Forrest road1395 from skull hollow camp area can get rough at times so if you have a low clearance vehicle, it might not be the best option. I have AWD and some clearance with some beefy tires. Deep rivets in the road from people mudding up there I would guess, along with deep potholes and rocky areas. Not sure what the other roads look like.
We hiked from the TH to the lookout on the west side of Gray Butte and completed with a small loop on the west side via Gray Butte trail, Cole loop and roads.
Also did some scouting to see if we could get to Witches Nose via this route, seems possible, comment if you've done witches nose and have suggestions please.
We checked out an old (rocky area) lookout/camp area to the direct east of the Gray Butte TH, cool spot, would be great for a sunrise.
Walked around the Julius and Sarah McCoin Orchard as well, which is right across the street from the Gray Butte TH. The inside is fenced off, probably so people won't vandalise. There is also a gravestone in the area; two brothers together forever (wonder what the story on that is?).
Many trails and roads to explore in the area.
Also be aware people like to come out here to shoot.
Be aware that this area has a lot of cow grazing, so make sure you close any gates you go through and watch for horse/ cow poo. We came across a mamma and baby cow and boy was she giving us the stink eye. They were on the side of the road we were hiking with no barrier between us and them.
This area I think would be great for small children; watch out for Rattlers, possibly ticks, cows and depending on which trails you take, there may be some steep/rock slippery areas you'll want to watch your child extra carefully.
This trail is not Handicap accessible and there is no handicap parking.
Horses, bikers, ATVs and vehicles also access this area.
Hiked 6.60 miles with 657ft elevation gain.
Yes I'm aware I misspelled on the attachments, my apologies.
- Gravesite of two brothers near Grey Butte TH across road from Orchard.
- Julius and Sarah McCoin Orchard, across the road from Grey Butte TH
- Caterpillar seen on side of Grey Butte Trail.
- Grey Butte TH parking area.
- Yellow roses near the orchard.
- Beautiful tree near orchard.
- Beautiful trees near orchard.
- Mama and baby cow, no barriers.
- West side lookout area on Grey Butte trail.
- Grey Butte view via the west side.
- Rocky lookout/camp spot to the direct east of Grey Butte TH.
- One of the several gates on the trails. This was on the road walk part.
- Beautiful flowers in bloom right now on Grey Butte trail.
- Memorial plaque at the west side lookout area on Grey Butte trail.
- Witches nose.
