Park Butte — Tuesday, Sep. 24, 2024

Easy to see why this is one of the more popular trails in the state. Manageable stats for a day hike, with stunning views and tons of variety leading to a historic lookout. Babbling rivers, berries, wildlife, high alpine meadows and forests with huge views.

Trail starts out with a gentle meadow hike until you get to the river crossings, which is about the only real test of this trail. The first crossing has no bridges, but is easy enough to rock hop down a bit from the trail in the morning. In the evening, it was raging with no safe crossing short of just eating wet shoes, something we had prepared ourselves for on the way up. At least by today's conditions this crossing is not safe for children to cross in the evening; on this hot day the river was way higher than any video I've seen of it, and after spending 30 minutes going up and down the river bed just deciding to ford it. If you do this with kids, go early and on a cooler day.

Past this initial crossing, there is a second. There is still a bridge in place for this which makes this a breeze, I would not attempt in the evening without it. Past the second bridge crossing, the trail climbs gently through a forest, providing welcome shade. We encountered a treed bear near the end of the switchbacks who had apparently been there hours and was there for hours more by other reports.

Once you break out of the forest switchbacks, the trail has very little shade and is pretty exposed. You'll climb gradually up through another meadow with marmots loudly announcing your arrival before beginning a steeper climb up to the lookout. Views here are incredible, Mt. Baker towers above you and much of the southern Cascades are visible. The lookout is earned on a final approach, a welcome sight after the exposed climb. Soak in the views from here before heading down, carefully navigating the higher river crossings on your way down.