Round-Trip Mileage: ~.75 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation: Start 300 feet, Summit: 420 feet
Warning: Rattlesnakes have been spotted on this trail during warm, summer months.
To get to this hike, take Interstate 182 east from the Tri-Cities. Continue east toward Walla Walla as Interstate 182 turns into Highway 12. From Pasco, go about 17 miles to the junction with Highway 730 and turn right (south). Go about 1.8 miles on Highway 730 and turn into the small pullout area along the highway on the east side of the road and park, you’re at the trailhead!
Twin Sisters Trailhead
You have to climb a ladder over the fence to get to the trail. The trail winds up a small canyon next to the Twin Sisters basalt columns. You can read about the indian legend at the sign posted at the trailhead.
Click Photo To Enlarge
Follow the trail up the canyon. Just a short way up, there is a steep side trail to the left. Continue straight and save that trail for the return trip. A little ways further is another side trail. You will go up that trail but I suggest you keep on the straight ahead trail to get the best view of the Twin Sisters from the back side.
Twin Sisters With the Columbia River in the Background
You will come to a fence and this is a good stopping point to turn around and look at the huge basalt columns known as the Twin Sisters. You’ll hike through sagebrush, some sand and wildflowers in the right season. Watch for snakes in the heat of the day.
You can wander a bit or retrace your steps back to the base of the hill to the columns. Follow the first trail up to the plateau and you can actually hike right up to the basalt that juts straight up in the sky.
Looking Up From the Base of the Twin Sisters
As you climb, be careful of loose rocks. You can go right up between the Twin Sisters for some great views of the Columbia River and Wallula Gap. If you look across the river, you’ll see the steep cliff that is the high point on the Wallula Gap Hike.
Looking Downstream From Between the Twin Sisters
Looking Upstream From Between the Twin Sisters
You can retrace your steps to take the most gradual and safest way down or there is a steep, loose, rocky trail back down to near the trailhead.