Mount Misery, Oregon Butte & Panjab Trail — Saturday, Jun. 21, 2025

Panjab Loop 19 Mile overnight hike

Just finished this loop going counter-clockwise and had a memorable (and slightly rugged) adventure. Overall, I loved the changing landscapes, endless wildflowers, and frequent water sources—but fair warning, this trail is seriously overgrown in parts and definitely not for the faint of heart.

Trail Notes:

Ascent: The uphill portion (miles 1–5 or so) is absolutely choked with overgrowth and dozens of downed trees. There’s a tricky spot around mile 3 where the trail hops from the right to the left side of the stream—easy to miss. Look for a downed log with a notch-step; if you find yourself climbing over more downed trees than seems reasonable, you've missed the crossing.

Oregon Butte Spur: From the TeePee trailhead to Oregon Butte and through the large meadow, the trail is in decent shape with minimal overgrowth. It’s a welcome relief and a beautiful stretch.

Campsites:
There are at least two sites along the spur to Oregon Butte:

One at the designated backcountry site (in good shape)

One near Emergency Spring (overgrown but usable in a pinch)

A third site about 0.25 miles past the spring on the right side of the trail offers a killer overlook.

A few other “could work in a pinch” sites exist before the big meadow.

No viable campsites on the ascent or descent portions of the loop.

Highlights:
Spectacular views from Oregon Butte

Diverse terrain with forest, open meadows, and ridgelines

Wildflowers everywhere

Plenty of water (every source marked on the map was flowing)

Wildlife: deer, rodents galore, bear scat, and elk tracks

The Oregon Butte fire lookout hut is worth the short detour

Downsides:
Expect lots of bushwhacking on the ascent and descent sections

Very muddy patches (especially on uphill and downhill)

No signage, so bring a reliable map and know how to use it

Trail is in need of serious maintenance; we brought a small saw and cleared what we could

Final Thoughts:
If you enjoy solitude, don’t mind some tough sections and bushwhacking, and are looking for a scenic and water-rich backcountry loop, this trail is still a gem. Just come prepared for an unmaintained and wild experience.