It was back to Central Oregon last weekend for a solo hike. Located 2.5 hours southeast of Portland on scenic Highway 22, Maxwell Butte Sno-Park is heavily used during winter for its ski and snowshoe trails. The Maxwell Butte trailhead lies half a mile past the parking lot on Forest Road 080. The 9.7-mile (2,600' gain) out-and-back trek is a lightly-trafficked, challenging trek with a big payoff.
The first section gently climbs through shaded old-growth forest, giving the opportunity to escape the crowds and connect with nature; I saw three small groups on a Saturday afternoon. At 2.4 miles, the small and marshy Twin Lakes are surrounded by wildlife. I recommend following the offline All Trails map to navigate through a few unclear junctions.
The trail gradually becomes steeper and more exposed, with a series of narrow switchbacks up the extinct volcano. Brightly colored pumice stones confirm that Maxwell Butte was once active. Spectacular views abound of Three Sisters and Mt. Washington. Trekking poles and bug spray advised.
The rocky summit (6,220') is a former fire lookout site that offers a unique view of the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness, including Mt. Jefferson and Three Fingered Jack. Below, the blue pools of the Eight Lakes Basin spread out in the wildfire scar caused by the 2003 B&B Complex Fire.
My new hydration vest allowed me to comfortably trail run back to the car--an unexpected transformation of my four-year passion for hiking. 12pm-3pm RT.
