Powell Butte Summit Loop Hike
From Portland Hikers Field Guide
- Start point: Powell Butte Main Trailhead
- End point:Powell Butte Main Trailhead
- Trail Log: Trail Log
- Hike Type: Loop
- Distance: 2.0 miles
- Elevation gain: 220 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Seasons: Year round
- Family Friendly: Yes
- Backpackable: No
- Crowded: Yes
Contents |
Hike Description
Start at the Powell Butte Main Trailhead. The view from the parking lot includes Mount Saint Helens, Mount Adams and a stunning view of Mount Hood. This hike starts on an unmarked trail heading west from the far west end of the lot. This is the Goldfinch Trail. After a short distance, the trail picks up a service road and follows it for about 1/10 of a mile to a trail junction. The trail that crosses here is really an old road and the trail is aptly named the Old Holgate Trail. Continue straight ahead on the Goldfinch Trail, which is now an old dirt road.
This area is a series of open fields that are former cattle pastures. These grassy areas are often patrolled by birds of prey looking for field mice or garter snakes. You'll also notice old cement channels that carry rainwater away. After a bit, you'll come to a series of trail junctions. Go straight ahead at each one. You'll pass the Meadowland Trail, the Elderberry Trail, and the Mount Hood Trail before coming to a junction with the Orchard Loop Trail. Head straight south on the Orchard Loop trail and pass junctions with Wild Hawthorn and Pioneer Orchard Trails. Continue on the Orchard Loop Trail all the way around to the Powell Butte Summit Orchard. This orchard was planted by early homesteaders in the area. There are picnic tables and a unique "mountain finder" with a series of plaques pointing out the various mountain peaks visible from the summit.
After taking in the views, continue west on the Orchard Loop to the paved Mountain View Trail. Head down the Mountain View Trail back to your car.
Maps
- Maps: Hike Finder
Regulations or restrictions, etc
- None
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Guidebooks that cover this hike
More Links
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Contributors
- Stevefromdodge (creator)