Whitman Mission National Historic Site

Whitman Mission, located in the southeastern part of Washington state, preserves the site of Waiilatpu Mission, a Presbyterian mission to the Cayuse Indians from 1836 to 1847. During the eleven year period of the mission, it also became a way-stop for Oregon Trail pioneers. The mission ended in violence in November, 1847 after an outbreak of measles killed half the Cayuse tribe. Marcus Whitman, Narcissa Whitman and eleven others staying at the mission were killed by the Cayuse.

The park preserves the foundations of the mission buildings, the Mill Pond and irrigation ditch, a short segment of the Oregon Trail, and the grave where the victims are buried. Native grasses give visitors a sense of how the area looked in 1840s.

328 Whitman Mission Road
Walla Walla, WA 99362-9699
509-522-6360 - Headquarters
509-522-6357 - Visitor Information

By Car
From I-84, travel north on Oregon Route 11 from Pendleton, Oregon to Walla Walla, Washington, then on U.S. Route 12 go west 7 miles.

Getting Around
Allow one to two hours to explore the Visitor Center and walk all the trails.

Summer: sunny and usually hot; high-low 92-62 degrees F.; wear shorts, T-shirt, hat, and sunscreen. Winter: cloudy and cold; high-low 40-20 degrees F.; wear coat and hat.

Here are some of the activities that are offered at Mount Rainier National Park.

• Educational Programs
• Bird Watching
• Nature Walks

Recommended Activities
Visit the Visitor Center museum and enjoy a 10-minute slide program. Walk the 0.7 mile (1.0 km) trail, which provides a history of the site through numerous exhibits and the original building foundations. Picnic tables are available.

During the summer there is a 10:45 a.m. Ranger Program daily. Weekend cultural demonstrations take place from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays during the summer. Please see http://www.nps.gov/whmi/events.htm for a current schedule of events.