First time out to this part of Oregon and it was spectacular!

Definitely recommend downloading the map to the trailhead beforehand as it can be easy to miss! Once you get there you have to open a rather rudimentary gate to get to the parking area.

Started the hike at around 10am and were one of two cars in the lot. You start off going through a gate at the far right side of the trailhead and follow an old dirt road through a lightly forested area. If you're doing this trail in the summer start early as there is minimal shade. We followed the old dirt road until we passed through an open gate and turned left to ascend directly to the peak of Sutton. This area is wide open rolling grasslands and are very different than the Central Cascades that I am used to hiking in. The summit offers great views of the Painted Hills national monument and features a cool drop off on the other side. You descend back down the same way you came up and get some great views out east as you hike down from the peak. We only saw two other groups of hikers that were starting right when we were finishing out hike. I don't image that you'd ever find this trail very busy.

After the hike we stopped in Mitchell and got a Sutton Mountain IPA from Tiger Town brewing. On our way back to Bend, we drove out to the Painted Hills National Monument which did not disappoint. Overall a great day and a unique place to get to summit a mountain!