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Difference between revisions of "Tanner Butte Hike"

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[[Category:Backpackable Hikes]]
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{{Closed Trail}}
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[[Category:Northwest Oregon]]
 
[[Category:Columbia River Gorge]]
 
[[Category:Columbia River Gorge]]
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[[Category:Mt Hood National Forest]]
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[[Category:Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness]]
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[[Category:Backpackable Hikes]]
 
[[Category:Difficult Hikes]]
 
[[Category:Difficult Hikes]]
 
[[Category:Lake Hikes]]
 
[[Category:Lake Hikes]]
[[Category:Northwest Oregon]]
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[[Category:Wilderness Hikes]]
 
[[Category:Off The Beaten Track]]
 
[[Category:Off The Beaten Track]]
 
[[Category:Scrambles]]
 
[[Category:Scrambles]]
 
[[Category:Viewpoint Hikes]]
 
[[Category:Viewpoint Hikes]]
 
[[Category:Wildflower Hikes]]
 
[[Category:Wildflower Hikes]]
[[Image:TannerButte.jpg|thumb|400px|View from the summit of Tanner Butte ''Don Nelsen'']]
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[[Category:Hikes]]
[[Image:tannerhood.JPG|thumb|250px|Tanner Butte and Mount Hood through the clouds, about a mile short on the Tanner Butte Trail]]
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[[Image:DublinLake02.jpg|thumb|250px|Dublin Lake ''Jonathan Ley'']]
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[[Image:TB_summit.jpg|thumb|450px|Looking north from the summit of Tanner Butte.]]
[[Image:tannerbelow.JPG|thumb|250px|The beargrass along the trail to Tanner Butte reminds you of trails near Mount Hood]]
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[[Image:Beargrass_alley.jpg|thumb|320px|The famous "Beargrass Alley" section of the trail. Tanner Butte is straight ahead.]]
[[Image:TannerButteMap.jpg|thumb|320px|Area map]]
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[[Image:TannerButte.jpg|thumb|320px|The view east from the summit. ''(Don Nelsen)'']]
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[[Image:TB topo.jpg|thumb|320px|Trail map for the hike, starting at Eagle Creek.]]
  
 
{{Start point|Tooth Rock Trailhead}}
 
{{Start point|Tooth Rock Trailhead}}
 
* End point: [[Tanner Butte]]
 
* End point: [[Tanner Butte]]
* Trail Log: [[Tanner Butte Hike/Log|Trail Log]]
 
 
* Hike Type: Out-and-back
 
* Hike Type: Out-and-back
{{Distance|18 miles}} round trip
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{{Distance|19.0 miles}} round trip
{{Elevation gain|4450 feet}}
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{{Elevation gain|4800 feet}}
{{Difficulty|Very Difficult}}
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{{Difficulty|Difficult}}
 
* Seasons: April-November
 
* Seasons: April-November
 
* Family Friendly: No
 
* Family Friendly: No
 
* Backpackable: Yes
 
* Backpackable: Yes
 
* Crowded: No
 
* Crowded: No
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=== Trailhead options ===
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{{ToothRockCommon}}
  
 
=== Hike Description ===
 
=== Hike Description ===
There's no short way to get to Tanner Butte.  This hike is 18 miles, 4500 feet. Let me make that clear... 18 miles. 4500 feet.  
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<b><font color=red>NOTICE: This trail is closed until further notice because of damage from the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire. Please check the list of [https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd574101.pdf  Columbia Gorge trail closures] before you plan for a hike.</font color></b>
  
This hike starts in the [[Tooth Rock Trailhead]]. Start by walking back up the access road to closed Tanner Creek Road #777. Walk uphill for about two miles to the [[Tanner Road-Tanner Butte Trail Junction|old Tanner Butte Trail #401 Trailhead]].
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Tanner Butte is an old lookout site that offers one of the best 360° views in the Gorge. On clear days, you can see [[Mount Saint Helens|Mt. St. Helens]], [[Mount Rainier|Mt. Rainier]], and [[Mount Adams|Mt. Adams]] to the north, and [[Mount Hood|Mt. Hood]] and [[Mount Jefferson|Mt. Jefferson]] to the south.  
  
