Every spring, something magical happens in Walla Walla. The skies fill with vibrant colors as hot air balloons rise with the sun and again as it sets, casting their shadows over vineyards, wheat fields, and the rolling Blue Mountains. As the owner of Seattle Ballooning, I’ve had the incredible privilege of flying here since 2018, and I can confidently say: this might be one of the best weather weekends we’ve ever seen for the Walla Walla Balloon Stampede.
We’ve been coming to Walla Walla every spring and fall for the last six years, and it’s always one of our favorite destinations. The community here is warm and welcoming, the landscape is breathtaking, and the flying conditions are often near perfect. This weekend is shaping up to be no exception—and maybe even a little extraordinary.
Why Walla Walla is a Hidden Gem for Hot Air Ballooning
There are a few places in the country that feel like they were made for ballooning, and Walla Walla is at the top of that list. What makes it truly unique? Altitude freedom. Unlike many areas where pilots are capped at specific flight ceilings, here we can soar. Over the last few weeks alone, we’ve reached heights of nearly 12,000 feet on some of our flights. That view—miles of golden wheat fields, distant mountain ridges, and tiny vineyards below—is something that never gets old.
This kind of vertical flexibility allows for both technical flight practice and awe-inspiring passenger experiences. For anyone flying with us this weekend, prepare to see the Pacific Northwest like never before.
Our Schedule: Sunrise and Sunset Flights, All Weekend Long
Seattle Ballooning will be offering sunrise and sunset flights every day this weekend, launching from some of Walla Walla’s most picturesque vineyards. If you’ve never seen the sun rise over the Blue Mountains or watched it dip behind golden fields of wheat from a balloon basket, this is your chance.
We’ll be joining the official Walla Walla Balloon Stampede fleet in the sky—so expect to be flying alongside a dozen or more colorful balloons. It’s one of the best parts of the weekend: dozens of hot air balloons dancing in the sky together, a rare and joyful sight.
Flights start at $325 per person.
Book a Stampede Morning Flight
Weather Outlook: All Systems Go (Mostly!)
Let’s talk about the weather. We know how important it is for ballooning, and I’m happy to report that things are looking really good.
- Thursday Morning (May 8 – Kids Day Tethered Rides at Howard Tietan Park): This event is organized by the official Walla Walla Balloon Stampede. Seattle Ballooning does not offer tethered rides. The tethered rides are scheduled for Thursday morning, but due to a small weather system moving in Wednesday night and moving out Thursday evening, the morning winds may be too strong for safe tethered balloon operations.
- Thursday Night (May 8): Winds are expected to calm down after the afternoon disturbance, and we’re hopeful for a beautiful evening flight.
- Friday Morning (May 9): Winds are light and steady, ideal for balloon flight. Friday morning’s launch should be fantastic.
- Friday Night (May 9 – Balloon Glow): Conditions continue to look great. Light winds and cool temps should make for a spectacular glow event.
- Saturday Morning and Evening (May 10): The forecast still looks strong with manageable wind speeds and no significant weather systems moving in. We’ll keep monitoring winds for the mid-day tether event, but they may be a bit too strong.
- Sunday Morning (May 11 – Mother’s Day): Another beautiful morning is shaping up. Light winds, clear skies, and a stunning sunrise are all in the forecast. It should be a picture-perfect way to wrap up the weekend!
We’ll be adjusting as necessary and working closely with other pilots and weather experts to ensure every flight we do is as safe and enjoyable as possible. and working closely with other pilots and weather experts to ensure every flight we do is as safe and enjoyable as possible.
A Ballooning Community Reunion
One of the things that makes the Walla Walla Balloon Stampede so special for us is the chance to reunite with ballooning friends from across the Pacific Northwest. From Oregon to Idaho, Spokane to Seattle, balloon teams converge here to share stories, fly together, and soak up the beauty of eastern Washington.
Ballooning is an unusual sport—it requires collaboration, community, and trust between crews and pilots. That’s why weekends like this are so meaningful. The shared joy of flight, the camaraderie on the field, and the applause from spectators all around town make this feel like more than just an event. It feels like home.
Celebrate Mother’s Day in the Sky
We can’t think of a better way to celebrate Mother’s Day weekend than with a sunrise hot air balloon flight over Walla Walla’s vineyards. Whether you’re a mom looking for a peaceful morning adventure or someone planning a special surprise, this weekend offers a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.
We still have a few spots left for our sunrise and sunset flights, and we’d love to have you join us. Bring your camera, bring your sense of wonder, and come see why Walla Walla is one of the best places in the country to fly.
A Note of Gratitude
To the people of Walla Walla: thank you. Every time we come out here, we’re met with kindness, curiosity, and the kind of local hospitality that makes our work feel like play. From landowners waving at us as we float overhead, to early risers who come out to watch us inflate, you make this weekend what it is.
To our passengers: we’re so glad you’re joining us. Whether it’s your first flight or your fiftieth, we promise to make it unforgettable.
To our fellow pilots: let’s fly safe, fly high, and keep the magic alive.
Here’s to another beautiful Walla Walla Balloon Stampede. See you in the skies!
