Overview

Akin to Hunchback Mountain (and not very far away), Salmon Butte is a north-south trending ridge within the Salmon Huckleberry Wilderness which is also within the Mt. Hood National Forest. The trail to the summit is almost identical to Hunchback except it is about 800 feet higher. It's a great morning hike with a shade under 2900 feet of elevation gain over 4 and 1/2 miles. Views from the top are 360 degrees in the wilderness with amazing views of Hood and indeed all the Cascade volcanoes from Rainier to the Three Sisters. There are a few choice views of Hood along the way as well as of a large rock spire jutting up out of the west side of Salmon Butte called Green Knob. The summit is the site of an old lookout that burned long ago.

Black bears and Mule deer call this area home and indeed I spent a few minutes among 3 deer at about 3500 feet that seemed quite tame. When I say "among", I mean I was within several feet of them as they ate, napped and pissed (did you know that deer squat when they pee?) with little regard for my presence. Aside from the fauna, there are some huge old growth firs along the way, tons of gigantic rhodies (would be a great place to hike in May when they bloom) as well as some Devils Club about 7 feet high (don't worry, they are off the trail). The trail is very well maintained and graded and this one makes for a nice workout with better views you get than in a health club and it's only an hour away from Portland.

Oh, and if you go and hike Salmon Butte, which appears to be a fairly popular hike, stay on the trail or be careful on the precarious viewpoints or you could end up like this guy apparently did.

Link to another website with photos of the hike

Getting There

Red Tape

When To Climb

Camping

Mountain Conditions

Images