Gateway to the Northern Blues

Southeast Washington is a vast landscape. In just one county the annual rainfall can vary at times by 30 inches. Natural springs bubble up throughout the Blue Mountains while sage brush anchors the dry, desert soils. Sprinkled throughout the region are numerous small towns that reflect this diverse landscape.

Restaurants capture the local food scene; coffee shops provide a meeting place where big ideas are put into action; farmers blend traditions of generations past with new-age technology; and local agencies work fearlessly to build a thriving community.

While spirits are high, conversations are sometimes tough. At the core, there is compassion and dedication because the place is so special it is worth the challenge. One southeast Washington town calls itself the gateway to the Blue Mountains, a basecamp for adventure. Dayton, Washington is just that place.

Jasper Mountain Reserve (Photo Credit: Gwen Dildine)The Jasper Mountain Reserve is a 300 acre private nature reserve open to the public via a day or annual pass. Its location is prime for a long season of hiking followed by a few welcome snow days for cross country skiing. The wildflowers steal the show in the spring.

Welcome to Dayton, Washington

Located along Highway 12, Dayton is centrally located with Pullman and Spokane to the north, Clarkston and Lewiston on the Washington and Idaho border to the east, Walla Walla just south, and Tri-Cities, its desert neighbor, to the west.

Dayton’s central location is ideal for day trips and convenient for longer escapes into the wild. With four seasons of outdoor recreation from the sturgeon-filled bottom of the Snake River to the top of the ski lift at Bluewood, there is plenty in between to keep families and thrill-seekers exploring.

Base Camp for Adventure

Like all good adventures, it is important to make camp before venturing out. Lewis & Clark Trail State Park is located conveniently off the highway but tucked just far enough away from the bustle. There are twenty-eight camp spots that provide quick access to both Waitsburg and Dayton. Fishing and birding are welcome activities, and the sound of the Touchet River helps drown out any residual road noise.

More remote options include the Tucannon River RV Park and Blue Mountain Base Camp RV Park and Campground, along the Tucannon and Touchet Rivers, respectfully. The Last Resort is near the Tucannon Lakes, offering access to trails, RV spots, and cabin rentals. The Lyons Ferry KOA is along the Snake River and across the bridge from Lyons Ferry State Park. Texas Rapids Recreation Area & Little Goose Landing are more dispersed spots with minimal amenities along the Snake River.

Hotels in downtown Dayton provide the perfect opportunity to balance rugged adventures and modern conveniences. New to town and sporting a massive and unique mural, Hotel Hardware has a boutique flare sporting a rooftop patio, a coffee shop, and cocktail bar.

Top of Slalom Run at Ski Bluewood (Photo Credit: Gwen Dildine)As the premier ski resort in our area, Ski Bluewood never fails to impress. With an average of over 300 inches of snow a year, the powder delivers more times than not. Plenty of trails, loads of tree skiing, and terrain parks are just a few of perks of this sun-filled pocket of Blue Mountain snow heaven.

Winter Sports in Columbia County

The opportunity for outdoor recreation is equally as bountiful as the bushels of wheat the Walla Walla Valley produces each year. Bluewood is the perfect mountain to take a few lessons and gain confidence if you’re new to skiing or snowboarding. If a seasoned shredder, join the always manageable lift line for maximum runs. This winter wonderland is great for the entire family. With recent development, such as the addition of a high-speed quad, and more dreamy plans on the horizon, including off-season opportunities, return trips are a must.

Depending on the snow level, several popular hiking routes turn into formidable snowshoeing trails. The Middle Point Ridge Trail and Touchet Tie Trail serve multiple purposes, including mountain biking or dirt bike rides for seasoned two-wheelers.

The Touchet Corral Sno-Park, which is a maintained winter parking area, provides a welcome off-road loading zone and gear up area. Popular with snowmobilers, the Touchet Corral Trail connects to the Wildcat/Cavalier Springs Trail, forming a robust web of remote access into the Blue Mountains. Further down Highway 12, Rose Springs Sno-Park provides a gentle sled hill and miles of maintained multi-use trails.