Take Trail 401 up the hill. The trail passes four unnamed waterfalls as it climbs. There aren't a lot of views as payback for your effort, but you'll cross a power line twice, offering a a bit of open air. Above the power line look for orchids blooming in June, mostly varieties of coralroot. 2.2 miles from road #777, you'll come to a junction with the unmaintained [[Tanner Butte-Wauna Point Trail Junction|Wauna Point Trail #401D]]. There's a campsite here, as well.
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{{Tannercommon}}
  
Continuing on, the climb moderates somewhat, but it continues up into rhododendron territory. You'll cross the wilderness boundary and 2 miles farther you'll come to a junction with [[Tanner Butte-Tanner Cutoff Trail Junction|Tanner Cutoff Trail #448]]. This trail leads steeply west down the mountain to the Tanner Creek Trail. In another 0.1 mile is a junction with [[Tanner Butte-Dublin Lake Trail Junction|Dublin Lake Trail #401B]] that leads steeply downhill the other way to [[Dublin Lake]]. Dublin Lake provides the best overnight spot for backpackers and one of the few sources of drinking water. In another half mile, the trail picks up an old road and follows it the rest of the way to Tanner Butte. Continuing south the views open up into meadows of bear grass and huckleberries.  There's a spot at about mile 7 where you get a good view of Tanner Butte and Mount Hood.
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Turn left onto the #401 trail and climb uphill, crossing two creeks and a powerline road. After 2.2 miles, you'll reach a level spot with a campsite and the unsigned junction with the [[Tanner Butte-Wauna Point Trail Junction|Wauna Point cutoff trail #401D]].
  
At trail mile 7.8 (from road #777), there's a side path that heads up to the top of Tanner Butte. Look for a sign saying "Please find scramble route to the summit". Once known as Tanner View Trail #401C, the trail is rocky and steep and it receives no maintenance. At the top the views are incredible, including Mts.. Hood, St Helens, Adams and Rainier, Chinidere Mountain, Mt Defiance, Larch Mountain, Silver Star, you name it. Take some time and soak it in.
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The trail continues gradually uphill through the forest. After 2 miles, you'll reach the junction with [[Tanner Butte-Tanner Cutoff Trail Junction|Tanner Cutoff Trail #448]], which leads steeply west down to the Tanner Creek Trail. After another 0.1 mile you'll reach the junction with the [[Tanner Butte-Dublin Lake Trail Junction|Dublin Lake Trail #401B]], which leads downhill to the east to [[Dublin Lake]], a popular camping spot and a good water source if you're in need. Continuing onward, the #401 trail continues to climb gently through the forest and eventually turns into an old roadbed along the top of the ridge. For the next mile, the trail is thickly lined with beargrass, leading to the nickname "Beargrass Alley." After popping out into an open meadowy area, you will see Tanner Butte rising up ahead of you.
  
On the return trip, you can return the way you came, or for a little variety, drop down Tanner Cutoff Trail to Tanner Creek Trail, turn right and pick up Road #777 at its end. The side trip adds 1.6 miles to your already lengthy total.
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After the meadow, the trail reenters the forest and wraps around the side of the Butte. Around 7.8 miles since you left Road 777, you will see the faint, unsigned Tanner Spur trail leading up the hill to your left. The climb to the top is steep but short, and after crossing the flat, broad top of Tanner Butte, you will reach a flat rocky outcropping - the site of the old lookout. Panoramic views abound in all directions.
  
