49 min
Overview
NOTICE: Trails in this area were affected by the 2020 Beachie Creek Fire. Please check current closures in the Willamette National Forest before planning an outing. A gated road, very rough in its upper stretches, leads to a historic and remote lookout with views up and down the Oregon Cascades. The lookout itself can be rented for the night at Recreation.gov, so you may find occupants upon your arrival at the top. You'll begin the hike on the gated gravel access road. Rhododendrons bloom here in early summer. The elevation gain is mild for a half mile as you walk through a forest of hemlocks and rhododendron. You will get a few views to the west as the road gets steeper and finally ends at the official trailhead at 1.3 miles. The trees will diminish as you make the final steep switchback ascent to the summit for the last quarter mile. If guests are staying at the lookout, please give them their privacy. The lookout itself was constructed in 1934 by the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps). During World War II, the lookout served as part of a warning system against enemy aircraft. The jumbled rocky ridgetop that juts northward invites scrambling and exploring, with some good spots for having lunch on top of the world. Views extend north past Battle Ax to Mount Hood. Looking south, you'll make out Mount Jefferson, Three Fingered Jack, and the Three Sisters.
Trail Stats
0.0 km
243 m
1407 m
0 m
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Photos
400px-GoldButteLookoutMap
400px-GoldButteLookoutMap
250px-Goldbutte
250px-Goldbutte
250px-Battleaxeview
250px-Battleaxeview
400px-Goldbutteview
400px-Goldbutteview