CURRENT CONDITIONS
52° F
OUTSIDE WALLA WALLA
OUTSIDE WALLA WALLA
Tiger Creek Road
ACTIVITIES
A local gateway into the Umatilla National Forest, Tiger Creek Road (sometimes referred to as Tiger Ridge Road or Tiger Canyon Road) is not maintained in the winter making it an excellent candidate for snow sports. When the snow is low on the mountains, this road is often just high enough to escape the fog.
Overview
- Distance:
- Within 1.5 Hours
- ADA:
- No
- Elevation:
- 2,400 - 4,800 feet
- Multi Use:
- No
- Seasons:
- Winter
- Pets:
- Yes
- Motorized Vehicles:
- No
- Fees:
- None
- Land Manager:
- Umatilla National Forest (Walla Walla Ranger District)
- Permits:
- None
- Amenities:
- None
- Distance:
- Within 1.5 Hours
- Seasons:
- Winter
- Elevation:
- 2,400 - 4,800 feet
- Pets:
- Yes
- Fees:
- None
- Land Manager:
- Umatilla National Forest (Walla Walla Ranger District)
- ADA:
- No
- Multi Use:
- No
- Motorized Vehicles:
- No
- Permits:
- None
WHAT TO DO
Cross Country Skiing/ Snowshoeing
Tiger Creek Road begins at the intersection with Mill Creek Road. It is sometimes possible to make it to the forest boundary gate located roughly one mile up Tiger Creek Road (becomes NF-65) with a reliable, traction-tire equipped, 4×4 or AWD vehicle, or find a safe, off-road location to park and begin your winter adventure.
The West Tiger Creek Trail is a viable option to explore, although there are currently no structured crossings over the creek, so this is likely a spot to wander around. The Forest Service gate is approximately ½ mile up the road from West Tiger Creek Trail, and snow enthusiasts are allowed to travel beyond the gate.
The road does a series of switchbacks up Indian Ridge. If you have the stamina you can take it to the Deduct Trailhead/Campground (somewhere in the neighborhood of eight miles), which is the upper end of the South Fork Walla Walla Trail.
WHAT TO EXPECT
If visiting the West Tiger Creek Trail, you really can’t hike all that far before meeting the creek. That being said, it is still worth the jaunt down the hill–the area looks entirely different covered in snow. After enjoying the sound of a trickling creek, head on up the road. The grade is pretty manageable, so you’ll be able to chat with your fellow snow enthusiasts. Enjoy views of the mountains, forest, and hopefully get a little sun.
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.
WHEN TO GO
At the mercy of the weather pretty much sums up when to go. Some years we are blanketed in snow for Halloween, and other years we threaten to spend spring break in our bibs. The snow has to come down fairly low to have an enjoyable snow pack. Even if it isn’t a great year for snow, this is still a nice option for winter hiking.
HOW TO GET THERE
This road is located a mere 19.5 miles from downtown Walla Walla. Head east on Isaacs Avenue and continue onto Mill Creek Road. Travel on Mill Creek Road for 14 miles. After 14 miles you will come to a junction with Tiger Creek Road. Turn right onto Tiger Creek Road. If you miss your turn, you will come to a gate for the Mill Creek Watershed. Once you find Tiger Creek Road, go ½ mile and West Tiger Creek Trail starts at the turnout on your right (there is a small parking area/ the sign actually says Tiger Ridge Trail). Otherwise, the gate is another ½ mile or so up the road. As a heads up, Tiger Creek Road becomes Forest Service Road 65 (NF-65) at the gate.
Make sure to drive the appropriate vehicle. The road is somewhat well traveled, but in order to park or turnaround you may need to be able to navigate deep snow. Pack a shovel and tow strap as a precaution. Remember, the reason folks are able to recreate on the road is because the road is not maintained.
map
TRAILHEADS
LOWER TRAILHEAD
UPPER TRAILHEAD
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DOWNLOAD GUIDE PDF
ADDTIONAL INFORMATION
Tiger Creek Road Gallery
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