CURRENT CONDITIONS
52° F
OUTSIDE WALLA WALLA
OUTSIDE WALLA WALLA
Discovering
Discovering
Places to Go; So Much to See
Sometimes recreation opportunities aren’t marked by a sign. The activity isn’t also an Olympic sport. Discovering is about enjoying the place and observing. Perhaps the act enriches the time spent outside.
Can you recognize an Oregon Junco? Do they visit your yard? This section of the website is dedicated to connecting with places that aren’t necessarily a traditional destination and activities that span the landscape.
Connect with Local Organizations
If we wrote about all the organizations and groups in town working to connect folks with nature and the outdoors, you would be scrolling for quite some time, which is awesome. We’ll do our best to create an exhaustive list (and this project will take time), but never hesitate to drop us an email to educate us about something worth mentioning.
The Blue Mountain Land Trust hosts Learning on the Land events, Nature Kids programs, and Blues Crew work parties. In addition to the conservation work the organization does, education and recreation are key components of their mission.
The Blue Mountain Audubon Society is another active organization in town. They lead weekly bird walks. Check the website to confirm the location and meeting spot. This group also maintains the Arthur G. Rempel Fort Walla Walla Natural Area.
We enjoy looking at the impeccably well-maintained bird list on their website, and then finding that bird on our Audubon app to educate ourselves in hopes of identifying any number of species ourselves. This group is incredibly knowledgeable and dedicated. Don’t be shy; attend a meeting. Answer the call of your inner birder.
Roads Less Traveled
When traveling primitive roads, it is imperative to check conditions prior to leaving as well as packing the vehicle with emergency gear. We barely leave city limits without a shovel, and that habit was well earned.
Many gravel roads leading into the mountains are gated and close during the winter months. Even when those roads open, many shaded sections of road are not completely devoid of snow until June. In those cases, park and enjoy a stroll down the road.
Signage is an under appreciated aspect of infrastructure. Forest Service roads are typically labeled by number and, if there is a sign, are typically marked by a small, inconspicuous wooden sign. Sometimes the name of a road on a map does not jive with how folks talk about that road.
Google also adds a layer of complexity as the routes recommended do not always reflect what is maintained. In many cases the arrival notice is incorrect. Our directions offer a few additional details and pick up where Google gets confused.
Do you have a bird life list? A collection of species observed over a lifetime, a life list is a catalog of all the adventures gone by, time spent on the porch with family, or, perhaps, a reminder of someone special. Birding engages mind, body, and spirit. It spans generations. Our region is located along the Pacific flyway. While many species reside year-round, migration is a wonderful addition to the seasonal rhythm of life.
If these roads could talk, they would tell you all about the crops that leave the fields each year, the bikers who put on a helmet and headlight to catch a sunrise over the mountains, and of all the elk that cross to, in fact, get to the other side. Wandering the roads less traveled is a great way to familiarize yourself with all the gateways to recreation. Sometimes it is just nice to grab a coffee and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.
Viewpoints are those special spots in the world that reveal a sight so magical it warrants an intentional pause from the daily grind. The simple act of being in that spot is enough to recharge the batteries and feed the soul. There are a few Forest Service fire lookouts that serve as the eyes of the Blue Mountains, but they also showcase incredible views. Many roads lead to iconic views of the valley, featuring a blend of wheat and vineyards. Find the view that speaks to you!
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