which is 1/2 mile from the highway. Follow Road 6401 to the road 050 junction. Turn right and travel to the Target Meadows Campground. Follow the left fork in the 050 road to the trailhead.
Restrictions: This trail is not suitable for three or four-wheeled ATVs.
Attractions & Considerations: The trail provides access to hunting, fishing, camping, and backpacking. The trail is open to hikers, horseback riders, mountain bikers and motorcyclists. Users can expect heavy motorcycle use on weekends during the spring and summer season. After the first snow and during elk hunting season, users can expect heavy horse traffic. This trail is the main link from the Walla Walla River drainage to the Tollgate area. Target Meadows Campgrounds is 0.6 miles from the trailhead.
Length: 3.3 miles
Elevation Variance: 2580’ – 4840’
USGS Quad Maps: Tollgate
Recommended Season: May 1 - October 1
Use: Moderate
Difficulty: Most Difficult
INDIAN RIDGE TRAIL #3221 map
Trail Beginning: Mill Creek bridge at County Road 582 and Forest Service Road #65. (2380’)
Trail Ending: Top of Indian Ridge. (5400’)
Access: 1) Lower Trailhead: From Walla Walla take the
Mill Creek River Road 14 miles to County Road 582 and Forest Service Road
#65, 2 miles.
2) Upper Trailhead: Continue up Forest Service Road #65 for 8 miles. Take
the 015 spur road 1 mile to the trailhead.
Restrictions: Entry into the Mill Creek Water Shed is strictly prohibited.
Attractions & Considerations: Trail is open to hikers, horseback riders and mountain bikers. Beware; the north side of the trail is the Mill Creek Watershed. This trail offers a panoramic view of the Mill Creek Watershed and follows Forest Service Road #65 closely with several spur trails leading to the road. Users can expect moderate use during hunting season.
Length: 3.0 miles
Elevation Variance: 2380’ – 5400’
USGS Quad Maps: Big Meadows
Recommended Season: May 1 - October 30
Use: Light
Difficulty: Most Difficult
JUBILEE LAKE NATIONAL RECREATIONAL TRAIL #3230 map
Trail Beginning: Jubilee Lake boat ramp
Trail Ending: Jubilee Lake boat ramp
Access: 20 miles east of Weston, or 21 miles west of Elgin on Highway 204. Turn north on Forest Service Road #64. Follow the road for 12 miles to Jubilee Lake campground. Trail begins at the boat ramp area.
Attractions & Considerations: This trail is designed as a national Recreational Trail and is open to hikers and barrier free access. The trail is well maintained and offers a nice, easy walk and a beautiful view of Jubilee Lake. The steepest grade on the trail is approximately 8% and occurs just past the dam. There are benches along the trail and vault toilets at the midway point. Fishing is a very popular activity at Jubilee Lake (and there are several spurs leading from the trail to the lake). There are several barrier free fishing access points near the campground.
Length: 2.6 miles
Elevation Variance:
Recommended Season: May 1 – October 30
Use: Heavy
Difficulty: Light
LAKE CREEK TRAIL #3079 map
Trail Beginning: Lake Creek Trailhead (Forest Service Road #3150-035) (4480’)
Trail Ending: Buck Creek Trail (3200’)
Access: Follow State Highway 204 from Weston, Oregon for 27.4 mile to the Forest Service Road #31 (Summit Road) junction. Turn right and continue for 5.7 miles to Forest Service Road #3150 (Buck Mountain Road). Turn right and continue 1.2 miles to the trailhead, which is across from Forest Service Road #3150 and spur 035.
Restrictions: This trail is open to foot and horse traffic only. Wilderness rules apply.
Attractions & Considerations: This trail is located on the North Fork Umatilla Wilderness and is open to foot and horse traffic only. There are several side trails that take off from this trail which will provide access to the Buck Mountain Trail #3075, High Ridge, Ninemile Ridge #3072, and Blue Mountain Trail #6143.
Length: 4.0 miles
Elevation Variance: 4480’ – 3200’
USGS Quad Map(s): Bingham Springs, Andes Prairies
Recommended Season: May 1 – October 31
Use: Light
Difficulty: More Difficult
LICK CREEK TRAIL #3070 map
Trail Beginning: Across from Corporation Guard Station (2350’)
Trail Ending: End of Forest Service Road #3715 (McDougall) (4400’)
Access: 1) Lower Trailhead: 33 miles east of Pendleton
on Umatilla River Road, approximately 11 miles east of Gibbon, continue
past the Bar-M Ranch to Corporation Guard Station, which will be on your
right. The trailhead is located across the road, adjacent to the Umatilla
River.
