"I would definitely recommend this trip to a friend."
Directions to trailhead: From Dayton, take Eckler Mountain Road east and south about 13 miles to the intersection of Forest Road 46. Take 46 south along the ridgetop for about 11 miles to the Godman Guard Station and Campground. Turn left (east) on the 4608 spur, continuing on the main track for another 4-5 miles to the Teepee trailhead, where the is ample parking. During the summer, road can be passable with a standard 2WD car, but 4WD may be necessary in early season due to mud and lingering snowdrifts on the last 5 miles.
Hike to a classic fire lookout cabin (built in 1931) that continues to be staffed in the summer. The lookout is currently the only one staffed full-time during the summer on the Pomeroy Ranger District, which sprawls across the Washington/Oregon border. Much of the ranger district is composed of the vast Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness. The hike described here gives you that "wilderness" experience without straying too far from your car.
You'll begin your hike on the Mt. Misery trail 3113, which with transportation arranged, travels 13 miles east to Diamond Peak, a former lookout site. The grade is fairly gentle to start, sometimes even flat. Limited views are available, as you will be on the north side of a ridge in dense timber stands. At about 3/4 mile you'll enter some short switchbacks which lead to the ridgetop. Here (about 1 mile) you'll break out of the timber and come to a fork. The lookout can be seen to the east.
Whichever trail you pick will wind up in the same place. The right (uphill) trail is the original, leading over the top of West Butte, then down the other side to a saddle. The left fork is newer, traveling through timber, and will seem to only lead you downhill on portions of the route, but you will manage to link up with the other trail at about 1.75 miles. Continuing on you'll pass a spring and waterhole which will be overflowing in July (you can expect to still encounter down! ed logs and snowdrifts this time of year). A few more switchbacks, and you'll break out of the timber again near the ridgetop.
Trail 3113 continues its route to the north, while a south spur leads you to the lookout, 6387' elevation, at about 3 miles from the trailhead. Views extend east to peaks in Idaho, south to the Elkhorns and Eagle Caps, west to the Cascades (on a clear day), and north to Mt. Spokane. Return the way you came, or try a different fork on the way back for variety.
Hiking time up: 1 hour 15 minutes
Hiking time down: 1 hour
Difficulty: Moderate
Note: This is backcountry wilderness travel. You are responsible for informing yourself of the hazards and taking the necessary precautions.