Outdoor Recreation in Walla Walla

Wine, wheat, and onions—yes, Walla Walla does all three well. Hiking, biking, birding, kayaking—turns out, Walla Walla is a hub for outdoor recreation too. Walla Walla is an exceptional home base to explore vast arrays of terrain and engage in a whole host of outdoor activities. Agriculture put us on the map, but the valley has evolved into a wonderfully welcoming, flat-out fun place to live, work, and visit.

Consider adding outdoor recreation to the agenda as many activities are within an hour of town. As a destination town, Walla Walla enjoys many opportunities available at various price points for lodging, dining, and shopping.

Historic downtown is easy on the eye, and the local cuisine is even better on the tummy. After a hike in the Umatilla National Forest, enjoy live music at several venues.

Follow up a morning paddleboarding lesson with some wine tasting. You’ve made it this far; you might as well drink the juice. Burn a few calories on the bike ride? Freshly crafted desserts await.

Visiting Walla Walla is easier than ever. Multiple daily flights from Seattle make the journey accessible for folks making the trek from afar. It is also a scenic drive from all the surrounding larger cities (Seattle, Portland, Boise, and Spokane), clocking in at four hours max.

Bennington Lake (Photo Credit: Gwen Dildine)This is about as local as it gets for outdoor activities. Located on the east side of town near Walla Walla Community College, locals and visitors alike are treated to stunning views of the Blue Mountains kissed by rolling fields of wheat. This is a great place to get a little exercise, take the dog for a walk, or escape the city without really having to leave.

Outdoor Recreation within Ten Miles of Downtown Walla Walla

Do you have a little time between tasting appointments, or did you book a late dinner? Let’s mix up a traditional Walla Walla vacation with a little outdoor recreation.

Take an In-Town Hike & Explore Town

For a leisurely stroll, Bennington Lake and Whitman Mission National Historic Site offer paved and dirt or gravel paths that showcase expansive views of the Walla Walla valley. Bennington Lake is on the east side of town—near the Airport District wineries, Walla Walla Roastery, Quirk Brewing, and Burwood Brewing to name a few local mainstays. There is a bike lane on Alder Street all the way to the Mill Creek Recreation Trail that connects with the Bennington Lake trails to add a little cycling to the day.

The Whitman Mission National Historic Site is on the west side of town—surrounded by iconic wineries such as Woodward Canyon, L’Ecole N° 41, Reininger, and Three Rivers. The Waterbrook Tasting Room & Restaurant is a family-friendly, beautifully designed and landscaped, and equally delicious spot to hang out after strolling along the Oregon Trail.

Back at Whitman Mission and alongside the Oregon Trail, visitors have a myriad of options. Our local Audubon chapter, the Blue Mountain Audubon Society, occasionally hosts field trips to discover what birds are stopping over, so make sure to check out recent sightings and bring your bird book.

While the jaw dropping views, towering Oregon grape shrubs, and fields of great basin wildrye capture the essence of the landscape, the historic site is one of many moments of the past that deserves reflection and remembrance.

Pioneer Park (Photo Credit: Gwen Dildine)As Walla Walla’s first park, Pioneer Park continues to provide many opportunities for the community to play outside. With a large playground and many sports fields, as you would expect, this park offers so much more. Walk under canopy of several state record holding trees on paved paths winding through the park, but don’t forget to stop and smell the roses at the Memorial Rose Garden.

A Small Town Walk with Big City Roots

Let’s start with a little six-degrees-of-Kevin-Bacon story. In 1906, Charles Olmsted (nephew of Frederick Olmstead who designed Central Park in New York City) was working in the Pacific Northwest. The president of Whitman College, Stephen Penrose, wrote to Charles Olmsted and asked him to come look at the campus. Despite rumors of Frederick Olmstead designing now Pioneer Park, he did not, and neither did his nephew. Charles did recommend the city plan for many parks all over town, that the city address flood mitigation of Mill Creek, and consider a river walk.

In 1907, Grace Isaacs, president of Women’s Park Club, was instrumental in raising money for the park, and in 1908 John Langdon, president of the Parks Commission, presented a plan for City Park (Pioneer Park). Langdon wrote to Charles Olmsted asking for resources on how to design parks. Olmstead wrote back recommending two books. On September 6, 1908, City Park opened.

