Tucannon provides accessible diversity

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Tucannon provides accessible diversity

By DAVE SCHAFER
Herald staff writer

There are few sites in Southeast Washington offering such a wide variety of outdoor escapes as the upper reaches of the Tucannon River.

From the seasoned fly fisherman to the weekend worm-drowner, or from the bare-bones adventurist to the family with a brand new fifth-wheel, the Snake River tributary has something for everyone.

And it's within easy reach.

The Tucannon River is formed by dozens of tiny streams that flow down from the top of the Blue Mountains.

About 12 miles southeast of the tiny burg of Dayton, the river grows in size - although only to about 20 feet wide - as it is joined by such ribbons of water as Panjab Creek, the Little Tucannon River and smaller runoffs from area springs.

What makes this convergence and the next several miles downstream so unique is its remoteness, along with the limited development that makes it accessible and yet still inviting.

Much of the area is managed by the Department of Wildlife for fish and game habitat, and it is a popular fall hunting area.

There are a string of small ponds that lure anglers each year as they are stocked with pan-sized trout. Popular fishing tackle often includes little more than a spinning rod, some weights and a few worms or salmon eggs.

There's a fly fishing-only pond called Big Four, although new visitors will have to ask around for precise directions. You park near the river, wade across along a heavy cable, and fish the pond on the other side.

To get to the upper Tucannon area and its campgrounds, point your car toward Dayton. From the Tri-Cities take Highway 124 to Waitsburg, then Highway 12 through Dayton.

From Dayton there are two routes. The simplest follows Highway 12 about 10 or 12 miles north of Dayton. Turn right on Tucannon Road and follow it upstream. About a 20-minute drive down this scenic winding road and you'll see the campgrounds.

Read the rules as you enter.

The second route is straight through Dayton and onto Patit Road. It turns to gravel and winds through some beautiful farmland. Keep going until you hit a T and turn left down Hartsock Grade Road.

Warning: The grade is steep and winding. Don't take your trailer this way, and make sure your brakes are working well.

At the bottom, turn right and you'll be only moments away from the W.T. Wooten Wildlife Area. With a little luck, you might see wild turkeys, or even a bighorn sheep if you look carefully at the rocky crags to the east.

Campgrounds are scattered along the Tucannon Road. There are spots for trailers and tents, and some are more remote than others. An enterprising soul is in the process of putting in several RV hookups near the entrance to the camping area for those who want to enjoy the outdoors without leaving the comfort of their camper.

Those who want a little more isolation should head farther upstream. There are dozens of campsites, although many are marked for daytime use only.

The truly adventurous can continue following Tucannon Road to the edge of the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness. Forest Service roads meet the Tucannon Road on these upper reaches, providing access to more isolated campsites. However, trailers are not recommended on all of those roads, and campers still need to heed National Forest rules, such as no camping within 75 feet of any streams.

If backpacking is your bag, there's a trailhead at the end of Tucannon Road. The path is well traveled, so day hikers needn't worry much about getting lost as long as you remember where you've been.

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