Sinks Trail

This trail is a steady climb along the sink it is named after. Much of the trail is through old growth forest without much understory, offering a great view of the forest floor. Near the trail’s end, you break into a couple of large open meadows which are full of wildflowers and butterflies. Make the push up the final climb and you can see Jubilee Lake through the trees.

A welcome, short walk downhill drops you off at the rope swing on the east side of the lake, a perfect ending on a hot summer day. If mountain biking, remember that the Jubilee Lake Recreation Loop Trail (#3230) is open to foot traffic only. Keep your bike parked at the end of the Sinks Trail.

Amenities
Pack in and pack out. No facilities available in the immediate area.

Regulations
Electric Bicycle Use rules are agency specific. Electric bikes are considered a motorized vehicle according to the National Forest Service. This trail is not in a wilderness area, but it is a non-motorized trail. The Umatilla Rim Trail is a great option for e-bikes.

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.