The Lake Creek Trail begins at the Lake Creek Trailhead. The beginning of this trail is heavily wooded and is outside of the North Fork Umatilla Wilderness boundary. You may encounter a mountain bike or motorcycle rider as this trail provides access to the multi-use Umatilla Rim Trail. After half a mile, it crosses paths with Buck Mountain Trail and the Umatilla Rim Trail. Keep straight to continue along the Lake Creek Trail.
Hike roughly half a mile from the junction to meet the wilderness boundary. In another half a mile, the trail splits. Keep right to stay on the Lake Creek Trail. At this point, trade the cover of trees in exchange for views of Grouse Mountain to the north and Buck Mountain to the west. To this point, the grade has been relatively forgiving. At roughly the two mile mark, the trail begins to switchback on an exposed hillside, dropping elevation quickly. The trail narrows and expect some loose rock. The grade lessens over the next mile and a half as it goes back into tree cover to its end at Buck Creek.
There is a primitive camp if you so desire to stay awhile. If you cross Buck Creek, the trail continues as the Buck Creek Trail, which ends at the Buck Creek Trailhead along the South Fork Umatilla River. Please note that at the time of this writing the Buck Creek Trail is heavily overgrown with brush and blocked by tree fall.
Regulations
Wilderness regulations apply in the North Fork Umatilla Wilderness. Such restrictions include no motorized equipment, bicycles, or hang gliders to name a few. Groups larger than twelve are prohibited as well as caching or leaving equipment or supplies for longer than 72 hours. Most applicable to hikers is the fact that short cutting a switchback on any trail is also a violation of wilderness regulations. For a complete list of wilderness regulations visit the Umatilla National Forest 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.
