Mottet Trail

The trail is generally best hiked from late spring through early fall. During these months, you can enjoy the mountain meadows and old-growth forest without the challenges of heavy snow or overly wet conditions. Be aware that early season might still have some swampy creek areas and fallen trees.

Parking is available at the trailhead. Historically, this trail served as a main route into the Jubilee Lake area. Be prepared for potentially overgrown sections near the entrance and some bushwhacking through swampy creek areas if accessing the upper trailhead.

Yes, dogs are generally allowed on trails within the Umatilla National Forest. However, it's always best to keep your dog on a leash to protect wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all trail users. Please remember to pack out any waste.

Generally, there are no entrance fees to access the Umatilla National Forest itself. However, some specific recreation sites or campgrounds might require a fee or a pass. For the most current information on permits and regulations, it's advisable to check the official USDA Forest Service website for the Umatilla National Forest.

The trail primarily features pristine dirt single track winding through old-growth forest and mountain meadows. You'll encounter some steep climbs at the beginning, followed by a more gradual ascent. Be prepared for potential fallen trees that may require stepping over, and some sections can be overgrown or involve bushwhacking through swampy areas, especially near the upper trailhead.

While the Mottet Trail is rated as 'moderate' in difficulty, it does include some steep initial climbs and a sustained ascent. The overall length of about 16 km (10 miles) and nearly 450 meters (1,476 feet) of elevation gain might be challenging for absolute beginners. It's considered 'intermediate' by some, so a reasonable level of fitness is recommended.

The trail offers beautiful scenery, including old-growth forests, mountain meadows, and views of the 'Blue Mountains' where a hint of smoke can sometimes give the hillsides a blue tint. A notable highlight along the way is Jubilee Lake, which the trail historically connected to.

Yes, the Mottet Trail connects to a network of other trails. You can link up with paths like the Rough Fork Trail and the Jubilee Lake Recreation Loop Trail, offering opportunities for longer excursions and varied views, such as those overlooking the South Fork Walla Walla River canyon.

Given the trail's length and moderate difficulty, it's wise to pack plenty of water, snacks, appropriate layers for changing weather, sturdy hiking boots, and navigation tools. Due to potential overgrown sections and fallen trees, long pants are recommended, and insect repellent might be useful, especially in swampy areas.

While the Mottet Trail itself is primarily a point-to-point or out-and-back experience, its connections to other trails like the Jubilee Lake Recreation Loop Trail offer possibilities for creating longer loop excursions. Be aware that the return climb, especially if connecting to Jubilee Lake, can be quite demanding.

The trail winds through old-growth forests and mountain meadows, providing habitat for various wildlife. You might spot deer, elk, and a variety of bird species. The flora includes diverse forest vegetation and wildflowers in season, typical of the Umatilla National Forest.