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Walla Walla River Confluence

Walla Walla River Confluence

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The headquarters (McNary National Wildlife Refuge) is open 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m Monday through Thursday, and 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Friday
509-546-8300
Free
lat: 46.063726500191 long: -118.91411972371

On April 27, 1806, Lewis and Clark reunited with Wallulapum Chief Yelleppit, whom they first met on Oc­tober 19, 1805, during their voyage down the Columbia. Yelleppit invited them to spend several days at his village near the confluence of the Walla Walla River. Receiving a warm welcome, the expedition spent the next few days engaging in trade, council, and socializing with the Wallulapum. Receiving confirmation of the overland route east and assistance in ferrying horses and supplies across the Columbia in canoes, Lewis and Clark “took leave of these friendly honest people” on April 30, 1806.

The immediate natural setting of the Walla Walla River Confluence is impacted by railroad and highway crossings, as well as a grain elevator complex. However, much of the adjacent area is publicly accessible through the 15,000-acre McNary National Wildlife Refuge and 46-acre Madame Dorian Memorial Park. Hiking trails that climb into the highlands south of the confluence offer panoramic views of the Wallula Gap, a dramatic landscape formed by eroded basalt anticlines that were first documented by Lewis and Clark as they canoed downriver on October 18, 1805. Clark described it as a “range of high Country at which place the rocks project into the river from the high clifts.” Away from the infrastructure congested about the mouth of the confluence, much of the natural landscape retains the historic appearance witnessed by the expedition.

Nearby Attractions

Distance Unit:

McNary National Wildlife Refuge
McNary National Wildlife Refuge

McNary National Wildlife Refuge, Maple Street, Burbank, WA, USA
Distance: 10.22 Away

Outdoor Experiences

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The Beautiful Downtown Burbank Tavern
The Beautiful Downtown Burbank Tavern

The Beautiful Downtown Burbank Tavern, South 2nd Street, Burbank, WA, USA
Distance: 10.71 Away

Food and Drinks

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Snake River Confluence
Snake River Confluence

5XX8+3R Pasco, WA, USA
Distance: 10.87 Away

Galleries and Venues Tribal Experiences Outdoor Experiences

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Confluence Story Circles at Sacajawea State Park
Confluence Story Circles at Sacajawea State Park

2503 Sacajawea Park Rd, Pasco, WA 99301, USA
Distance: 11.15 Away

Galleries and Venues Tribal Experiences

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Sacajawea Historical State Park and Interpretive Center
Sacajawea Historical State Park and Interpretive Center

Sacajawea Historical State Park, Sacajawea Park Road, Pasco, WA, USA
Distance: 11.26 Away

Museums and Interpretive Centers Outdoor Experiences LC Features

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Hood Park
Hood Park

Hood Park, Grain Terminal Road, Burbank, WA, USA
Distance: 11.45 Away

Outdoor Experiences RV and Camping

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Lewis and Clark Commemorative Trail
Lewis and Clark Commemorative Trail

Lewis and Clark Commemorative Trail Trailhead, Hermiston, OR, USA
Distance: 14.76 Away

Outdoor Experiences

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Hat Rock State Park
Hat Rock State Park

Hat Rock State Park, Hermiston, OR, USA
Distance: 16.17 Away

Outdoor Experiences Walks and Hikes LC Features

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The REACH Museum & Interpretive Center
The REACH Museum & Interpretive Center

1943 Columbia Park Trail, Richland, WA, USA
Distance: 18.76 Away

Guided Tours Museums and Interpretive Centers

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McNary Beach Park
McNary Beach Park

McNary Beach Recreation Area, Umatilla, OR, USA
Distance: 19.44 Away

Outdoor Experiences

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Pacific Salmon Visitor Information Center
Pacific Salmon Visitor Information Center

Pacific Salmon Visitor Information Center, Devore Road, Umatilla, OR, USA
Distance: 20.63 Away

Museums and Interpretive Centers

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Umatilla Marina and RV Park
Umatilla Marina and RV Park

Umatilla Marina RV Park, Quincy Avenue, Umatilla, OR, USA
Distance: 22.13 Away

Outdoor Experiences RV and Camping

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