Some of the Best State Parks and Hiking Trails near Walla Walla

Couple in museum

Enjoy the great outdoors during your trip to Cameo Heights Mansion! There are such wonderful opportunities in and around Walla Walla and Tri-Cities. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll through a cherry blossom orchard or a vigorous hike, you’ll find endless opportunities to enjoy the picture-perfect landscapes of Central Washington. Read on to discover our picks for the best hiking trails and state parks in Walla Walla! For even more great, local destinations, download our free Vacation Guide! We’ve listed our favorite museums, historic sites, shops, and wineries in the Walla Walla region.

The Best State Parks and Hiking Trails near Walla Walla

Bennington Lake

There are over 20 miles of trail at Bennington Lake. This spot is much-loved by hikers, birders, anglers, runners, and the local wildlife that call this region home. Bennington Lake features the Sun and Sage National Birding Trail, which is the perfect place for bird-watching. There is a great variety of birds that live here or fly through during their yearly migration. The longest trail in the park is a little less than five miles long. It follows an old roadbed along the west side of the lake before descending and meeting another popular trail near the lake, The Meadowlark Trail.
Bennington Lake is about 40 minutes away from Cameo Heights Mansion.

Rooks Park

Rooks Park is right by Bennington Lake and is a great place to enjoy an afternoon. This is the perfect place for a picnic or a rousing game of horseshoes. If you’re visiting Bennington Lake for an afternoon of hiking, this is the perfect stop on your way back.
Rooks Park is about 35 minutes from Cameo Heights Mansion. It is open every day of the week from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

McNary Wildlife Refuge

Located in Burbank, the McNary Wildlife Refuge is spread over 15,000 pristine acres of protected land. There are a ton of great activities found within the refuge, but the most popular is exploring on foot. There is a two-mile self-guided interpretive trail that is easily accessed by the on-site education center. Guests of the center can also enjoy some quiet fishing, boating, or bird-watching during their visit.
McNary Wildlife Refuge is about 25 minutes away from Cameo Heights Mansion.

Hanford Reach National Monument

Hanford Reach National Monument, located near Richland, is a preserved piece of wildlife that is the epitome of the best of Central Washington. Within the park is the White Bluffs, a 10-mile round trip hike that features ancient formations and features that were established millions of years ago. Fishing, hunting, and boating are all common activities among visitors as well.
Hanford Reach National Monument is about one hour and 20 minutes from Cameo Heights Mansion. It is open every day of the week from sunrise to sunset.

Hat Rock State Park
Hat Rock State Park © Peggy Jennings

Hat Rock State Park

Thanks to Walla Walla’s proximity to Washington’s southern border, visitors to Cameo Heights Mansion can enjoy some Oregon parks as well! Hat Rock State Park was one of the first landmarks noted by Lewis and Clark and one of the few sites that they visited still accessible today. Aside from the gorgeous view of the rocks, you’ll be able to enjoy access to the onsite lake, a sand volleyball court, and picnic tables.
Hat Rock State Park is about 30 minutes from Cameo Heights Mansion.

Lewis & Clark Trail State Park

History buffs should not miss the Lewis & Clark Trail State Park. This park is where the famous Corps of Discovery camped in the spring of 1806 during their return journey. There aren’t quite as many hiking opportunities in this smaller park, but there are a ton of great fishing, swimming, tubing, and wading opportunities.
Lewis and Clark Trail State Park is about an hour from Cameo Heights Mansion. It’s open every day of the week from 6:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Chamna Natural Preserve

Chamna Natural Preserve is a wonderful year-round attraction. Within the preserve, there are over 276 acres of forests and grasslands. During the warmer months, guests can walk, bike, or explore the trails on horseback. When snow blankets the earth, visitors come to the preserve to snowshoe or cross-country ski. This preserve is also home to the Tapteal Water Trail, which is a popular kayak and canoe route.
The Chamna Natural Preserve is about 40 minutes from Cameo Heights Mansion. It is open every day of the week from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Badger Mountain Centennial Preserve

The Badger Mountain Centennial Preserve started as an effort to preserve Washington’s scenic land but has quickly become a hotspot for hiking and nature-watching. There are over eight miles of hiking trails, making this spot one of the most visited parks in the Tri-Cities area. There are also frequent fun events occurring in this area, like bike expos, races, wildflower walks, and trail work volunteer events.
The Badger Mountain Centennial Preserve is about 44 minutes from Cameo Heights Mansion.

Palouse Falls State Park - Camping Area Aerial shot
Palouse Falls State Park © https://parks.state.wa.us/559/Palouse-Falls

Palouse Falls State Park

Located in Starbuck, Palouse Falls State Park is the perfect day trip for guests who want to go on a waterfall hike. This park is named after the Palouse Indians who once lived on these lands. Today, guests can kayak along the Palouse River or swim at the base of the falls. If you’re up for a hike, it’s well worth it to walk to the top of the falls for an outstanding view. Don’t forget your camera!
Palouse Falls State Park is about an hour and a half from Cameo Heights Mansion. It is open during the summer from 6:30 a.m. until dusk, and from 8:00 a.m. until dusk during the winter.

Andies Prairie Sno Park

If you’re visiting us during the winter, head to the Andies Prairie Sno Park! Located within the Umatilla National Forest in Weston, Oregon, this park is a designated sledding and winter camping area. There’s nothing more fun than zipping downhill on a sled or tube! Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are also popular activities in this area.
Andies Prarie Sno Park is about an hour and 20 minutes from Cameo Heights Mansion. It is open from November 1 until April 30.

Sacajawea State Park

In 1805, Lewis and Clark set up camp where the Snake River meets the Columbia River. Today, guests can explore this area when they visit Sacajawea State Park. The most popular hiking route in the park is the Sacagawea Heritage Trail, which stretches over 23 miles in the park. It passes through all three of the Tri-Cities (Richland, Pasco, and Kennewick). This trail is great for walking or biking and is a great place to go birdwatching. If you’re interested in learning more about life in the 1800s, visit the park during Sacajawea Heritage Day, which reenacts scenes from history. This event is typically held in September.
Sacajawea State Park is about 30 minutes from Cameo Heights Mansion. It is open every day of the week, from 8:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m.

Stay at Cameo Heights Mansion

After a day exploring the best state parks and hiking trails near Walla Walla, there’s no better feeling than resting at Cameo Heights Mansion. Our one-of-a-kind bed & breakfast resort is great for any type of vacation. Whether you’re traveling with your loved one for a romantic getaway or you’re planning on attending one of the fabulous events in Walla Walla, Cameo Heights Mansion has the perfect accommodations. Browse through our guest rooms or take a look at the amazing room amenities.
When you’re ready to get started, check our availability and book your stay at Cameo Heights Mansion! We look forward to having you.

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Weddings at Cameo Heights Mansion

Did you get engaged or know of someone who did recently?  Cameo Heights Mansion is a wonderful place for a wedding.