Hike Log

Black Butte – 2 Down, 4 to Go

Trailhead:

Upper Black Butte Trailhead

Type of Hike:

Day hike

Trail Conditions:

Trail in good condition

ROAD:

Road rough but passable

Bugs:

No bugs

Snow:

Intermittent snow – not hard to cross

Beautiful day to hike Black Butte! 37 degrees at the trailhead (road to Upper TH is bumpy but clear of 99% of snow). A few other hikers on the trail, but not crowded at all.

The last 0.4 miles to the summit crosses a snowfield which was frozen when I hiked it at ~9:30am, but you could see the freeze/thaw cycle at work when you came across post holes in the snow from hikers who did this in the warm afternoons on previous days. I brought micro spikes but didn't need to put them on.

There is a clear tread across the snow to the summit, although it goes right near the lookout tower rather than following the true trail. As the snow begins to melt at the top, I suspect this will change.

The cupola has been renovated, but was closed and locked.

I think Black Crater will be next for me, when they reopen the road.

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