Park Butte — Monday, Oct. 13, 2025

Road has big potholes and some rough exposed rock sections but passable. No snow/ice this morning. Car said the temp at the trailhead was 35-36.

We were the 4th car at 8:40 (might have been a van or two at camps sites). ran stocked toilets, and cleaning supplies inside so we can all help out. Ground through the meadow was hard and there was frost on the boardwalks. At the stream crossing, the first section (that never has a bridge), it was shallow but rocks were icy which made it a bit tricky. Second section where the bridge was out was actually easier because there were larger rocks where we crossed, more out of the water and not icy.

Started to see traces of snow as we began the switch backs and then it became mostly continuous (half inch or a bit more) by the last switchback approaching the junction with the Scott Paul trail. Some bits were slick but manageable. Had microspikes but didn't get them out (should have for the first part of the stream crossing). Up to railroad grade snow depth increased a bit, mix of ice and water on the trail.
After the junction to railroad grade and the nice section through the trees you descend to the wetland. There was a lot of standing water, running water and some ice. As you head up from there still a ton of berries - thanks to the folks who pointed them out on our way down. Iciest section was the rocky stair section in the shade before the tarns but manageable. Last section was all snow. Cold wind blowing at the lookout and we didn't stay long. Just long enough for my husband to spot a proposal a little ways below from the couple that had been the first to the lookout that day.

Saw lots more folks on the descent but still a lot of quiet. Unfortunately a party with several large dogs off leash. Not a comfortable feeling to be approached by unknown dogs with owners not in eye sight.

Things were melting, the section below the railroad grade junction was a bit of a stream. Much less slippery at the stream crossing as well

All in all a lovely day.