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Grouse Mountain

Eastern Washington > Palouse and Blue Mountains
45.7462, -118.1709 Map & Directions
Length
5.0 miles, one-way
Elevation Gain
400 feet
Highest Point
4,000 feet
Calculated Difficulty About Calculated Difficulty
Easy/Moderate
Grouse Mountain offers gorgeous views and stunning wildflowers. Photo by Greg Brown. Full-size image
  • Wildflowers/Meadows
  • Mountain views
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Ridges/passes
  • Summits
  • Good for kids

Parking Pass/Entry Fee

Northwest Forest Pass
Saved to My Backpack

A great first-of-spring hike for the whole family less than an hour from Walla Walla. A top of ridge hike looks down into the North Fork of the Umatilla River. Continue reading

Rating
5.00 out of 5

Hiking Grouse Mountain

A great first-of-spring hike for the whole family less than an hour from Walla Walla, this trail has hikers wandering atop a ridgeline, looking down into the North Fork of the Umatilla River.

The trail starts at the Zig Zag Spring Trailhead and shares trailhead with Lick Creek Trail. From the trailhead, it initially descends through a stand of pine that opens to a rolling ridge line that you can follow for two or three miles-- as far as your heart desires.

You'll be amazed by the wildflowers in the spring, which are particularly spectacular considering how moderate and accessible the trail is. A hike here in early May as the snow recedes will reward you with fields of Avalanche lilies.

Hike Description Written by
Greg Brown, WTA Correspondent

Grouse Mountain

Map & Directions

Trailhead
Co-ordinates: 45.7462, -118.1709 Open in Google Maps

Before You Go

See weather forecast

Parking Pass/Entry Fee

Northwest Forest Pass

WTA Pro Tip: Save a copy of our directions before you leave! App-based driving directions aren't always accurate and data connections may be unreliable as you drive to the trailhead.

Getting There

From Walla Walla take Highway 125 south towards Athena, turning east on Higway 204 towards Tollgate. Just past mileage marker 14, turn right on McDougall Camp Road (Forest Road #3715) and drive the to end of the road. The Zig Zag Springs trailhead may not be marked. The Lick Creek Trail also starts here.

More Hike Details

Trailhead

Eastern Washington > Palouse and Blue Mountains

Grouse Mountain (#3081)

Umatilla National Forest, Walla Walla Ranger District

Guidebooks & Maps

USGS Bingham Springs

Blalock Mountain

USFS Umatilla National Forest 2003

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Grouse Mountain

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