Today, Pioneer Park is a hub of activity. Towering trees provide much needed shade, pickleball courts are bouncing with enthusiasm, and outdoor ping pong tables and a large playground keep the family active. In addition to the courtyards downtown, Pioneer Park is a wonderful spot to bring a picnic and play just about anything. You could say it is central to Walla Walla, despite not sharing a common designer.

Big Trees of Walla Walla meets the Whitman College Campus Sculpture Walking Tour (Photo Credit: Gwen Dildine)Big Trees of Walla Walla meets the Whitman College Campus Sculpture Walking Tour at Ankeny Field. These two self-guided tours showcase the beautiful Whitman College campus mere blocks from downtown Walla Walla.

Walk with Artists and Giants

To add a little interest to your leisurely stroll, the Whitman College Campus Sculpture Walking Tour and City of Walla Walla Sculpture Walk blend art and the outdoors. Visit the links provided to access the brochures that feature the artist and more about each piece.

You may have noticed there are some seriously big trees around town. With four loops to choose from on the Big Trees of Walla Walla guide, including at Pioneer Park and Whitman College, finding some stately trees is a great way to experience Walla Walla.

Historic Walks and Scenic Paths

A collection of historic walks presented in this series of brochures immerses visitors in the bygone days of town. Options include a Downtown Historic Trail Guide, Historic Homes Trail Guide, Up Boyer and To Pioneer Park Trail Guide, and Fort Walla Walla Trail Guide. You should print this resource before you leave home as the text is pretty tiny on a device.

For a relatively flat and wide path, the Mill Creek Recreation Trail and West Whitman Drive Path are on opposite sides of town. As a parent, I love both paths because the kids can bike while the parents attempt to finally have an uninterrupted conversation. These relatively straight paths make it is easy to keep an eye on even the youngest of riders. As an added bonus, the vantage point of both features the Blue Mountains.

Walla Walla Heritage Walk (Photo Credit: Gwen Dildine)The best way to enjoy downtown Walla Walla and surrounding neighborhoods and parks is on foot. There are so many historic buildings and homes that feature various architectural styles. Often these historic places are beautifully landscaped, which adds interest to the walks. These four historic walks pair a few miles of exploring with fun facts about the area.

Gear Up for a Bike Ride

Perhaps one of the more well-known outdoor recreation opportunities in the area, road cycling is loved by locals and tourists alike. The roads surrounding town are easily accessible and endlessly amazing. The Ride with GPS routes are designed by local experts who have spent many years and pedaled countless miles exploring the valley. They are bundled by areas of town as well as points of interest. Each route has something special and unique to offer, so enjoy the ride!

Gravel routes showcase the foothills and spiderweb through the valley and into the Blue Mountains. While they serve as the lifeline, transporting massive amounts of several different crops out of the field, they are truly roads less traveled. Gravel rides are also possible all year, especially with a headlamp for those short winter days. The routes featured on this site are curated by local experts who want to help you connect with the outdoors.

Off Road Biking Options

Often recreation destinations provide multiple uses, and Bennington Lake is back on the list for just that reason. The trails at Bennington are open to bikes, but please make sure to approach corners with caution as there is likely anything from a small child to a full-grown horse sharing the trails.

Lasty, our local BMX track is pretty awesome. It is also near a frisbee golf course, dog park, skate park, and a must-visit Fort Walla Walla Museum. When on the road, our family loves to find the local pump track or mountain bike skills park. This track has many activities in the vicinity that can keep all members of the family entertained.

Sunset Gravel Ride (Photo Credit: Keven Thonney)Evening gravel rides are one of the best ways to end the day in the Walla Walla valley. Sunsets often turn the Blue Mountains bright pink, and the warm golden light glows well into long summer days. The fields lining these gravel roads are ever changing, so embrace the overtly cyclical patterns of farming.

What a Catch, Fishing in Walla Walla

Outside Walla Walla wouldn’t dare out anyone’s honey hole. Public Fishing Areas in the Walla Walla Valley are typically provided by the US Army Corps of Engineers and Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife programs. Bennington Lake is also stocked with trout. The sturgeons are a little further than ten miles from town, so we’ll save that ambitious feat for another trip.

Build Your Bird Life List

Do you have a bird life list? A collection of species observed over a lifetime, a life list is a catalog of all the adventures gone by, time spent on the porch with family, or, perhaps, a reminder of someone special. Birding engages mind, body, and spirit. It spans generations. Our region is located along the Pacific flyway. While many species reside year-round, observing migratory species is a wonderful addition to the seasonal rhythm of life.

