Umatilla Rim Trail

There are lots of options and details associated with this trail due to its length and intersection with so many other trails. To simplify, we recommend starting at the Horseshoe Prairie Trailhead and simply start walking or biking. The forest starts to open up after a few creek crossings, and there is a wonderful meadow about three miles down the trail.

Recreate for as many miles as you please and turn back. Once you are familiar with the area, and since the Horseshoe Prairie and Ninemile Trailheads are so close to each other, consider using a buddy system for convenient transportation. Because it is so close to town, it is easy to play outside for a while and still complete a few chores at home.

Accessing the trail via the Ninemile Trailhead is equally as nice, and actually might provide more open viewscapes within the first few initial miles. The Ninemile Trailhead is not the start of the Umatilla Rim Trail. To head toward the Horseshoe Prairie Trailhead travel north, which is straight, from the trailhead.

Amenities
There is a vault toilet located at the Andies Prairie Sno-Park across the highway from the Horseshoe Prairie Trailhead.

Regulations
This trail borders the North Fork Umatilla Wilderness area and intersects other trails that go into the Wilderness area. Only foot traffic and horseback are allowed to cross this boundary, so please be mindful of this fact based on how you are recreating in the forest. For a complete list of wilderness regulations visit the Umatilla National Forest website.

Motorized vehicles: Class 3 ATV (motorcycles) only. Must have current ORV registration (WA, ID, CA tags honored) and ATV safety card (motorcycles are a class III ATV). Safety cards are free online if over age 16 and those are good for life. Riders under 16 must take a hands on course. Full details at the Oregon Online ATV Safety Education Course 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.