Lick Creek Trail

The trail climbs steadily requiring some sidehilling of open slopes mixed with pockets of forest and welcome shade. As a reminder, the trail starts just off the left side of the road a few hundred yards after the Corporation Trailhead (from the lower trailhead). It is marked by a small, inconspicuous sign.

You could easily mistake the beginning of the trail for a game trail. Remember, you can start at the North Fork Umatilla River Trailhead (just down the road) and connect to the Lick Creek Trail via the Buck Tie Trail. This options offers parking and a vault toilet.

Starting from Zig Zag Springs Trailhead (upper) is a wonderful option throughout the summer as the views are spectacular. The Lick Creek Trail meets Grouse Mountain Trail (#3081). Continue descending down the Lick Creek Trail or merge onto the Grouse Mountain Trail to say atop the ridge.

Amenities
Pack in and pack out. There are no vault toilets in the area. The nearest vault toilet is at Umatilla Forks Day-Use Area and Umatilla Forks Campground not much further down the road.

Regulations
Wilderness regulations apply in the North Fork Umatilla Wilderness. Such restrictions include no motorized equipment, bicycles, or hang gliders to name a few. Groups larger than twelve are prohibited as well as caching or leaving equipment or supplies for longer than 72 hours. Most applicable to hikers is the fact that shortcutting a switchback on any trail is also a violation of wilderness regulations. For a complete list of wilderness regulations visit the Umatilla National Forest website.

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
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.

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.