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3.8 mi
Distance
1 hrs 43 min
Time
terrain
1,510 ft
Elev Gain
Overview
A moderately tracked trail up to the summit of Black Butte. The trail starts out of the parking lot and starts climbing up trough the trees. About halfway up the trail, it starts so traverse across the Butte where you will start getting the first views of the Cascadian volcanoes. Up to the left you can see the fire lookout on the summit. The trail then takes a left turn where it makes the last climb up to the summit. The view is great and you can see Mount Hood, Mount Jefferson, Three Fingered Jack, and the Three Sisters. The old, white fire lookout was built in 1923 and is still standing strong.
Sights to See
Rate this Hike
★★★★★
Short and relatively smooth-trailed, coupled with an average 15% grade to the top, so not sure it’s really easy, but certainly not difficult…maybe easy-moderate.
Mostly to partly shaded via Ponderosa Pine canopy until popping out above tree-line +/- 2/3 of the way up.
Beautiful views along the path and at the top where I was treated with female hummingbird (Rufous, Anna’s, Calliope?) song and visit.
First time visitor to the area, I appreciated the signage at the summit viewing area detailing the peaks in view - could see all, including (maybe) a very, very, very faint Mt Adams NNE of Mt Hood.
About an hour outside of Bend. Last 5-mi +/- are washboarded and somewhat rough, but without significant potholes…no issue for my Forester.
Nice way way to spend a half-day.
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Trail: easy dirt trail. Some roots here and there and one section of larger stepping stone rock.
Hike: Up hill the whole way. But so worth the efforts! Recommend taking a headlamp and going up for sunset. But take a wind breaker as it’s commonly breezy/windy at the top in the evening. Sunrise was also gorgeous.
Rode: take Indian Ford off 126. North of sisters. Turn left at Black Butte sign. Washboard two lane most the way. Last section of road has become pretty pot hold out. Public restrooms at the trail head.
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Public Tracks
