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Smooth Ridge Trail #3105
This more difficult scenic trail begins at Mt. Misery Trail #3113 near Oregon Butte three miles east of the Teepee Trailhead. Smooth Ridge Ttrail travels south and east to end at Wenaha River Trail #3106 (Fairview Bar) along the Wild and Scenic Wenaha River. It is maintained for foot and horse use only, since it is located within the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness.
The trail from Oregon Butte to McBain Spring is characterized by steep side slopes. Extreme caution is advised when meeting other users.The section of trail from McBain to Lodgepole Spring is easy to follow but it is rough. From Lodgepole to Twin Springs, the trail is more difficult to follow and travelers should use caution. From Twin Springs to the Wenaha breaks the trail is fairly easy to traverse. The trail drops in elevation from the breaks down to Fairview Bar on the Wenaha River.
The majority of the trail follows along ridge tops until it makes it's final descent into the Wenaha. Smooth Ridge is the most scenic trail in the Wenaha - Tucannon Wilderness. Views include the Crooked Fork drainage, the Seven Devils in Idaho, the Wallowas in Oregon, and the Wenaha drainage. There are many viewpoints along the trail where Butte Creek, Third Creek, and Trout Creek Canyons can be seen. From Oregon Butte, the Tucannon drainage and areas to the north are visible.
There are numerous campsites along the trail at the springs. There are also many dry camps. Rattlesnakes may be encountered on the lower section of trail.
Practice Leave-No-Trace camping ethics. Pack all garbage out.
Topo Maps: Oregon Butte, Eden, Diamond Peak. Download free U.S. Forest Service Topo Maps here.
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | Maintained to Mc Bain Spring from the top. |
|---|---|
| Open Season: | January - January |
| Usage: | Light |
| Best Season: | June 15- Oct 15 |
| Restrictions: | Wilderness restrictions apply
|
| Closest Towns: | Dayton, WA, Troy, OR |
| Passes: | A valid Recreation Pass is required at Teepee trailhead. |
| Information Center: | Pomeroy Ranger District |
General Information
Directions:From Dayton, WA, take 4th street south off Highway 12 for about 4 blocks. Turn east onto the Eckler Mountain Road (also the road to the city cemetery). Follow road about 15 miles. Where there is a stone monument at a Y in the road, turn right on to Kendall Skyline Road #46. Travel for 12 miles to Godman Guard Station. Turn left below Godman onto Road #4608. Take all main right turns for 7 miles to Teepee Trailhead.
From Teepee Trailhead, follow the Mt Misery Trail to Oregon Butte - about 3 miles. Smooth Trail takes off the east side of Oregon Butte to the south.
Activities
Day Hiking
See activity description under Backpacking.| Difficulty Level: | More Difficult |
|---|
Backpacking
The section of trail from McBain to Lodgepole Spring is easy to follow but it is rough. From Lodgepole to Twin Springs, the trail is more difficult to follow and travelers should use caution. From Twin Springs to the Wenaha breaks the trail is fairly easy to traverse. The trail drops in elevation from the breaks down to Fairview Bar on the Wenaha River. The majority of the trail follows along ridge tops until it makes it's final descent into the Wenaha. Smooth Ridge is the most scenic trail in the Wenaha - Tucannon Wilderness. Views include the Crooked Fork drainage, the Seven Devils in Idaho, the Wallowas in Oregon, and the Wenaha drainage. There are many viewpoints along the trail where Butte Creek, Third Creek, and Trout Creek Canyons can be seen. From Oregon Butte, the Tucannon drainage and areas to the north are visible. There are numerous campsites along the trail at the springs. There are also many dry camps. Rattlesnakes may be encountered on the lower section of trail. Practice Leave-No-Trace camping ethics. Pack all garbage out.| Difficulty Level: | More Difficult |
|---|