{{ToothRockCommon}}
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Once back down on the Tanner Butte Trail #401, you can continue south for .5 mile to the junction with the [[Tanner Springs|Tanner Springs trail]]. Turn right and follow the faint use trail down to a seasonal water source, as well as a campsite. If you continue south past the Tanner Springs junction, after another .1 mile you will reach the [[Tanner Butte-Eagle Tanner Trail Junction|Eagle-Tanner trail junction]] on your left. This is the end of the Tanner Butte trail #401, as the area further south lies beyond the boundary of the Bull Run Watershed, and entry is prohibited.
  
 
=== Fees, Regulations, etc. ===
 
=== Fees, Regulations, etc. ===
 
* Northwest Forest Pass required at trailhead
 
* Northwest Forest Pass required at trailhead
  
{{TripReports|{{PAGENAME}}}}
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{{TripReports|Tanner Butte}}
* [http://portlandhikers.com/forums/thread/480.aspx Tanner Butte, 6/8/06]
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* [http://portlandhikers.com/forums/thread/8275.aspx Tanner Butte 10/17/06]
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* [http://portlandhikers.com/forums/thread/480.aspx  Tanner Butte via Ruckel Creek - 8/17/06 (the monster loop)]
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* [http://portlandhikers.com/forums/thread/467.aspx Tanner Butte Trail #401 (The Gorge)]
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(Click [http://portlandhikers.com/forums/AddPost.aspx?ForumID=8 here] to add your own)
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{{RelatedDiscussions|{{PAGENAME}}}}
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{{RelatedDiscussions|Tanner Butte}}
* (Click [http://portlandhikers.com/forums/AddPost.aspx?ForumID=141 here] to ask a question or start a conversation)
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=== Guidebooks that cover this hike ===
 
=== Guidebooks that cover this hike ===
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* [http://www.nwhiker.com/CGNSAHike26.html Hike #26 - Tanner Butte on NWHiker.com]
 
* [http://www.nwhiker.com/CGNSAHike26.html Hike #26 - Tanner Butte on NWHiker.com]
  
=== Contributors ===
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=== Revised ===
* [[User:Stevefromdodge|Stevefromdodge]] (creator)
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February 2015
* [[User:retiredjerry]]
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Latest revision as of 23:13, 30 May 2021

This page is marked as a Closed Hike. Some or all of this hike has been closed by a governing body and hikers may be liable for fines or even arrest. At least part of this route may be dangerous and hard to follow, or it may cross areas with sensitive plant life or wildlife habitat. Trailkeepers of Oregon does not endorse or recommend hiking this route. When restrictions are lifted, this notice will be removed.
Looking north from the summit of Tanner Butte.
The famous "Beargrass Alley" section of the trail. Tanner Butte is straight ahead.
The view east from the summit. (Don Nelsen)
Trail map for the hike, starting at Eagle Creek.
  • Start point: Tooth Rock TrailheadRoad.JPG
  • End point: Tanner Butte
  • Hike Type: Out-and-back
  • Distance: 19.0 miles round trip
  • Elevation gain: 4800 feet
  • Difficulty: Difficult
  • Seasons: April-November
  • Family Friendly: No
  • Backpackable: Yes
  • Crowded: No

Contents

Trailhead options

The Tooth Rock Trailhead creates the easiest and shortest version of this hike, but overnight parking is not allowed. Also, Tooth Rock Trailhead has a higher incidence of car prowling than other nearby trailheads. You can access this hike from the Wahclella Falls Trailhead by hiking about 1.5 mile of Trail 400 from there to Mile 1.1 on Road 777. From the Eagle Creek Trailhead, you can hike west on Trail 400 for about 1.2 miles to Mile 0.7 on Road 777. From the first Eagle Creek parking lot, you can walk along the road going west along the highway to the Eagle Creek Staircase. At the top, to your left, is a hidden junction with the old Portage Road. Hike up the Portage Road to its crest, where you'll find a short use path heading up the hill. This leads about 100 yards to Road 777 at mile 0.7.