Closer to Dayton, the Jasper Mountain Reserve is a privately owned wildlife sanctuary managed by a nonprofit. Choose between a one-time pass or an annual pass to gain access to, and more importantly support, over 300 acres of pristine Blue Mountain habitat. Make sure to consult the website prior to venturing out as the reserve is not always open or groomed through the winter months as they are at the mercy of the weather.

Perhaps one of the most developed opportunities to explore deep into the snow-covered Blue Mountains is on a snowmobile. The Outside Walla Walla team has experience with human-powered recreation, but it is worth mentioning the opportunity and those who have much more knowledge on the subject.

The Blue Mountain Snowmobile Club is based in Dayton, Washington. Since 1970, the club has supported events, including barbeques at Forest Service stations, and clean-up days. Ski Bluewood recently launched Snowmobile Adventures. These two-hour tours explore Bluewood’s backcountry. Book reservations online and pay close attention to recommended gear.

Tucannon Lakes (Photo Credit: Strategy Northwest)There are eight lakes that make up the Tucannon Lakes. Stocked with rainbow trout, these lakes are great for young and old as well as new to the sport or seasoned angler. Nestled in the W.T. Wooten Wildlife Area, these lakes not only provide fishing opportunities, but also a chance to enjoy the outdoors.

Fishing the Tucannon Lakes & Snake River

As the snow melts and the Blue Mountains turn green, the water eventually finds its way to either the Snake or Columbia Rivers. Those waterways return Chinook Salmon to the Columbia Basin.

There are eight lakes that make up the Tucannon Lakes. Stocked with rainbow trout, these lakes are great for all. Nestled in the W.T. Wooten Wildlife Area, the lakes not only provide fishing opportunities, but also a chance to enjoy the outdoors.

The Snake, Palouse, Tucannon, and Touchet Rivers to name a few have a myriad of shore-line access areas commonly managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Some of the fish found in these waters include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, yellow perch, catfish, walleye and salmon. Fishing regulations are highly specific and based on species and location, so make sure to consult with the governing agency directly.

The Great Washington Birding Trail

Located where the Palouse to Pines and Sun and Sage Loops of the Great Washington State Birding Trail converge, not to mention in the heart of the Pacific Flyway, there are opportunities galore to observe a wide range of species. In addition to Lewis and Clark Trail State Park, WT Wooten Wildlife, and Palouse Falls State Park are noted locations.

Palouse River (Photo Credit: Strategy Northwest)Lyons Ferry State Park is located at the confluence of the Palouse and Snake Rivers. Up the Palouse River is our state waterfall, Palouse Falls. While that journey is arduous, the first few miles upriver provide a secluded and serene paddle adventure. This is a perfect spot to combine passions–birding & paddleboarding or fishing & kayaking.

Palouse Falls State Park

Thanks to a group of local, engaged elementary students, Palouse Falls is the official state waterfall of Washington. Dropping roughly 180 feet, Palouse Falls is a must-see attraction. It is truly an impressive feature of the landscape. The park offers multiple views of the falls, and many interpretive signs enrich the experience.

Official trails to viewpoints are paved, ADA accessible, and short, which makes this destination very family friendly. The expansive views of the falls and surrounding landscape are literally right outside your car door. Hiking is no longer allowed beyond the 0.1 mile viewpoint trail.

Hiking the Northern Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains are a unique range. Unlike the dramatic peaks of the volcanic Cascade Mountain range, water carved this landscape. Atop a ridge, the mountains meet the horizon, almost appearing like the ocean meeting the sky, somehow flat. Only the few thousand-foot descent to a Wild & Scenic River can provide the appropriate reminder that there is a significant elevation change.

The Jasper Mountain Reserve is a privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the Blue Mountains. Protecting over 300 acres of habitat, outdoor enthusiasts are in for treat. There are many ways to engage with the landscape from bird watching to trail running. Choose between a one-time or annual pass and support this unique organization providing outdoor recreation opportunities.

