Hat Rock, Walla Walla & Wheatfield Loop
120 Miles
This route will take you from Pendleton to Hat Rock State Park, northeast along the Columbia River into the Walla Walla Valley famous for sweet onions and big red wines, some beautiful small towns and wheat country back into historic Pendleton.
Suggested Stops…
Hat Rock State Park – The park is a desert oasis surrounded by rolling sagebrush hills and outcroppings of basalt. It lies on the south shore of Lake Wallula behind McNary Dam on the Columbia River. Hat Rock was the first distinctive landmark passed by the Lewis and Clark Expedition on their journey down the Columbia, and is one of the few remaining sites not underwater. Amenities include small store/restaurant, campground, picnic facilities, hiking and bicycle trails.
Walla Walla Valley – Milton-Freewater – Amenities include many restaurants, over 100 wineries including several in Milton-Freewater and one special one that is also a hard cider tasting room, and several historic sites.
Umapine/Athena/Weston/Helix/Adams – These small historic towns offer downtowns that are as small as two blocks but are famous for their hospitality. Amenities include parks and a few hidden gems for dining, ask the locals!
