Join Blue Mountain Land Trust for a family-friendly hike on the scenic Lake Creek Trail in the Blue Mountains.

This guided hike offers a chance to slow down and enjoy the forest. We’ll walk under a shady canopy on a gentle out-and-back trail, with stops along the way to explore the creek and visit the historic crash site of a WWII B-17 bomber.

Expect to cover about 4 miles total, depending on group interest and timing. This outing is about connection — with nature, with local history, and with each other — not speed or mileage.

This will be a casual outing designed to accommodate kids and encourage new and seasoned hikers alike to absorb the beauty of the Umatilla National Forest. There will be plenty of pauses along the way, where the group will learn important trail etiquette considerations, hear about the trail stewardship work of the BMLT Blues Crew, and identify wildflowers.

Come hike, explore, and connect with the stories and landscapes that make this forest special. No experience necessary!

Please note: We love dogs, but ask that you leave them at home for this hike. Thanks for your understanding.

Trip Details:

• What you will learn:

  The event will be led by BMLT volunteer and Past Board President Linda Herbert.

  • Leave No Trace (LNT) and respecting wildlife principles

  • BMLT Blues Crew trail work in the Blue Mountain region

  • History of the crash of B-17 during WWII

  • Wildflower identification

  • Other popular hikes in the Umatilla Forest

• What's included:

  • A guided, family-friendly hike through forest terrain

  • Stops at a WWII B-17 crash site and a creek exploration area

  • Insight into local history, ecology, and the landscapes of the Blues Mountains

• Meeting location:

  Carpooling: There is limited parking at the trailhead, so we encourage carpooling to the event! For those wishing to carpool, please meet in the city parking lot at Rose and Colville at 7:45.

  Meet at trailhead: If you prefer, meet at the Nine-Mile Trailhead on parking lot on Summit Road at 9:15. 

  Directions: (Traveling east on the Weston Hwy (204 Rd) take first right past Andies Prairie onto Summit Road and drive roughly 3 miles. Turn right into the large parking area with a pond.) 
  
  We will caravan to the Lake Creek trailhead from there. Please do not go to Lake Creek ahead of time, since we will need to strategize parking based on the number of vehicles.

• Schedule:

  Schedule:

  7:45 am: Meet at City Parking Lot, Rose St./Colville if you are in need of a ride or are willing to carpool.

  8:00 am: Leave Walla Walla and head to the 9-Mile trailhead parking lot.

  9:00 am: Restroom stop at Andies Prairie Snopark if needed.

  9:15 am: Meet at the 9-Mile trailhead parking lot near kiosk

  Welcome & introductions. We might consolidate into fewer cars and caravan to Lake Creek trailhead, as parking is limited.

  There are no restrooms at the 9-Mile TrailHead parking lot, so please plan accordingly. Participants can stop by Andies Prairie for bathrooms.

  9:45: Begin hike on the Lake Creek Trail

  Mid-day: Lunch Break

  2:00 - 2:15 pm: End hike and carpool back to Walla Walla

• Age & Experience level:

  Who should join?

  • All ages welcome for the hiking event

  • Participants under 18 need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian

  Experience Level:

  • No experience necessary

  • Trail is beginner-friendly

  • Involves walking and standing for extended periods of time of uneven ground

  • Please be prepared for all weather conditions and bring enough water and food

• What to bring & wear:

  ✅ Hiking boot or sturdy closed-toe shoes

  ✅ Long sleeves and pants are highly recommended

  ✅ Weather appropriate clothing

  ✅ Binoculars

  ✅ Insect repellent

  ✅ Consider treating clothing with insect repellent that is effective for ticks and mosquitoes

  ✅ Water for the day

  ✅ Snacks and lunch

  ✅ Daypack to carry binoculars, water, snacks, etc.

  ✅ Personal supply of toilet paper and trash bag to pack it out. A trowel will be provided if a scat hole needs to be dug.

  ✅ Consider a small hand towel for drying off after wading before putting shoes back on

• Notes:

  • Space is limited, please register soon. Registration closes on July 16, 2025

  • Please fill out the liability waiver and email to Lherbert621@msn.com or print it and bring with you to the hike!

  • This hike will be cancelled for stormy weather, meaning high winds, heavy rain, or thunderstorms. If it’s just breezy, or sprinkling, we will hike as planned. Please be prepared with the proper attire.

  • Phone service is spotty in the Blues Mountains. Please download directions prior to departure.

  • We love dogs, but ask that you leave them at home for this hike. Thanks for your understanding.

  • We’re currently followingCDC guidelinesfor all BMLT sponsored events. Please stay home if you are feeling unwell.

  • For more information about this event, please get in touch with Linda Herbert at (509) 386- 2454

• Contact:

  Please email Amanda “Marti” Martino and Linda Herbert if you have questions: marti@bmlt.org and Lherbert621@msn.com

Learning on the Land events are generously supported by the Port of Walla Walla.