Bald Butte Trail is a 8.5 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Mount Hood Parkdale, Oregon that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
FIRE CLOSURE: From Sep 25, 2020 - May 15, 2021 there are closures in this park or area due to wildfire. For more information, please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/mthood/alerts-notices/?aid=62187 Bald Butte Trail is featured in Matt Reeder's "Off the Beaten Trail: 50 fantastic unknown hikes in NW Oregon and SW Washington" and has truly unique views of Mt. Hood. Great in the spring, and if you're looking to do it in January you should pack some snowshoes.
Parking is in a small dirt loop off not too far off Highway 35. You do not need a monster truck; that is, your hippy Prius will work just fine. There are no restrooms, but there are many (many) bushes. Also, as of spring 2014 there was a sofa left at the trailhead, so if you wanted to chill there, well, that's always an option.
Drive I-84 east to Hood River and take Exit 64 for White Salmon and Government Camp. Turn right, and then right again immediately. Drive 0.3 miles to a four-way stop. Keep straight here on Highway 35 South for Odell, Parkdale and Mt. Hood. Drive 15 miles and turn left on Smullin Road (the sign may be hidden behind tree branches), which is one mile past the Hood River Ranger Station. Drive 0.3 miles and make a left onto a gravel road. Park in the circular parking area here.
February 27, 2021Very deep snow at the top, needed snowshoes to continue
February 21, 2021Pretty good at the start. Lot of comments say snowshoes aren’t necessary, but once you go up 3 miles the snow is deep, and snowshoes would’ve been useful. Otherwise very pretty and a good day hike
February 9, 2021January 30, 2021November 29, 2020November 29, 2020November 29, 2020November 21, 2020Ground was frozen when started at 10:30am, very muddy on the way back when things melted, snow on part of the trail
November 21, 2020October 17, 2020August 9, 2020Great hike. The variation in hiking condition was nice. Starting at the Oak Ridge Trailhead, the hike started with a foresty vibe. Then, on the way up, it transitioned to a bare, rocky terrain with a nice view of Mount Hood. Then, it goes back to tall trees and woodsy environment. We got lost a little bit when we took the 2nd gravel service road but the continuation of the trail to the butte is marked by some pink ribbons. Then, you will have another 40mins to the top of the butte. Make sure you get an offline map. Would recommend to do this hike early to avoid the hot sun, other hikers (for social distancing purposes), and mountain bikers. Very dog friendly but just be wary of other hikers and bikers.
July 29, 2020Beautiful view! Lots of sun exposure so I don’t recommended doing it on a hot day
June 21, 2020the trip up was lovely with fantastic views and we didn't see any other hikers until about the 3.5 mile mark, then you cross a dirt road and go under a bunch of power lines, at that point there were a bunch of loud dirt bikes, the trail became step and loose gravel and there were more people. on the way down there were more hikers heading up and a handful of out of control mountain bikers that nearly knocked us down. enjoyed the trail for the most part, but would recommend going early to avoid the bikes etc only recorded the trip down but total distance was closer to 9 miles.
June 14, 2020Trail is open now, however pretty torn up and muddy from dirt bike traffic. Recommend waiting a couple weeks for trail to dry out and avoid weekend hikes unless you like dirt bike noise and fumes. Views from top are pretty good though!
April 28, 2020Closed as of 4/28
April 25, 2020Unfortunately the guys on the dirt bikes kinda ruined it for me.
March 23, 2020Don’t get me wrong, Hood is all up in yer grill and Adams and Helens are off yonder sittin pretty but it’s always a bit disappointing and discouraging and all the dis’ when you realize you can drive to the top and/or there’s high voltage power lines overhead which are presumably crushin brain waves with every step.
March 21, 2020Hiked 3/21/20. Still a good bit of snow above 3400 feet, bring microspikes
March 17, 2020completed 3/16/2020 still some snow not deep didn't need snowshoes
December 31, 2019This is a great hike for when all the gorge hikes are muddy, or if you don’t want to share the trail with tons of people. There’s definitely snow starting about half way up, and we didn’t quite make it all the way, as I’m pretty sure the fresh snow at the top had some mountain lion tracks and I decided it was time to turn back.
December 29, 2019December 26, 2019November 17, 2019Beautiful trail, gorgeous views, absolutely worth to go!
November 11, 2019I don't know that I'd do this again. I felt it was a big let down for an hour and a half drive. You will ascend close to 2000’ in the first 3 miles or so. Eventually you'll leave National Forest land and about a mile later end up on Jeep trails along and around a powerline run. For me, hiking on unimproved roads I have to share with motor vehicles isn't hiking and it isn't beautiful. There are a few scenic spots by the time you hike down to the powerline.
October 30, 2019Hiked this yesterday when it was cool and clear with excellent views of the valley and mountains. We didn't see anyone else on the trail for the entire 8+ miles. Lots of switchbacks, but the climbs weren't hard. It has that "high and dry" feeling. Good footing, well maintained, and not muddy. Great option for those who want Hood views with more solitude. Also a great dog hike for those whose dogs may not do well with other dogs/people. Temperatures dropped when I hit the east side/Surveyor's Ridge, and I was glad to have gloves/extra layers in my bag!
October 14, 2019It was cloudy so unfortunately I couldn’t see any of the peaks but the falls colors in the forest were incredible. This hike definitely had more of a high desert feel than other hikes in the Portland area I have done. If you go all the way to the end of the tail, there is no clear ending so make sure you watch the map.