2) Upper Trailhead: From Highway 204 1 mile west of the Tollgate Chateau,
turn south onto Forest Service Road #3715 (McDougall Camp Road) and continue
for 2.5 miles. This road ends at the trailhead.
Restrictions: This trail is open to foot and horse traffic only. Wilderness rules apply.
Attractions & Considerations: Since this trail is located on the North Fork Umatilla Wilderness, it is open only to foot and horse traffic. If you start at the lower trailhead, you will need to follow the river for approximately 100 yards and cross the road to be at the trailhead. This trail climbs 2050 feet in 4 miles, passing through stands of timber and open areas hosting native grasses. The trail is lightly used and encounters with other recreationalists are rare. From this trail, you can access Grouse Mountain which offers dispersed camping. Parking is available at either trailhead. There is a horse-unloading ramp at the lower trailhead.
Length: 3.5 miles
Elevation Variance: 2350’ – 4400’
USGS Quad Map(s): Bingham Springs, Blalock Mountain
Recommended Season: May 1 – October 31
Use: Light
Difficulty: More Difficul
LUGER – EAGLE SPRING TRAIL #3232 map
Trail Beginning: Eagle Spring Trailhead (4700’)
Trail Ending: Luger Spring Campground (4000’)
Access: 1) Eagle Spring: From Tollgate, Oregon, follow
highway 204 east 4 miles to Forest Service Road #3727(Balloon Tree Road).
Turn left and follow Forest Service Road #3725 for 1.5 miles to Forest
Service Road #33701 and continue for 3 miles to the trailhead.
2) Luger Spring: From Tollgate, Oregon, follow Forest Service Road #64
for 10.5 miles to Forest Service Road #63. follow Forest Service Road
#63 for 7.5 miles to Forest Service Road #6303, turn right and continue
for 2.4 miles to Luger Spring Campground/Trailhead.
Restrictions:
Attractions & Considerations: This trail provides access to hunting, fishing, and camping. It is open to hikers, mountain bikers, motorcyclists, and horseback riders. Users can expect heavy traffic from hikers and horses during the hunting seasons.
Length: 4.0 miles
Elevation Variance: 4700’ – 4000’
USGS Quad Map(s): Jubilee Lake
Recommended Season: June 15 - October 31
Use: Light, except during hunting seasons
Difficulty: More Difficult
NORTH FORK UMATILLA TRAIL #3083
Trail Beginning: Umatilla Forks day use area (2350’)
Trail Ending: Coyote Ridge (5000’)
Access: 1) Lower Trailhead: Located 33 miles east of
Pendleton on Umatilla River Road, approximately 11 miles east of Gibbon.
You will continue past the Bar-M Ranch and the Corporation Guard station
to the Umatilla Forks day use area. The trailhead is located at the end
of the cul-de-sac.
2) Upper Trailhead: From State Highway 204, ½ mile west of the
Tollgate Store, turn south onto Forest Service Road #3719. Follow this
road to the 040 Road then turn right. The upper trailhead is located at
the end of the 041 Road on Coyote Ridge near English Springs.
Restrictions: This trail is open to foot and horse traffic only sine it is located within the North Fork Umatilla Wilderness.
Attractions & Considerations: Since horses are not allowed in the Umatilla Forks day use area, where the lower trailhead is located, horse users are required to use the Lick Creek trailhead to access the North Fork Trail. From the lower trailhead, the trail follows the North Fork of the Umatilla River. The lower trail gains 450’ in the first 4 miles. This is the easiest part of the trail and is popular with anglers, backpackers, day hikers and horseback riders. The upper and more difficult portion of the trail climbs 2000’ in 5.8 miles along a south-facing slope with sparse timber. This section of trail offers the least amount of encounters with other recreationalists, as well as an unobstructed view of the North Fork of the Umatilla drainage. Potable water and vault toilets are available at the lower trailhead. We encourage all horse traffic to access this by using the Lick Creek trailhead and then cutting over on a spur trail to the North Fork trail.