There are 13.2 miles of trail spread out over three loops across the reserve. The trails page provides detailed descriptions of all three trails as well as topography and elevation maps. Two of those trails are classified as easy, and the third is advanced due to its length and elevation change. Upon securing a one-time or annual pass, a map is emailed that details the area and provides instruction regarding usage.

The Middle Point Ridge Trail proves the efficiency of switch backing up a mountain. Climbing up from the Touchet River, the canopy gives way to wide open views. This trail is a perfect option for sticking close to town while making time for much-needed outdoor recreation.

Rock Hill Trail (Photo Credit: Strategy Northwest)Driving between Waitsburg and Dayton, Washington the Touchet River meanders from one side of the road to the other. The hillsides reflect the season as crops display their cyclical transformations. It is hard to appreciate at highway speed, which is why locals and travels alike should take a moment to gain a different perspective just above the valley floor on the Rock Hill Trail.The Umatilla and Wallowa-Whitman National Forests encompass 3.3 million acres and three wilderness areas. In Columbia County, the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness Area is remote, challenging, breathtaking, and worth the effort. The highest point in the northern Blues is Oregon Butte Lookout, a fire lookout that is staffed most of the summer by a dedicated volunteer. A few dispersed camp spots dot the ridge, but it is possible to make this adventure a day trip.

Tipping the grueling meter is the Slick Ear Trail. What goes down, must come back up, and the ascent out of the Wenaha River drainage will test even the best winter workout routine. Utilizing this drainage is the Blue Mountains Trail, which is a 530-mile route between Joseph and John Day established in 2021 by Greater Hells Canyon Council.

With the rugged landscape comes trail systems that are not as maintained as many hikers have come to expect. Bring a sense of adventure, come prepared, do the research, and embrace its remoteness, there are few opportunities to escape the constant bombardment our daily routines require.

Sticking close to town is always a great option. The Rock Hill Trail is a simple yet rewarding walk that gains just enough elevation to show off the Touchet River Valley. Rising to eye level with the Jolly Green Giant on the adjacent hillside, the view is a reminder of just how grounded in agriculture the town is. Returning to street level, the Touchet River Levee Trail is another convenient option to stretch those travel legs.

Starbuck / Lyons Ferry Marina KOA

Conveniently located on the Snake River near Lyons Ferry State Park and Palouse Falls State Park, Starbuck/Lyons Ferry Marina KOA is a great home base for a wide variety of recreational opportunities. Amenities are plentiful offering just about everything you need for a pleasant stay.

Kayaking & Paddleboarding

Balancing the intensity of the mountain trails is the tranquility of a river. Lyons Ferry State Park sits at the confluence of the Palouse and Snake Rivers. Paddleboarding, kayaking, and fishing are welcome activities to beat the summer heat. There is also a boat launch at the state park and across the Snake River at the Lyons Ferry Marina KOA, which is a great place to camp and resupply.

Following the Snake River shoreline to the mouth of the Tucannon River, there is a lovely delta to birdwatch. Depending on the flow of the Tucannon River, it is a manageable and tranquil paddle roughly a mile up river to the Tucannon Habitat Management Area.

The mouth of the Palouse River and extending a few miles upriver is a dreamy spot for kayaking. Once you reach the rock bars, it is time to turn around. If just exploring the park area, then paddleboarding is fun as well, especially if using the board as a swim dock.

The Swim the Snake event in August provides a unique experience, and for those who accomplish the task, it garners instant life-long bragging rights.

Gateway to Additional Resources

At this point, town beckons for attention. The hard work and passion of community-building endeavors is showcased by places like the Blue Mountain Station. Dayton is the gateway to the northern Blue Mountains, but it is also a destination worth exploring. Its history is worth knowing, and a walking tour is a great way to learn more. The menus are locally sourced, and the hospitality is small town. Are you ready to choose Columbia County as part of your Walla Walla Valley experience?