CURRENT CONDITIONS

52° F

OUTSIDE WALLA WALLA

OUTSIDE WALLA WALLA

Harris Park

Harris Park (Photo Credit: Gwen Dildine)

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

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.

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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...

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...

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...

map

TRAILHEADS

LOWER TRAILHEAD

DOWNLOAD GUIDE PDF

DOWNLOAD GUIDE PDF

Winter Hiking in the Blue Mountains

Harris Park Gallery

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