Portland: Salmon Butte Summit Trail
This 8.4-mile, out-and-back climbs steady through giant Douglas fir stands and rhododendron fields to a treeless summit yielding drop-dead gorgeous views of five distinct volcanic peaks.
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Trail Facts
- Distance: 6.8
Waypoints
SBT001
Location: 45.2612724, -121.9385147
Salmon Butte trailhead; head S into lush forest
SBT002
Location: 45.2525368, -121.9372101
Old growth firs tower above trail
SBT003
Location: 45.2482834, -121.9385834
Viewpoint: The treeless dome of Salmon Butte rises above Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness
SBT004
Location: 45.2424088, -121.9334183
Path horseshoes around a massive ravine filled with huge Douglas firs; several switchbacks ahead
SBT005
Location: 45.2393684, -121.9328308
Tall rhododendrons frame rocky point overlooking the Salmon River Valley
SBT006
Location: 45.2382164, -121.9326172
Rest spot: Only flat stretch along this steady ridge climb
SBT007
Location: 45.2349014, -121.9301147
Turn R onto fire road; wildflowers paint the trail edge in purple and red
SBT008
Location: 45.2302895, -121.9310074
Stay S on well-marked path
SBT009
Location: 45.2272415, -121.9333572
Sharp climb; snowfield likely even in mid-summer
SBT010
Location: 45.2280197, -121.9345093
Salmon Butte (4,877 ft.): Giant razor-sharp volcanic peaks–Mts. Jefferson, Adams, Hood, and Rainier–form a striking horizon over a sea of green wilderness