Salmon Butte

Activity Notes

[CHECK WITH LEADER TO CONFIRM ROAD IS OPEN  BEFORE APPROVING]

This will  be another conditioning hike/wildflower combo (see the May 14th Dog Mtn hike).

The leader will have water jugs and climbing ropes for those hikers who wish to add some extra weight and get in a little extra conditioning with their wildflowers.

This is going to be a briskly paced walk up to Salmon Butte (2 + mph w/ weighted packs for those who want that) , where we will have lunch, dump our extra water weight (if carrying), and then return to the cars at a moderate pace to enjoy the hopefully blooming rhododendron and other forest flowers.

11.7 miles, 3,100 ft. of gain.

The Salmon Butte Trail #791 is one of the more popular trails in the Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness, but the hike got longer by about 2 ½ miles and gained more elevation with the decommissioning of FR 2618 in 2010. Like other Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness trails, the optimal time to visit is on a clear day in June, when the rhododendrons, bear-grass, and other wildflowers are in full bloom and the views from the summit of Salmon Butte stretch from Mount Rainier to the Three Sisters. After the initial road walk, this is mostly a shady forest hike with a few small clearings supporting microhabitats and limited views – until you get to the top, that is.

Resource: http://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Salmon_Butte_Hike

We will meet at the MMC at 7:00 AM to arrange carpools, and we should arrive at the trailhead by 8:15 AM, and will begin hiking at 8:30 AM.

The trailhead is located HERE.

Other Information<br> Driving Distance from Portland 90 miles<br> Driving Time from Portland 1 hour, 15 minutes<br> <br> Relevant Books

100 Hikes in Northwest Oregon & Southwest Washington by William L. Sullivan

Afoot & Afield: Portland/Vancouver by Douglas Lorain<br>