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Whitman Mission near Walla Walla © Diane B. Reed |
The Walla Walla Valley is rich in resources, both natural and historical. I'm baffled by people who see a site as one or the other. A case in point is
Whitman Mission National Historic Site, located just a few miles west of Walla Walla, along the banks of the Walla Walla River. As you cross the river and turn to enter the park, the keen observer notices large nests in the cottonwoods along its banks. The first time we visited the park was in late spring, and we were astonished to discover a good-sized Great Blue Heron rookery. Its size varies from year to year, and there are many other heron nests along the river at various places.
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| Rookery © Diane B. Reed |
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| Great Blue Heron © Diane B. Reed |
The historic site interprets a time in our history that is hard for us to imagine, but was pivotal in the white settlement of the area and the displacement of native peoples. It is a complex history that is well worth understanding. Take the time to read about the site, visit and further your knowledge with the help of the interpretive center and knowledgeable rangers. The visitor center is open most days, and the park grounds are open dawn to dusk daily.
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| Millpond at Whitman Mission © Diane B. Reed |
The aspect of the park that some visitors miss is its natural resources. The site is home to a wide variety of mammals, birds, and amphibians. The millpond, a remnant of the original Mission, attracts migratory birds as well as year-round residents. It's an ever-changing landscape, particularly as we move toward spring and the migratory birds give way to the year-round residents. It's a place worth visiting many times.
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