Twin Sisters Rock

Hiking to Twin Sisters Rock is the definition of a leg-stretcher. At one mile round trip, it is the perfect way to get a little more than a couple minutes out of the car, but less commitment than a day hike requires.

Just off of Highway 730 near the Tri-Cities, Twin Sisters Rock offers a sweeping view of the Columbia River an Wallula Gap, where the river flows through a narrow cut into the basalt plateau. Eons ago, the Missoula floods where forced through this narrow gap and the resulting floodwaters created temporary lakes behind the gap.

Twin Sisters Rock is what the floodwaters left behind; twin basalt pillars that have a trail that's hikable year round. Hot and exposed in the summer, you can find sweet little wildflowers here in spring, and chilly winter winds accompany the stark landscape in winter.

The trail from Highway 730 is quite obvious, and marked with a large sign telling of a Native American legend of who the twin sisters were. Take in the tale, then head up to the imposing pillars. Note that while social trails do branch off here and there, it's important to stay on the main trail to the Sisters, since private land abuts the area. Respect the landowner and refrain from exploring beyond the land immediately around Twin Sisters Rocks.