Scar Mountain and Trappers Butte
Scar Mountain and Trappers Butte are both peaks in the Old Cascades, the range of older and smaller volcanic peaks to the west of the High Cascades. While not as popular as the dramatic, glacier covered slopes of the Cascades, the Old Cascades due have their selling points. Being lower in elevation, they melt out sooner than their higher cousins, allowing those legs of yours that are itching to get some mountain time it much earlier in the year. They are also home to some amazing wildflower meadows and fantastic fall foliage. And, with the exception of the few more famous peaks like Iron and Coffin Mountains, they are much less popular, so finding some solitude is much easier.
The hike to Trappers Butte and Scar Mountain begins from the North Pyramid Trailhead, located off of Forest Road 2266 off of Highway 22. The actual trail is labeled with a small sign for Scar Mountain Trail and is located on the other side of the 2266 road from the parking area.
The hike begins by pretty much immediately climbing through the thick, westside forest. You will climb about 800 feet in the first high and a half until you reach a saddle between Trappers Butte and a small, unnamed peak to the south. The trail will flatten out somewhat at this as it begins to traverse the south ridgeline of Trappers Butte. The forest will start to thin out some here so you will start noticing some views towards Mt Jefferson to the east and Mt Washington and the Three Sisters to the south.
At around 2.5 miles, the trail begins to climb steeply again as you work your way up Trappers Butte. The views get better and better as you climb and if you are braving the mosquitos in the early season, you may catch some blooming rhododendrons. At 3 miles, you will reach the summit of Trappers Butte. The summit is wooded, so the views here aren’t really that much greater than on the hike up, but it’s the sense of accomplishment that matters, right? If this is your end game, turn around and hike back here. If you are continuing on the Scar Mountain, just keep following the trail as it heads down the north side of Trappers Butte.
As you work your way down Trappers Butte, Scar Mountain beckoning you in the distance, just remember that this 500 feet you are descending in the next ¾ of a mile, you will get to climb back up on the way back. It kind of sucks. But soon you will be crossing an old road and climbing again, as you make your way up another ridgeline to the southeast of Scar Mountain. This climb is relativity short and not too steep.
Once up this ridge, you will, you will have another short descent as you work your way down to the shoulder of Scar Mountain. Then, you trail will begin to climb pretty decently as you work your way up the ridgeline and then around to the north side of the mountain. The trail doesn’t lead to the exact summit on this one, so watch for a user trail on your left that will take you up to the summit.
The summit of Scar Mountain is much more dramatic than Trappers Butte. The entire south face of the mountain falls away in a series of cliffs in front of you, and there are some really cool rock formations and pinnacles along the summit. The views of the surrounding mountains are breathtaking as well. Just watch your step, as the area isn’t developed and it is a long way down. Then, once you are done, just follow the trail back the way you came. And remember, because of all those ups and downs between Scar Mountain and Trappers Butte, you still have almost 1,000 feet of climbing left on the way back. Enjoy!
Directions
To reach the North Pyramid Trailhead and the Scar Mountain Trail, you will want to head west on Parrish Lake Road, found 23 miles south of Detroit or 8 miles north of Santiam Junction on Highway 22. Parrish Lake road is paved for the first 3 miles, so stay on that until it turns into a gravel road at junction with NF-2047. Just stay to the right there and continue for another 1.3 miles. Then, you will reach an intersection with a road heading down to the trailhead on your left. The actual Scar Mountain trail is on the right side of the road, just before this intersection.
Things to Know
Passes:No passes are required for this hike.
Dogs: Allowed and must be on leash or under voice command at all times.
Usage: Light.
Bugs: Mosquitos will likely be present until mid to late July.
Flowers:While not as flower covered as other Old Cascade Hikes, there will definatly be some popping up along the trail and in some of the rocky opennings. The rhododendrons tend to bloom in late Juen to early July.
Open Season: Depends on the snow year, but is typically accessbile between June and December.
