Hike of the Week: Tucannon River

Enjoy a good view down the Tucannon River Valley by venturing a short way up the Bear Creek Trail

Tucannon River

A cheerful river in the Blue Mountains

by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin

Quick Facts
Location: Blue Mountains
Land Agency: Umatilla National Forest
Roundtrip: 9.0 miles
Elevation gain: 600 feet
Notes: NW Forest Pass required
Contact: Umatilla National Forest, Pomeroy Ranger District (509) 843-1891; www.fs.fed.us/r6/uma
Access: From Pomeroy head 4.0 miles west on US 12, turning south on Tatman Mountain Road proceeding 9.0 miles to the Tucannon River Road. (From Dayton, head west on Patit Road for 14 miles turning left onto the Hartsuck Grade following 4.0 miles to the Tucannon River Road). Continue south 14 miles on the Tucannon River Road, which becomes FR 47. Turn left onto FR 4712 proceeding 4.5 miles to its end at trailhead.


The Tucannon River Trail makes for a wonderful early season trek when the surrounding high country is still covered with snow and before the low country begins to fry in the hot Umatilla sun. But even when the mercury rises, the Tucannon River valley is graced with cool old-growth including moss-draped cedars.
Start on an old road turned trail crossing Sheep Creek on a solid bridge. After about a mile real trail commences. With the tumbling, refreshing river always within earshot if not sight, the trail gains a mere 600 feet of elevation in its 4.5 mile course. Ironically, the river is not within the 177,465 acre Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness, although its upper reaches are still roadless and pristine and would make for a welcome addition to this the largest wilderness area in eastern Washington.
As with most of the Blue Mountain country, keep your eyes out for elk and wild turkeys. Grouse too. Rattlesnakes aren’t much of a concern on this trail, but ticks are in early season. After 4.5 miles of some of the most enjoyable hiking in these parts, the trail terminates at a junction with the Bear Creek Trail. Either direction along this trail requires a steep climb with very little water. But views of the Tucannon River canyon and of lofty Diamond Peak are excellent if you venture upwards for a mile or so.

For great Blue Mountain and other Eastern Washington hikes, refer to my Best Hikes with Dogs Inland NorthwestClick here and check this out.