Contact Info
1415 West Rose
Walla Walla, WA 99863
- Phone:
- 509-522-6290
Basics
- Length:
- 6.8 miles
- Difficulty:
- Easy
- Time:
- 4.5 to 5.5 hours
- Trailhead Elevation:
- 2400 feet
- Elevation Range:
- 2400 feet to 5100 feet
- Elevation Change:
- 2700 feet
- Usage:
- Light
- Season:
- March to October
Description
The first 2 miles of the trail are the most strenuous, climbing 1800’. On top of Nine Mile Ridge, the trail levels out and occasionally drops into saddles. This is a popular trail for horseback riders. Potable water and vault toilets are available at the Umatilla Forks day use area.
Parking is limited at the Buck Creek Trailhead. Water from Shamrock Springs is not drinkable. This trail is open to foot and horse traffic only since it is located within the North Fork Umatilla Wilderness.
Details
Length:
Difficulty:
Time:
Trailhead Elevation:
Elevation Range:
Elevation Change:
Usage:
Season:
Useful Map(s):
Map + Directions
Basic Directions
1) Lower Trailhead: Drive 33 miles east of Pendleton on Umatilla River Road, approximately 11 miles east of Gibbon. You will continue past the Bar-M Ranch and the Corporation Guard station to the Umatilla Forks day use area. Go across the bridge past the campground and take the first left onto Forest Service Road #3200-045, which leads to the Buck Creek Kiwanis Organization Camp. The trail takes off to the left about 100 yards before the end of the 045 Road.
2) Upper Trailhead: From State Highway204, 8 miles south of Tollgate, and 14 miles north of Elgin, turn west of Forest Service Road #31 (Summit Road). Continue for 2 miles, then turn right on Forest Service Road #3100-320 and continue to Forest Service Road #3100-330 and turn left. Travel 2 more miles to Shamrock Springs, which is located at the end of the road. Neither the trail nor the trailhead is well marked, however it begins about 100 yards to the west of the springs.