Normally, when you think of a Washington mountain, you think of a lofty volcano or a sky splitting peak with snowy slopes and glaciers hanging all over it. Well, welcome to the other side of the state of Washington, the dry side where the mountains are lower and so is the amount of snowfall. Instead of precipitous peaks, you get peaks with the name "Butte" in them. Diamond Peak and Oregon Butte are the two highest peaks in this section of the state. Nothing lofty but still part of a special mountain range that gave early settlers and those plying the Oregon trail, lots of trouble and hardship, the Blue Mountains.

So why put up a page for a "Butte" here at SummitPost? A fair question.

Oregon Butte is the highest peak in the southeastern part of Washington State and is the highest peak in the Washington section of the Blue Mountain range.

It isn't a difficult nor technical peak but it is one of those special places that make you feel like staying awhile and just kicking back. No lofty summit but plenty of views in all directions. If you live in the southeastern part of Washington State, the Blue Mountains are the peaks closest to home. Nearby Diamond Peak, the highpoint of Garfield county is only 8 feet lower. This is one of those hikes (not a climb) that is a good one for taking children or even a spouse who doesn't normally care to hike on.

It is also the county highpoint of Columbia county and is sought after by those of us who chase after county highpoints. It is also one of the most popular peaks that the locals enjoy as it is not a difficult peak and has an actively manned lookout on its summit. It lies in the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness Area and the lookout was built in 1931 and is listed on the Historic Nation Register. (see more below)

The trail to the summit is 3 miles one way and only has an elevation gain of 890 feet, a true walk in the park.

Getting There

Head for the small town of Dayton Washington via US 12 and then follow the instructions given in the Misery Trail route description which will get you to the trailhead.

Here are some GPS points that may prove to be helpful as
you are following the directions listed in the route description.

Hatley Gulch road Elev1886

Hatley Gulch-Skyline road Jct Elev 2228

Continue on Skyline road, making sure to take the right fork at this junction Elev 3725

The next important turn (south) is found here Elev 4302

At this turn, you'll go south and at the forest service boundary, take the left fork just beyond the sign and stay on it until you see a sign that says Dayton, 28 miles, just before the Godman Springs Campground. You'll drop down a hill and pass the the Godman guard station which will be on your right. Stay on this road until you come to a three way fork, take the right one and it will lead you to the Tee Pee TH in about 2 1/2 miles. Elev 5570

Update: A new memorial has been placed at the road junction where you turn off to Skyline Drive. See pic at the left.

Red Tape

A Northwest Forest Pass is no longer required to park at the TH. The vault toilet and picnic tables represented your dollars at work. Thanks to SP member Dundeel for that update.

When To Go

Once Skyline Drive is free from snow, generally sometime in May, you can access the TH. The season will extend until snow closes the road sometime in november.

More information can be gleaned from the Umatilla National forest website, or by calling the number 1-877-958-9663.

The trail is known as the Mt. Misery trail, but the Oregon Butte part is not the misery part. The trail starts off from the TH area by entering the woods and ascending an easy grade to the top of a ridge. (see Mt. Misery trail route for full description)

From the summit (lookout area), the generally snowcapped Wallowa Mountain range can be seen to the southwest, about 50 miles away. If you look to the left of the Wallowas (and on a clear day), the peaks of the Seven Devils range in Idaho may be visible. If you look to the southwest, you can also see some of the ski runs of the Bluewood ski area, 8 or 9 miles away.

Camping

You could camp right at the TH in your vehicle or in the nearby woods or Godman Springs Campground, about 8 miles from the TH. You almost pass it on the way in.

Also, as you drive along Skyline Drive, there are many places where you can pull off and find nice campspots.

Lodging in Dayton, 33 miles away. Walla Walla is an additional source of shopping and motels.

Mountain Conditions

Check this one for Bluewood, only 8 miles away.

Bluewood ski area has a weather forecast site which can give you an idea of whether there is snow there or not.

Oregon Butte Lookout

Here is some special information about this lookout that is atop Oregon Butte. Please take the time to check this out as it will add to your appreciation of this area.

Also, check this additional info out here.

There is also an Oregon Butte Lookout located in Idaho so for some strange reason, the name of Oregon Butte is popular in other states. Rumor has it that there is also an Oregon Butte in Oregon.

Columbia County

As Oregon Butte is the county highpoint of Columbia county, lets learn a bit more about this county.

As of 2000, the population was 4,064. The county seat is at Dayton, which is also the county's largest city. It is named after the Columbia River. Columbia County was created out of Walla Walla County on November 11, 1875.
Most of the income generated in this county comes from farming.

Good hike for kids

This was a stellar hike for my 9 year old grandson who endured cold weather and snow for this one.
He got his first register to sign and was excited by what it meant and found his first benchmark. By all means, consider this as a hike to take your youngsters on but keep them close to you as mountain lions live in these mountains.

Tidbits from the hike

The spring at the base of the saddle leading up to the lookout of Oregon Butte. This is where the lookouts get their water supply.

Lots of these butterflies were hovering around the summit

Wilderness? Oh yeah and I'm not making up the name, Misery Mtn trail

Images



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