Contact Info
1415 West Rose
Walla Walla, WA 99863
- Phone:
- 509-522-6290
Basics
- Length:
- 9.8 miles
- Difficulty:
- Easy
- Time:
- 6 - 7 hours
- Trailhead Elevation:
- 2350 feet
- Elevation Range:
- 2350 feet to 5000 feet
- Elevation Change:
- 2650 feet
- Usage:
- Heavy
- Season:
- March to October
Description
Since horses are not allowed in the Umatilla Forks day use area, where the lower trailhead is located, horse users are required to use the Lick Creek trailhead to access the North Fork Trail. From the lower trailhead, the trail follows the North Fork of the Umatilla River. The lower trail gains 450’ in the first 4 miles. This is the easiest part of the trail and is popular with anglers, backpackers, day hikers and horseback riders. The upper and more difficult portion of the trail climbs 2000’ in 5.8 miles along a south-facing slope with sparse timber. This section of trail offers the least amount of encounters with other recreationalists, as well as an unobstructed view of the North Fork of the Umatilla drainage. Potable water and vault toilets are available at the lower trailhead. We encourage all horse traffic to access this by using the Lick Creek trailhead and then cutting over on a spur trail to the North Fork trail.
A Northwest Forest Pass is needed to park at this Trailhead. This trail is open to foot and horse traffic only sine it is located within the North Fork Umatilla Wilderness.
Details
Length:
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Useful Map(s):
Map + Directions
Basic Directions
1) Lower Trailhead: Located 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. The trailhead is located at the end of the cul-de-sac.
2) Upper Trailhead: From State Highway 204, ½ mile west of the Tollgate Store, turn south onto Forest Service Road #3719. Follow this road to the 040 Road then turn right. The upper trailhead is located at the end of the 041 Road on Coyote Ridge near English Springs.
