Date and time

Saturday, October 13. Walla Walla—Carpool 7:30, leave 7:40 am, arrive Milton-Freewater at 8 am; Milton-Freewater--Carpool 7:50 am, leave 8:00. Hike 9:00 am-12:30 pm

Name of hike 

Umatilla Rim Trail—near Spout Springs Ski Area, Oregon

Hike description  

We park half of the vehicles at the spacious trailhead located just off Summit Road about four miles west of turnoff from the state highway to Elgin, Oregon. The trail runs along the edge of the breaks of the Umatilla River and the North fork Umatilla Wilderness. Well shaded by the forest, except the first 20 minutes, with broad vistas, lush wildflowers and plentiful streams. After about six miles, we can leave the trail and quickly return to the other half of our vehicles. A few mountain bicyclists are likely to be on the trail. Good for beginners; no long uphill sections.

Leader

Alexandra Jordan, alexandra.w.jordan@gmail.com, 562-290-9007

Time and distance

6 miles, 3 hours with vehicle shuttle

Difficulty  

Easy

Dogs welcome?

Yes, though horseback riders may also be on the trail.

Start location  

To car pool from Walla Walla, meet at 7:30 am below the tall Staples sign in the Cascade Farm & Outdoor parking lot on 598 N Wilbur Ave across from McCurley Toyota. Leave at 7:40 am. Arrive at Milton-Freewater location at 8:00.  

To car pool from Milton-Freewater, meet in the parking lot in front of Ace Hardware, where the state highway jogs to the left at 7:50 am, leave at 8:00.

Directions

Drive to Milton-Freewater, then south toward Elgin, OR

What to bring

Lunch, water, and money for gas