Trails for everyone, forever

Home Go Hiking Hiking Guide West Butte

West Butte

Eastern Washington > Palouse and Blue Mountains
 46.0998, -117.7868 Map & Directions
Length
11.8 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
3100 feet
Highest Point
5504 feet
Calculated Difficulty About Calculated Difficulty
Hard
Full-size image
  • Wildflowers/Meadows
  • Ridges/passes
  • Wildlife
  • Mountain views
  • Old growth
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Fall foliage
  • Rivers

Parking Pass/Entry Fee

None

Descend into the heart of the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness from the historic Godman Guard Station, crossing through the Rainbow Creek Research Natural Area. Continue reading

Rating
3.50 out of 5

(4 votes) Log in to rate

5 trip reports for this trail

Write a trip report

Hiking West Butte

Top off water bottles at the ice-cold Godman Spring before beginning this hike. The trail drops rapidly, passing through patches of giant old-growth timber but also breaking out of the trees into places with views in all directions. Find giant Douglas fir, lovely western juniper, and hundreds of wildflowers. Visit in June for peak blooms. The Guard Station can be rented through the recreation.gov website.

WTA worked here in 2021!

West Butte

Map & Directions

Trailhead
Co-ordinates: 46.0998, -117.7868 Open in Google Maps

Before You Go

See weather forecast

Parking Pass/Entry Fee

None

WTA Pro Tip: Save a copy of our directions before you leave! App-based driving directions aren't always accurate and data connections may be unreliable as you drive to the trailhead.

Getting There

From Dayton, take FR 64 toward Bluewood Ski Area. At the intersection with the ski area spur road, bear right an continue on FR 64 approximately two miles, then take FR 46 to the trailhead at Godman Guard Station.

More Hike Details

Trailhead

Eastern Washington > Palouse and Blue Mountains

West Butte Creek (#3138)

Umatilla National Forest, Pomeroy Ranger District

Guidebooks & Maps

Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness map

Learn

Right-of-Way On Trail

Learn

Practice Leave No Trace on Trail and in Camp

You can improve or add to this guidebook entry

West Butte

5 Trip Reports

Hiked here recently?

Submit a trip report!
 
Trip Reports