Length: 9.8 miles
Elevation Variance: 2350’ – 5000’
USGS Quad Map(s): Bingham Springs, Andes Prairie
Recommended Season: March 1 to October 31
Use: Heavy
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
NORTH FORK WALLA WALLA TRAIL #3222 map
Trail Beginning: North Fork Walla Walla Trailhead, Forest Service Road #65 (5400’)
Trail Ending: Table Springs #3223 (3860’)
Access: From Walla Walla, Washington, follow Mill Creek Road, a county road, to Forest Service Road #65. Turn right on #65 and cross the bridge. Continue past the Forest Service Road #6511 junction and turn left onto Forest Service Road #6500-015, or turn right onto Forest Service Road #6512. Continue one mile to the trailhead at the junction of the 020 Road. Stock users are encouraged to park trailers and large vehicles at Road the #6500-015 trailhead.
Restrictions:
Attractions & Considerations: The trail provides access to hunting, fishing and camping areas, as well as designated old-growth timber areas in the Walla Walla River drainage. It is open to hiker, horseback, mountain bike and motorcycle traffic. A primitive road is located near the end of the trail, which leads to private land with locked gates. Public access to this road is not maintained. Users can expect moderate motorcycles use on weekends during the summer season and heavy horse traffic during hunting season in the fall.
Length: 10.0 miles
Elevation Variance: 5400’ – 3860’
USGS Quad Map(s): Big Meadows
Recommended Season: March 1 – October 31
Use: Medium
Difficulty: More Difficult
NINE MILE RIDGE TRAIL #3072 map
Trail Beginning: Buck Creek Trailhead (2400’)
Trail Ending: Shamrock Springs (5100’)
Access: 1) Lower Trailhead: Drive 33 miles east of Pendleton on Umatilla River Road, approximately 11 miles east of Gibbon. You will continue past the Bar-M Ranch and the Corporation Guard station to the Umatilla Forks day use area. Go across the bridge past the campground and take the first left onto Forest Service Road #3200-045, which leads to the Buck Creek Kiwanis Organization Camp. The trail takes off to the left about 100 yards before the end of the 045 Road.
2) Upper Trailhead: From State Highway204, 8 miles south of Tollgate, and 14 miles north of Elgin, turn west of Forest Service Road #31 (Summit Road). Continue for 2 miles, then turn right on Forest Service Road #3100-320 and continue to Forest Service Road #3100-330 and turn left. Travel 2 more miles to Shamrock Springs, which is located at the end of the road. Neither the trail nor the trailhead is well marked, however it begins about 100 yards to the west of the springs.
Restrictions: Parking is limited at the Buck Creek Trailhead. Water from Shamrock Springs is not drinkable. This trail is open to foot and horse traffic only since it is located within the North Fork Umatilla Wilderness.
Attractions & Considerations: The first 2 miles of the trail are the most strenuous, climbing 1800’. On top of Nine Mile Ridge, the trail levels out and occasionally drops into saddles. This is a popular trail for horseback riders. Potable water and vault toilets are available at the Umatilla Forks day use area.
Length: 6.8 miles
Elevation Variance: 2400’ – 5100’
USGS Quad Map(s): Bingham Springs, Andies Prairie
Recommended Season: March 1 to October 31
Use: Light
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
ROUGH FORK TRAIL #3227 map
Trail Beginning: Mottet Trailhead (5100’)
Trail Ending: South Fork Walla Walla Trail #3225 (3400’)
Access: From Weston, Oregon, travel 20 miles on State Highway 204 to Forest Service Road #64 at Tollgate. Turn left and continue past the Tollgate Guard Station and Jubilee Lake to Forest Service Road #6411. Follow 36411 until it meets Forest Service Road #6043. Turn right and go to Mottet Campground. The trailhead is the first left just beyond the campground on Forest Service Road #6403. It is 15.0 miles from Tollgate.
Restrictions: This trail is not suitable for three or four-wheeled ATV’s.
Attractions & Considerations: The trail provides access to hunting, fishing, camping, backpacking, and a panoramic view of the upper south Fork Walla Walla River drainage. The trail is open to hikers, horseback riders, mountain bikers and motorcyclists. Users can expect heavy motorcycle use on weekends during the spring and summer season. After the first snow and during elk hunting season, users can expect heavy horse traffic.
Length: 3.2 miles
Elevation Variance: 3400’ – 5180’
USGS Quad Maps: Jubilee, Bone Springs
Recommended Season: May 1 - October 1
Use: Light
Difficulty: More Difficult
SOUTH FORK UMATILLA TRAIL #3093 map
Trail Beginning: South Fork Campground (2560’)
Trail Ending: Elk Camp – 2.2 miles from trailhead (2680’)
Access: From Pendleton, Oregon, follow Umatilla River Road #32 past the Umatilla Forks Campground, past Buck Creek Cabin and to the South Fork Bridge. The trailhead is located near the Bridge.
