Oregon Butte - A Washington Hike

Looking for some last swills of summer adventure?

I have a hike up my sleeve for you, that is if you are anywhere near south east Washington.

On of my very favorite Bellingham friends spent part of her summer vacation making the trek across Washington State to come spend a few days in the desert. She is awesome. We are pals, we will be friends for a very long time, it is just one of those friendships.

Spending time together is easy. Cooking together is easy. Adventures together are fun. She knows a lot about me, our friendship is something special. She is on her way to Japan this weekend where she will spend time with family and friends. I am totally going with her next time, even if I have to beg to go.

There are man made springs along the trail. The water is potable, amazing mountain water to clench the soul's thirst.

Last summer, using this same chunk of time we drove north together, in our trusty van full of climbing gear, bikes strapped to the back, across the border. We climbed Squamish, biked Whistler Bike Park, pedaled the backwoods of Squamish, swam in Alice Lake.

This summer her request was simple, relaxing and different.

We wanted to car camp, drink wine, relax. Forget heavy packs, long hikes. We brought our cameras and enjoyed stopping at every single interesting piece of trail.

We stopped constantly. We talked even more than we stopped.

No long days in the saddle, getting lost, crashing. Nothing scary, no climbing. Not too hard, no long and grueling hikes. We have done all these things together and we both decided that a short hike, shopping, wine tasting, and catching up was more important than some challenging adventure. There is a time and place for everything.

You won't believe this but Julie, this woman who staffs this lookout three to four months out of a year, we have mutual friends. Small planet.

We picked out Oregon Butte. Normally, when I think of a Washington mountain, I  think of a lofty volcano or a sky splitting peak with snowy slopes and glaciers hanging all over it. Here on the other side of the state of Washington, the dry side, the mountains are lower and so is the amount of snowfall. Diamond Peak and Oregon Butte are the two highest peaks in this section of the state. Oregon Butte is the highest peak in the southeastern part of Washington State and is the highest peak in the Washington section of the Blue Mountain range.

It isn't a difficult or technical peak but it is a special place. No lofty summit but the reward is plenty of views in all directions. If you live in the southeastern part of Washington State, the Blue Mountains are the peaks closest to home.

Oregon Butte has an actively (wo)manned lookout on its summit. It lies in the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness Area and the lookout was built in 1931 and is listed on the Historic Nation Register.

This stove was hit by lighting several times. When it is struck all the metal plates "jump".

When there is a lightening storm, perch your tush on this pedestal.

The trail to the summit is 3 miles one way and only has an elevation gain of 890 feet, a true walk in the park.

The Weinhard Hotel

Feelin' little like a princess these days.

Three different rooms in the month of February. Wowzers.

Times have changed or maybe it is winter and too cold to sleep out doors.We assured ourselves that as summer rolls around, another van could replace our trusty Goldie, climbing, biking and *gasp* maybe even a hiking trip.

J approved, sweaty ski gear and all

Let me tell you that a hotel room, especially a few in a month, have been a long time coming.

I remember waking up to frozen water bottles, stolen shoes from under the van, sketchy Mexican truck stops, and some of the most beautiful mountains, beaches, forests and rivers I have ever seen. We have split enough hamburgers, ate sodium bombs of dehydrated beans and rice from the discount stores after full days of climbing to indulge on some amazing food and wine from time to time.

I am into balance these days, the best of both worlds. I love the thought of fresh white sheets and a clean hot shower after a day of ridding. Curling up in our van to wake to the fresh morning air captivates all my senses, it is familiar and easy. There is a time and place for everything.

The Weinhard Hotel made staying in a hotel easy. I loved it because their sheets were way better than mine and they are cool with Natasha, our trusty side kick, in the hotel. From our initial phone conversations, my million questions, the owners, Gary and Shellie were polite, friendly and easy to like.

Dayton, Washington is the closest town to the Bluewood Ski area, if you blink you will have missed half the town and that my friends is a wonderful thing. The historic town has been able to thrive and is home to two very respected restaurants, The Weinhard Cafe and the renowned French restaurant Patit Creek. 

The Weinhard Hotel holds its own by offering one of the most authentically renovated hotels in the Norhtwest. The elegant Victorian era hotel maintains the cozy atmosphere adorned by classic antiques from the 1800's. High ceilings, over sized doors and great staircase complete the 1890's 15 room hotel.

There is a quaint cafe that lines the main street of Dayton where Shellie and Gary provide coffee, homemade muffins and cookies, and fruit. There are a few computers and a small gift shop to keep the busy bodies going.

Gary and Shelllie, our hosts at The Weinhard Hotel were kind enough to let us check in the morning we were headed up to Ski Bluewood. I pushed open the doors to the welcoming and warm cafe around 8:15 to the smell of fresh baked muffins. I was captivated by the sweet smell, nearly forgetting what I had come into the hotel for besides devouring every last crumb of at least ten muffins cooling on the stove top.  The next thing I knew I was checking in while spilling the crumbs of a warm banana blueberry muffin all over the paperwork. No one cared. 

I was in love with the Weinard Hotel the moment I walked in, greeted by generous offerings of fresh baked muffins, happy hosts and beautiful decor. 

With the weather Gods on our side, hopefully there is a few weeks of good snow. The Weinhard Hotel offers a great ski package that includes 20% off room rates and if you purchase your ski Bluewood ticket through the hotel, 20 % off as well.

During the warmer months, which out number the cooler weeks on the east side of Washington State, the rooftop garden of the Weinhard Hotel is the place to be. Think about it, Washington Wine Country, beautiful Walla Walla a stone's throw away, the heart of farm country (read: amazing produce and mesmerizing landscape), Dayton's small town charm, amazing back country adventures minutes from town.......

Thank you Weinhard Hotel for a great stay, I will be back to enjoy the rooftop oasis in the summer and the other fine restaurants that Dayton and Waitsburg Washington have to offer.

t

PS

They sell the bed linens!

PPS

I loved my stay and am recommending the hotel, I have not received anything except a lovely warm muffin.