Difference between revisions of "Aldrich Butte Hike"
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=== Hike Description === | === Hike Description === | ||
Revision as of 00:03, 26 September 2007
- Start point: Aldrich Butte Trailhead
- End point: Aldrich Butte
- Trail log: Trail Log
- Hike Type: Out and Back
- Distance: 3.2 miles round trip
- Elevation gain: 1070 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Seasons: All Season
- Family Friendly: Yes
- Backpackable: No
- Crowded: No
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Contents |
Hike Description
This is a fairly short, easy hike to the top of Aldrich Butte on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge. It's a nice alternative for those wanting a great view without the effort and stamina required for neighboring Hamilton Mountain or Table Mountain. The view from the summit is beautiful, overlooking the Columbia River in the Bonneville Dam / Eagle Creek area. While not a classic 360 view, it is pretty nice, especially if you walk out onto the vertical meadow on the front (south) face.
There are various ways to get to the top of Aldrich Butte. This description covers the most obvious approach. The 'trail' is part power line access road and part 4x4 road. Don't let this deter you. Once you pass the power line area the road becomes narrow, well-wooded and trail-like.
Start at the Aldrich Butte Trailhead starting up a power line access road. The Butte is directly in front of you as you start to veer west. You may notice Private Property signs. While you do briefly cross private property, the signs are meant to discourage ATV riders and trucks from using the road. You'll quickly intersect the dirt road that follows the power lines east/west. Stay on the fork to your left. After about 0.2 mile, the road will switch back, heading back east and gradually gaining elevation. After 0.4 mile the road enters the forest just to the right/east of the butte.
The road conditions get pretty poor at this point for vehicles, which is just fine for hikers. You are in the forest now, gradually gaining elevation. You'll see a small seasonal creek on your right. Continue straight back another 1/2 mile and you'll reach Carpenter Lake Junction. Here you'll see the junctions of three trails, two right next to the lake/marsh and one around the next bend. You'll follow the main road as it turns 90 degrees to your left (west).
Continue on the road as it passes the third of the three junctions then turns immediately back to the south. The road is straight now until you almost reach the summit. The ascent is gradual - not too bad. It's about 0.6 mile from that junction to the summit. Watch for views of Hamilton Mountain on your right. Soon the trail will curve to your left and empty out at the summit.
The summit is a perfect picnic spot. A small clearing almost looks like someone brings a lawn mower up once a week! There are great views to the south of the Gorge and the bluffs on the Oregon side. Behind you to the north are nearby Cedar Mountain and Table Mountain.
There are some historical remains here from when the location was used as a fire lookout and a defensive position in WWII for the Bonneville Dam. If you look back down hill you'll see a light short trail heading upward a few more few. Here you'll see what appears to be on old gun mount in curiously good condition!
You'll return back the way you came.
There are a whole maze of trails in the area between Hamilton and Table Mountains. Some are old forest roads left from the 19th century, some are old railroad beds used for hauling timber. Still others are the work of local outdoorsmen struggling to introduce the little-known area to the general public. For a more advanced route that investigates this area more see the Aldrich Butte-Cedar Falls Loop Hike.
Trip Reports
- Search Trip Reports for Aldrich
Related Discussions / Q&A
- Search Trail Q&A for Aldrich
- "Cedar or Aldrich Falls? "
- "Table Mountain and Three Corner Rock - 6/10/06"
- "Cancelling Sunday hike to Aldrich Butte 11-10-2006"
- (Click here to ask a question or start a conversation)
Guidebooks that cover this hike
Fees, Regulations, etc.
No fees or passes required at this trailhead