Keeping with the theme of locations within ten miles of downtown Walla Walla, Bennington Lake and Whitman Mission again top this list. The Arthur G. Rempel Nature Trail is a wooded spot near Fort Walla Walla Museum that is frequented by many birds as well.

Outdoor recreation pairs well with art, history, agriculture, and, most importantly, community. With four seasons worth of fun on the menu, don’t just visit Walla Walla; stay a while.

Juniper Canyon Trail, McNary National Wildlife Refuge (Photo Credit: Juniper Canyon)A highlight for the Outside Walla Walla team is the arrival of Snow Geese at the McNary National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters Unit on the Burbank Slough. On their way to the arctic tundra, these birds take over the skies for a brief moment in time. Migration is a fluid act, so stop by the refuge often to see who is on a stopover.

Outdoor Recreation within One Hour of Downtown Walla Walla

There is a surprising amount to do so close to city center, but the mountains are calling. They want to make a case for extending your trip. Consider this your outdoor recreation flight, just enough information to whet your appetite for adventure.

Back on the Trail

The Grouse Mountain Trail is a favorite with big views of the North Fork Umatilla Wilderness, accessible at the mercy of the weather but typically by late May. Conversely, the Jasper Mountain Reserve, a private wildlife sanctuary, is located off a maintained county road not as high in elevation as the Grouse Mountain Trail. There is a fee to visit the reserve that supports conservation efforts, and the experience is worth the investment.

Gateway cities are an adventurer’s best friend. Dayton, Washington holds down that distinction in southeast Washington and the Middle Point Ridge Trail is just close enough to Walla Walla to highlight much of what this area has to offer.

If traveling with adults only, the Harris Park Trail and to a certain extent the South Fork Walla Walla Trail are lovely local options. The South Fork Walla Walla River Trail was heavily impacted by a flood in 2020, and although it is now open, it is hike at your own risk and not maintained. The bypass trail, the Harris Park Trail, is a county trail that goes around one of the sections of the South Fork Walla Walla River Trail that was washed out. Both are beautiful trails but not currently suitable for children in our humble opinion.

If visiting from the westside, the McNary National Wildlife Refuge is a great stopover. From the highway, it looks like this stretch of the journey is all about industry, but tucked just beyond the road are flocks of birds making their way much farther than any of us. A few trails immerse users in the refuge.

In that vicinity, two neighboring historic sites don’t quite qualify as hikes, but what they lack in distance they make up for in significance. Pick an attraction—the view of Wallula Gap, the geology, the cultural significance, and storied past. Come with us on a Journey Through Time at Wallula Gap. The Walla Walla 2020 group completed extensive research on the area, providing a great topic of conversation as you sip through your stay.

Jasper Mountain Reserve (Photo Credit: Gwen Dildine)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.

Let Recreation Take Flight

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 the McNary National Wildlife Area, Lewis and Clark Trail State Park is located between Waitsburg and Dayton, Washington. While the named locations on the state birding trail maps are helpful and incredible, keep an eye to the sky on any Walla Walla valley adventure.

Balance Wine with Water

Walla Walla County is defined by the Snake and Columbia Rivers to the north and west, respectively. Lyons Ferry State Park is at the confluence of the Palouse and Snake Rivers. 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.

Depending on the flow, the Tucannon River, just upriver from Lyons Ferry State Park, provides nice birding and fishing opportunities in additional to paddling its confluence with the Snake River.

Paddling the Columbia River near Wallula Gap is also quite an experience. To elevate the trip, give Adventure Fit a call. Greg, owner and guide, rents kayaks and paddleboards as well as offers tours.

Adventures in the Snow

There is no off season for outdoor recreation; am I right? So why would you only visit in the spring and summer? Book your return trip to take advantage of all our fluffy, dry eastside snow. My snow pants are dry when I get home from skiing. Can my Cascade Mountain peeps claim the same?

Now that I’ve made my case for a day in the mountains followed by an evening around one of several firepits adorning the wineries and hotels in the valley, check out our Adventures in the Snow guide.

Visit Walla Walla

There are so many reasons to come to Walla Walla. I’m constantly in awe of our community—the passion folks bring to their trade, the willingness to share and include others in the journey. I hope you love your experience, and make sure to go Outside Walla Walla.