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

Activity Notes

Salmon Butte Trail climbs 3000’ over its 4.3 miles through the forest to the 4,870’ Salmon Butte. The trail climbs steeply for the first 1.5 miles then becomes more gradual for the next 2 miles. The trail climbs steeply again for the final mile. At 4 miles, the trail runs into an old road. Follow the road to the right and continue to the summit of Salmon Butte. On a clear day, as you summit, you will be rewarded with an outstanding view of Mount Hood. To the south you can see Mt. Jefferson and the Three Sisters. To the north, Mount Hood, Mount Adams, Mount St. Helens, Mount Rainier and the Salmon River valley.

Other Information
Driving Distance from Portland 90 miles
Driving Time from Portland 1 hours
Distance - Round Trip 11 miles
Expected Duration Car to car in one day
Relevant Books 100 Hikes in Northwest Oregon & Southwest Washington by William L. Sullivan Afoot & Afield: Portland/Vancouver by Douglas Lorain Take a Hike: Portland by Barbara I. Bond 105 Virtual Hikes of the Mt. Hood National Forest by Northwest Hiker 70 Hiking Trails: Northern Oregon Cascades by Don & Roberta Lowe 62 Hiking Trails: Northern Oregon Cascades by Don & Roberta Lowe Oregon Hiking by Sean Patrick Hill Pacific Northwest Hiking by Scott Leonard & Sean Patrick Hill Oregon Campgrounds Hiking Guide by Rhonda & George Ostertag
Awards Qualified Mt. Hood Award, Wild Ones
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