CURRENT CONDITIONS
52° F
OUTSIDE WALLA WALLA
OUTSIDE WALLA WALLA
Harris Park
This part of the world always tops the list of close, accessible places to enjoy the outdoors. Thanks to the vision of folks long ago to preserve this land for public use, everyone has the opportunity to recreate and enjoy the South Fork of the Walla Walla River and surrounding forest. It is a perfect destination to bring a book and coffee, take a morning bike ride up the canyon, or perhaps even host a special event.
Overview
- Distance:
- Within 1.5 Hours
- ADA:
- Yes
- Elevation:
- 2,083 feet
- Multi Use:
- No
- Seasons:
- Spring, Summer, Fall
- Pets:
- Yes
- Motorized Vehicles:
- No
- Fees:
- Fees are $20 per night for tent sites, $30 per night for RVs with 30 amp service, $35 per night for RVs with 50 amp service (only two sites available), and $35 per night for a cabin rental. To rent one of the event facilities, it is $30 per day for the smaller shelter (accommodates up to 30 people) and $75 per day for the large shelter (accommodates up to 75 people). For additional information regarding hosting an event, please visit the Harris Park website.
- Land Manager:
- Umatilla County
- Permits:
- Valid Oregon fishing license (if fishing). Fishing licenses are available online via the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife or at Ranch & Home in Milton-Freewater, OR.
- Amenities:
- There are ADA compliant restrooms as well as portable facilities located in the parking lot of the day-use area.
- Distance:
- Within 1.5 Hours
- Seasons:
- Spring, Summer, Fall
- Elevation:
- 2,083 feet
- Pets:
- Yes
- Fees:
- Fees are $20 per night for tent sites, $30 per night for RVs with 30 amp service, $35 per night for RVs with 50 amp service (only two sites available), and $35 per night for a cabin rental. To rent one of the event facilities, it is $30 per day for the smaller shelter (accommodates up to 30 people) and $75 per day for the large shelter (accommodates up to 75 people). For additional information regarding hosting an event, please visit the Harris Park website.
- Land Manager:
- Umatilla County
- ADA:
- Yes
- Multi Use:
- No
- Motorized Vehicles:
- No
- Permits:
- Valid Oregon fishing license (if fishing). Fishing licenses are available online via the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife or at Ranch & Home in Milton-Freewater, OR.
WHAT TO DO
Camping
There are 26 campsites with water and electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings. Two of those sites are ADA accessible. If pitching a tent isn’t your thing, consider trying out one of three cabins on the grounds as well. Don’t expect your WIFI to work or cell phone service in general for that matter.
Consult the Harris Park website for agency information.
Fishing
Fishing is allowed at Harris Park. The season is typically late May through the end of October and include various species of trout and steelhead. Fishing regulations are highly specific and based on location and species. Please always consult the latest information available from the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife.
Hiking
Roughly 1/2 mile beyond Harris Park is the lower trailhead for the South Fork Walla Walla Trail (#3225). This trail also provides access to Table Springs/ Bear Creek Trail (#3223), Burnt Cabin Trail (#3226–the bridge is closed), the North Fork Walla Walla Trail (#3222) via trail #3223, and Rough Fork Trail (#3227).
The Harris Park Trail is another option, and it offers wonderful views of Harris Park.
Consider downloading the Motor Vehicle Use Map. This part of the forest is reflected on Map 15. The Avenza Map app is also quite helpful as users can upload three maps (or unlimited with a subscription) within the app to use offline. It can track your location offline and overlay your location on the map. Most of the intersections along the trail are not clearly marked, which is why this tool is so helpful.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The park itself is quite spacious. There are a few covered areas near the river, a large field to let the kids run and play games, a playground facility, sand volleyball court, horseshoe, and a day-use area with a number of picnic tables.
If interested in hosting an event, there is a covered, outdoor facility with power, water, gas, and all the kitchen conveniences you could possibly need. The campsites themselves aren’t all that spacious, but the rest of the park offers plenty of room for private, quality time with the family.
Reservations
Yes
Amenities
There are ADA compliant restrooms as well as portable facilities located in the parking lot of the day-use area.
Regulations
Campers can stay up to 14 day and then must leave the park for at least 10 days before returning to camp. No tobacco use is allowed on the premises.
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.
WHEN TO GO
The park opens in April and closes at the end of October. The spring snow melt makes for dramatic river viewing. Birding, brushing up on your entomological skills, or referencing a few guide books to expand your knowledge of local flora and fauna are just a few ways to utilize the park throughout the seasons.
HOW TO GET THERE
Head south to Milton-Freewater on HWY 11. After passing through Milton-Freewater, OR (don’t forget to explore a little), take a left on SE 15th Avenue/ Walla Walla River Road (there is a sign for Harris Park). Travel five miles and veer right onto South Fork Walla Walla River Road. Harris Park is eight miles ahead on left.
map
TRAILHEADS
LOWER TRAILHEAD
UPPER TRAILHEAD
DOWNLOAD GUIDE PDF
DOWNLOAD GUIDE PDF
ADDTIONAL INFORMATION
Harris Park Gallery
CHECKOUT MORE OF THE SITE
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