This was my third time up Black Butte this year. The first two were from the lower trailhead. The first time we stopped a few hundred yards shy of the summit due to deep postholing. The second time was last week, and we hit our turnaround time about 1/2 a mile from the summit.

This weekend we opted to start at the upper trailhead.

The road to the upper trailhead is washboard gravel. No high clearance needed, just a tolerance for bone-jarring vibrations.

The trail is in good condition and snow-free until you reach the east side. From here the true trail was still mostly snow covered, and the safer route was following the established footpath through the snow that heads toward the lookout tower.

Minor postholing. We brought microspikes but did not need them. Trekking poles were useful, however. Took a break at the observation deck and enjoyed the warm weather and clear skies.

With the warm weather in the forecast, the remaining snow won’t last long. Still too early for wildflowers.