Hiking Oregon Butte, Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness

Oregon Butte is a summit in Columbia County, Washington (USGS). According to the USFS, elevations in the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness range from 2,000 ft on the Wenaha River to 6,401 ft at Oregon Butte. The wilderness covers 176,557 acres in the northern Blue Mountains of southeastern Washington and northeastern Oregon.

The trail

According to the USFS, Oregon Butte Trail (#3134) is about 3 miles from Teepee Trailhead to Oregon Butte. It crosses a ridge and a saddle with repeated climbs and descents; the last stretch, from the log water trough, climbs about ½ mile to the lookout. Hiking Project measures the round trip at 5.8 miles (9.3 km) with 1,443 ft (440 m) of ascent: those are the figures used on this page.

The lookout

According to TrailChick, the current L-4 gable-roof lookout was built in 1931 on a site established in 1914. A lightning fire on July 7, 2021 (the Turkey Tail and Green Ridge fires, managed as one) burned more than 40,000 acres and went over the summit; the lookout survived thanks to protective fire wrap and retardant drops. Hiking Project says the lookout is staffed from June to September.

When to go

The USFS lists a June through November season for this trail. The area is one of the first on the district to get snow, and the USFS warns that it is hazardous to get out of the trailhead when the snow arrives. It is heavily used during hunting seasons.

Access, fees and facilities

• Fee: $5 per vehicle at Teepee Trailhead (per day on the trailhead page, per night on the trail page), or a recreation pass such as the Northwest Forest Pass.
• Facilities: one vault toilet and no potable water. A stock trough is about 40 yards north, down the hill. According to the USFS, visitors pack out everything they pack in.
• Rules: the trail is maintained for foot and horse use; motorized and mechanized equipment, including mountain bikes and carts, is prohibited. Weed-free feed is required for stock animals.
• Trail conditions: trails are usually considered open, but snow and downed trees can block the path. The USFS suggests calling the Pomeroy Ranger District office for current information.