Walla Walla, Washington is situated in the southeast corner of the state. Its location offers options for exploration seekers. You can ski in the Blue Mountains, hike around Bennington Lake, ride in a hot air balloon, or tour the over one hundred wineries in the area. This scenic bucolic setting also has fabulous camping for those seeking a twenty-four-hour adventure!
Walla Walla’s agricultural roots provide the basis for many of its festivals and celebrations. Check out more options here for the ultimate guide to adventuring in Walla Walla.
The Onion Man Triathlon
This great adventure offers the option to participate as an individual competitor or as part of a team. It’s a fabulous way to experience the beauty of the Walla Walla area while challenging yourself. The triathlon commences on the shores of Bennington Lake where participants and spectators are greeted by the gorgeous views of the Blue Mountains.
Swimmers get to test their abilities in the 66-degree water of Bennington Lake. Don’t forget your wetsuit for the 1.5 km course. Cyclists will be treated to a 40 km course that traverses the base of the Blues. Wrapping up the third leg of the USA sanctioned triathlon is the 10 km run. Without significant hills, participants will run on a mix of gravel roads, dirt trails, and a bike path.
The Onion Man Triathlon is held the third weekend of May. With its adventurous pathways, the race attracts a mix of new and elite triathletes.
Walla Walla Sweet Onion Festival
For a different, but still onion-connected adventure, don’t miss Walla Walla’s celebration of the sweet onion. Sweet onions have been successfully grown in Walla Walla valley since the late 1800s. Peter Pieri is credited with transplanting the onion seeds from Corsica to Washington state.
Every year in mid-July, the town recognizes this delectable vegetable. Cooking demonstrations by local chefs that highlight the sweet onion will provide an adventure for your taste buds. Live music, entertainment, booths of artisans selling their crafts, and more can be enjoyed at the festival.
For those seeking more physical adventures, the Walla Walla Sweet Onion Festival provides a few options for you. There’s the Sweet Onion Sack Race or the 5K Funion Run on Friday night for the runners. Other adventurous competitors can try their luck in the Onion Eating Competition. Don’t worry if that’s not for you, there’s the Sweet Onion Bowling for other risk takers!
Falla Walla Half Marathon, 10k, and 1 Mile Kids Fun Run
This event has an adventure for all levels of runners and walkers. Held in the fall each year, participants can gaze at the autumnal glory of the Blue Mountains and agricultural fields in Walla Walla. Runners and walkers will get to challenge themselves as they stride along rolling hills on their way up to Bennington Lake.
In addition to the reward of beautiful vistas, the end of the race is celebrated with locally crafted beer or root beer for those not of age. Music and food trucks add to the fall festivities in Walla Walla.
