Outside Walla Walla

Top 10 Hiking Trails in the BluesFinding trails to enjoy is what inspired Outside Walla Walla. With 715 miles of trails in the Umatilla National Forest and 2,700 miles in the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, hiking opportunities are plentiful. These two forests account for roughly 3.3 million acres of public land across Washington, Oregon, and Idaho.What It’s Like to Hike in the Blue MountainsRanging in elevation from a few hundred feet to 9,845 feet in the Eagle Cap Wilderness Area in the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, the hiking experience varies as much as the elevation. Bring the whole family on a riverside stroll or pack it in for a long weekend, whatever distance covered guarantees scenic vistas and magnificent displays of the intricate and complex workings of geologic time.Protected by the Cascade and Rocky Mountains, the climate allows for an extended hiking season. Dodging the wet, marine air from the west and cold, Arctic air from the east, it is not unheard of to get a hike in each month of the year.Hiking through the seasons also means different looks at the same terrain—rivers bulge with winter snow melt as trees bud and blossom, which, in the blink of an eye, turns to trickling creeks and fall foliage.Take a Hike—Our Top 10 ListPicking just ten trails to recommend was challenging. There are plenty more to love. Always up for a challenge, we’ve compiled a list, elaborating on the qualities and features that make these trails extra special.

When the weather warms up and the rivers swell, there's no better way to cool off and explore the Walla Walla Valley and the surrounding Blue Mountains than by heading straight for the water. At Outside Walla Walla, we’re passionate about getting folks outdoors and into the wild beauty of our region—so we’ve paddled, floated, and splashed our way through some of the best local water adventures, and we’re here to help you do the same.Whether you're new to kayaking or a seasoned paddleboard pro, there’s a water experience waiting for you. Here’s a guide to some of our favorite places and ways to enjoy water sports throughout southeast Washington and northeast Oregon.

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 spend a weekend.Consider adding outdoor recreation to the weekend plans as many activities are within an hour of town. Since it is already a destination town, Walla Walla has 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 fly fishing 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.