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Blue Mtns (Wenaha-Tucannon wilderness) Posted by drm (2007-06-19)

A 3-day backpacking trip out of Dayton, WA, a 255 mile drive from Bingen. I had hoped to do an ambitious loop, but trail conditions made the going too slow, so I did a spoke route. I hiked up to and past a central trail junction called Indian Corrals and started the loop, came back to the central point, and then did the end of the loop, camping near the far point on each spoke. Trailhead was about 3000 feet and highest point was at Oregon Butte, about 6300 feet, highest point in the wilderness. An older sign looks like. Trail was dry but with lots of flowers around Indian Corrals dropping into Trout Creek drainage, it got greener and deeper down, it got very overgrown, miles of this (yes, the trail goes through here) all of which made me in the mood for this And seeing one of these . . . . . . made me do this Leaving Trout Creek area and heading back through Indian Corrals, I hiked out on Smooth Ridge to Oregon Butte, the highest point in the area, giving good views of the Blues. and a ranger station right on the top. I was camped 10 minutes walk away, and after dinner, came back for the sunset. It was blowing pretty hard up there, but it was worth it. The area is also known for a large population of elk. I didn't see them until the last day, and quickly at that. All in all, a good trip to an area most of us don't get to all that often. I was cloudy most mornings, but  it would burn off some time in the afternoon.

Re: Blue Mtns (Wenaha-Tucannon wilderness) Posted by worldofaaron (2007-06-22)

What a nice trip.  It looks like you had the place to yourself, with the exception of the elk, bear & ranger station.  The condition of your trail seems to be the rule, rather than the exception.  Well, at least this early in the season, lots of trails need a little help.   Great shot of those elk and the sunset!  Someday, I'll get ambitious and head out to the Blues or the Wallowas.  There never seems time to make the drive...

Re: Blue Mtns (Wenaha-Tucannon wilderness) Posted by rosecity (2007-06-23)

nice report. I hiked some of the Wenaha River trail last July and there was also a lot of brush covering large sections of the trail. too bad because it is a great hike otherwise.

Re: Blue Mtns (Wenaha-Tucannon wilderness) Posted by JosephSamuel (2007-06-24)

Thanks for the trip repot.  I am always hungry for pictures from prospective future hikes.  One of these years I'll acturally get out there.

Re: Blue Mtns (Wenaha-Tucannon wilderness) Posted by Paul (2007-06-25)

Very nice report. Thanks for sharing. I'd like to get out east more often.

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