Restrictions: This trail is not maintained past the elk camp (2.2 miles in).
Attractions & Considerations: This trail is open to hikers, horseback riders and mountain bikers. The trail provides access to hunting and camping, with some opportunities for fishing. Numerous river crossings act as barrier to hikers and bikers during periods of high water. The river crossings make the trail hard to locate in several places.
Length: 2.2 miles
Elevation Variance: 2560’ – 2680’
USGS Quad Map(s): Bingham Springs
Recommended Season: March 1 to October 31
Use: Moderate
Difficulty: More Difficult
SOUTH FORK WALLA WALLA TRAIL #3225 map
Trail Beginning: BLM Trailhead – ¾ mile past Harris County Park (2115’)
Trail Ending: Deduct Pond - Forest Service Road #65-050 (5000’)
Access: From Milton Freewater, Oregon, follow Walla Walla River Road to the Forks junction. Turn right on South Fork and continue to the end of the road.
Restrictions: This trail is not suitable for three or four-wheeled ATV’s and they are not recommended. Vehicles over 40” are prohibited beyond the junction with Trail #3223.
Attractions & Considerations: The trail provides access to hunting, fishing, camping, and backpacking. The trail is open to hikers, horseback riders, mountain bikers and motorcyclists. Users can expect heavy motorcycle use on weekends during the spring and summer season. After the first snow and during elk hunting season, users can expect heavy horse traffic.
Length: 19 miles
Elevation Variance: 2115’ – 5000’
USGS Quad Maps: Jubilee, Bone Springs, Tollgate
Recommended Season: May 1 - October 1
Use: Heavy
Difficulty: Easy to Most Difficult
TABLE SPRINGS TRAIL #3223 map
Trail Beginning: Table Springs Ridge – end of Forest Service Road #6512 (5280’)
Trail Ending: South Fork Walla Walla Trail – at Bear Creek (2440’)
Access: For Walla Walla, Washington, follow Mill Creek Road to the Forest Service Road #65 - Tiger Creek junction. Turn right, cross the bridge and follow the drainage through two switchbacks, past Forest Service Road #6511 and turn right onto Forest Service Road #6512. Continue for about 8.4 miles to the trailhead.
Restrictions:
Attractions & Considerations: This trail provides access to hunting, fishing and camping and the middle section of the Walla Walla River drainage loop system. Several primitive trails leave this trail in the Table Springs camp area. The upper end of the trail provides great panoramic views of the Walla Walla River drainage. The trail is open to hikers, horseback riders, mountain bikers and motorcyclists. Users can expect heavy motorcycle traffic on the weekends during the summer season. After the first snow and during elk hunting season, users can expect heavy horse traffic. ATV riders should be cautioned about going past Cub Saddle at the North Fork Walla Walla Trail junction.
Length: 6.5 miles
Elevation Variance: 2440’ – 5280’
USGS Quad Maps: Big Meadows, Tollgate
Recommended Season: May 1 - October 30
Use: Medium
Difficulty: More Difficult
WHITMAN ROUTE OVERLOOK TRAIL #3095
Trail Beginning: Whitman Route Trailhead (4300’)
Trail Ending: Whitman Route Overlook (4300’)
Access: From Pendleton, Oregon, follow Interstate 84 east for approximately 43 miles, or from La Grande, follow Interstate 84 west for approximately 19 miles to Forest Service Road #31 (Summit Road). Follow Summit Road for 9 miles to Forest Service Road #3109. Turn left and continue for 2 miles to the Whitman Route Trailhead Interpretive Area.
Restrictions:
Attractions & Considerations: Users will be introduced to an interpretive display on the Marcus and Narcissa Whitman route to their future mission located near Walla Walla, Washington. The over look offers a panoramic view into Meacham Creek Canyon. This interpretive site is handicapped accessible with a toilet facility. The site is very nice for picnicking.
Length: 1/2 mile
Elevation Variance:
USGS Quad Map(s): Huron
Recommended Season: March 1 to October 31
Use: Medium
Difficulty: Easy
USDA Forest Service - Umatilla National Forest
Last Modified:
Tuesday, 10-Jun-2008 13:20:14 EDT