CURRENT CONDITIONS
52° F
OUTSIDE WALLA WALLA
OUTSIDE WALLA WALLA
Meadow Creek Trail
The area is remote and wild. The vegetation is lush and up top the views are massive. Make your way out of the Tucannon drainage alongside Meadow Creek and up to the top of Middle Point Ridge. Along the way, check out Godman Campground and Guard Station.
Overview
- Distance:
- 1.5 - 2.5 Hours
- ADA:
- No
- Elevation:
- 3,600 - 5,700 feet
- Multi Use:
- Yes
- Seasons:
- Summer, Fall
- Pets:
- Yes
- Motorized Vehicles:
- Yes
- Fees:
- It is $5 per vehicle per day to park at the Meadow Creek Trailhead. There is ample parking, even for trailers.
- Land Manager:
- Umatilla National Forest (Pomeroy Ranger District)
- Permits:
- Northwest Forest Pass is accepted in lieu of fee.
- Amenities:
- There is a vault toilet at the trailhead.
- Distance:
- 1.5 - 2.5 Hours
- Seasons:
- Summer, Fall
- Elevation:
- 3,600 - 5,700 feet
- Pets:
- Yes
- Fees:
- It is $5 per vehicle per day to park at the Meadow Creek Trailhead. There is ample parking, even for trailers.
- Land Manager:
- Umatilla National Forest (Pomeroy Ranger District)
- ADA:
- No
- Multi Use:
- Yes
- Motorized Vehicles:
- Yes
- Permits:
- Northwest Forest Pass is accepted in lieu of fee.
WHAT TO DO
Hiking/ Biking
Meadow Creek Trail (#3123) is an 8.5 mile out and back multi-use trail beginning at the Meadow Creek Trailhead. It follows along Meadow Creek before departing the drainage making its way through the Godman area and ending at its junction with the Middle Point Ridge Trail (#3116). Consider downloading the Motor Vehicle Use Map to the Avenza Map app. This part of the forest is reflected on Maps 18 & 19.
Consult the Forest Service page for agency information.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The trail follows Meadow Creek for the first four miles. There is a nice dispersed camping site about a half mile from the trailhead along the creek. The trail is wide and mostly smooth aside from some occasional tree roots and loose rock. Expect a steady climb up to a junction with the Meadow Creek Spur Trail (#3292), which goes to Kendal Skyline Road.
Continue onward on Meadow Creek Trail for roughly two more miles to reach the Godman Campground and Godman Guard Station area. Cross Kendal Skyline Road (NF-46) at its junction with NF-4608 to continue onward traveling mostly though thinned forest. There is one final climb as you make your way to the end of the trail atop Middle Point Ridge.
Amenities
There is a vault toilet at the trailhead.
Regulations
Motorized vehicles: Class 1 ATV (50″ or less in width) and class 3 ATV (motorcycles) only. Must have current ORV registration and ATV safety card (motorcycles are a class III ATV). Safety cards are free online if over age 16 and those are good for life. Riders under 16 must take a hands on course. Full details available at the Oregon Online ATV Safety Education Course 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.
WHEN TO GO
Spring access is determined by road conditions and snow level. Summer and fall are great times to make the trek as the first four miles of the trail are in old growth trees. The upper section of the trail is a bit exposed, so pack plenty of water.
HOW TO GET THERE
From Walla Walla take HWY 12 east for 31 miles to Dayton, WA. Pass through town, and as the road makes a sharp left out of town, turn right onto Patit Road. Patit Road runs roughly 14 miles and ends at Hartsock Grade Road. Take a left at Hartsock Grade Road, which becomes a steep gravel road that is well maintained.
Drive another three miles to meet Tucannon Road, and take a right. Drive 11 miles and the road will turn to a gravel forest road NF-47. Continue another four miles and the road forks, stay right and take NF-4713. The trailhead is at the end of the road approximately 3.5 miles ahead.
If winter comes early or hangs around late, this route may be closed. There is a flashing sign at the Patit Road turn off that lets you know if the road is open or closed. In case this route is closed, continue on HWY 12 for 13 more miles and take a right onto Tucannon Road just after crossing the Tucannon River bridge.
Follow for roughly 28 miles to the end of the paved road and continue another four miles on gravel forest road NF-47. Stay right at the fork and take NF-4713 to the trailhead at the road’s end.
Please do not solely rely on Google Maps as their route might not always reflect what is maintained.
map
TRAILHEADS
LOWER TRAILHEAD
UPPER TRAILHEAD
DOWNLOAD GUIDE PDF
DOWNLOAD GUIDE PDF
ADDTIONAL INFORMATION
Meadow Creek Trail Gallery
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