CURRENT CONDITIONS
52° F
OUTSIDE WALLA WALLA
OUTSIDE WALLA WALLA
Touchet Corral Sno-Park
ACTIVITIES
Basically, a sno-park is a parking lot cleared of snow near groomed or backcountry trails. The Touchet Corral Sno-Park is just shy of Ski Bluewood and offers an alternative winter sport experience to downhill skiing. Cross country skiers can share the trail with the snowmobiles. Folks wanting to snowshoe have the option to choose a more primitive trail. Either option is a great way to enjoy winter in the forest.
Overview
- Distance:
- Within 1.5 Hours
- ADA:
- No
- Elevation:
- 4,200 feet
- Multi Use:
- Yes
- Seasons:
- Winter
- Pets:
- Yes
- Motorized Vehicles:
- Yes
- Fees:
- No fees in addition to the Washington Sno-Park Permit.
- Land Manager:
- Umatilla National Forest (Walla Walla District), Sno-Park Program Administered by Washington State Parks
- Permits:
- Washington Sno-Park Permits is required to utilize the parking area and recreate. These permits are available for purchase online at the Washington State Parks website or visit your local Forest Service office.
- Amenities:
- There is one vault toilet located at the sno-park (parking lot).
- Distance:
- Within 1.5 Hours
- Seasons:
- Winter
- Elevation:
- 4,200 feet
- Pets:
- Yes
- Fees:
- No fees in addition to the Washington Sno-Park Permit.
- Land Manager:
- Umatilla National Forest (Walla Walla District), Sno-Park Program Administered by Washington State Parks
- ADA:
- No
- Multi Use:
- Yes
- Motorized Vehicles:
- Yes
- Permits:
- Washington Sno-Park Permits is required to utilize the parking area and recreate. These permits are available for purchase online at the Washington State Parks website or visit your local Forest Service office.
WHAT TO DO
Cross Country Skiing/ Snowshoeing
With roughly 56 miles of groomed trails accessible via the Touchet Corral Sno-Park, there are a variety of ways to enjoy the forest in the winter. Touchet Middle Tie Trail (#3240) and Touchet Corral Trail (#3243) both begin here and end at different sections of Wilcat/Cavalier Springs Trail (#3245) which parallels NF-46/Kendall Skyline Road.
If out for a cross country skiing adventure, use the Touchet Corral Trail. It is maintained for snowmobiling, so it is wide and groomed.
If snowshoeing, the Touchet Tie Trail will keep you away from snowmobile traffic; however, it is a steep and narrow trail. A suggested destination would be to make your way to the Cavalier Springs overlook for a spectacular view.
To get there, go to the end of Wildcat/Cavalier Springs Trail and continue on Middle Point Ridge Trail (#3116) for less than a mile to arrive at this scenic butte. Once the snow melts, put on your hiking shoes and enjoy a completely different look at the forest.
Consult the Forest Service page for agency information.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The Touchet Middle Tie Trail offers a more remote experience compared with the designated Horseshoe Prairie Nordic Ski Area near Tollgate, Oregon.
If there is fresh snow, likely you will make your own trail. The only signage for this trail as of now is a wooden sign that states “steep and narrow trial” nailed to a tree. Definitely tell others where you are going and/or enjoy the trail with friends. If headed for the Touchet Corral Trail and bringing your dog, remember that you are sharing the trail with snowmobiles.
Amenities
There is one vault toilet located at the sno-park (parking lot).
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
Winter comes in many forms around here, and it arrives when you least expect it. A typical season of winter fun begins in November and can last as long as April. This particular spot in the Blue Mountains tends to receive the most snow, making it possible to recreate in the snow close to half the year.
HOW TO GET THERE
From Walla Walla, take HWY 12 east to Dayton. Travel through the town of Dayton, Washington (or stop and take advantage of a local bakery or two). Take a right South 4th Street/N Touchet Road and follow for 20 miles. The Touchet Corral Sno-Park is the parking area on right. Google Maps tends to show the Sno-Park on the left side of the road, which is incorrect.
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
Touchet Corral Sno-Park Gallery
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