Tucannon River Canyon

The Tucannon River drains the north side of the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness through a deep forested canyon. Its low elevation and mellow grade make it accessible early in the spring when higher trails are still covered in feet of snow. From the trailhead, cross a well-built bridge over Sheep Creek and enter the wilderness for the first 0.5 miles. A side trail detours around the wilderness boundary allowing access to mountain bikes but motorcycles are not permitted.

The trail begins above the Tucannon with views south toward the wooded side of Horse Ridge. The first 2 miles meander in and out of forest that has been disturbed by fire and often covered in blow-down early in the spring.

As the trail makes its way further upstream it spends more time under the cover of trees and dazzling hikers with its ever present babble. A couple of pleasant creek-side camps can be from 2 to 4 miles from the trail-head making it a great first-time backpacking trip. At four miles climb a short distance from the river to the junction with Bear Creek Trail 3110. This makes a great turnaround point for those enjoying a day hike.

Following Bear Creek Trail south takes one past Jelly Springs toward Diamond Peak and the beginning of one of the many epic loops that the Blue Mountains offer for adventurous backpackers.

WTA Pro Tip: Sheep Falls makes a fun side trip. Head upstream just before crossing the bridge at the trail-head for 0.5 miles on a path that parallels Sheep Creek to find the small waterfall in a fern lined canyon full of blow-down.