These alternatives are explored (with maps) in the Many Ways to the Tanner Butte Trailhead.

Hike Description

NOTICE: This trail is closed until further notice because of damage from the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire. Please check the list of Columbia Gorge trail closures before you plan for a hike.

Tanner Butte is an old lookout site that offers one of the best 360° views in the Gorge. On clear days, you can see Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Rainier, and Mt. Adams to the north, and Mt. Hood and Mt. Jefferson to the south.

From the Tooth Rock Trailhead, start by walking east on the paved Historic Columbia River Highway Trail. After 2/10 of a mile, you'll come to a junction with a trail going up to the right marked by a sign that says "Tanner Butte Trail." Start up the hill for another 4/10 of a mile until the trail splits. Follow the trail to the right. At this junction is a sign marked "Trail 400/Wauna Pt/Tanner Butte Tr."

Head up this steep trail for roughly 100 feet to Tanner Creek Road. This is a 4-way junction. Look for a sign that says "Gorge Trail 400" with arrows pointing left and right. Follow the trail (which is as wide as a road and goes uphill) to the right. When this road splits, bear left (the road on the right will have two signs marking it trail #400 and 034). After that, you will cross several service roads. Continue straight on the road you're on (Road 777) until you reach the old Tanner Butte Trail #401 trailhead.

Turn left onto the #401 trail and climb uphill, crossing two creeks and a powerline road. After 2.2 miles, you'll reach a level spot with a campsite and the unsigned junction with the Wauna Point cutoff trail #401D.

The trail continues gradually uphill through the forest. After 2 miles, you'll reach the junction with Tanner Cutoff Trail #448, which leads steeply west down to the Tanner Creek Trail. After another 0.1 mile you'll reach the junction with the Dublin Lake Trail #401B, which leads downhill to the east to Dublin Lake, a popular camping spot and a good water source if you're in need. Continuing onward, the #401 trail continues to climb gently through the forest and eventually turns into an old roadbed along the top of the ridge. For the next mile, the trail is thickly lined with beargrass, leading to the nickname "Beargrass Alley." After popping out into an open meadowy area, you will see Tanner Butte rising up ahead of you.

After the meadow, the trail reenters the forest and wraps around the side of the Butte. Around 7.8 miles since you left Road 777, you will see the faint, unsigned Tanner Spur trail leading up the hill to your left. The climb to the top is steep but short, and after crossing the flat, broad top of Tanner Butte, you will reach a flat rocky outcropping - the site of the old lookout. Panoramic views abound in all directions.

Once back down on the Tanner Butte Trail #401, you can continue south for .5 mile to the junction with the Tanner Springs trail. Turn right and follow the faint use trail down to a seasonal water source, as well as a campsite. If you continue south past the Tanner Springs junction, after another .1 mile you will reach the Eagle-Tanner trail junction on your left. This is the end of the Tanner Butte trail #401, as the area further south lies beyond the boundary of the Bull Run Watershed, and entry is prohibited.

Fees, Regulations, etc.

  • Northwest Forest Pass required at trailhead

Trip Reports

Related Discussions / Q&A

Guidebooks that cover this hike

  • Afoot and Afield Portland/Vancouver, by Douglas Lorain
  • 35 Hiking Trails, Columbia River Gorge, by Don & Roberta Lowe
  • Columbia River Gorge, 42 Scenic Hikes, by Don & Roberta Lowe
  • Hiking the Columbia River Gorge - 1st and 2nd Editions, by Russ Schneider
  • 100 Hikes in Northwest Oregon - 3rd Edition, by William L Sullivan

More Links

Revised

February 2015

Oregon Hikers Field Guide is built as a collaborative effort by its user community. While we make every effort to fact-check, information found here should be considered anecdotal. You should cross-check against other references before planning a hike. Trail routing and conditions are subject to change. Please contact us if you notice errors on this page.

Hiking is a potentially risky activity, and the entire risk for users of this field guide is assumed by the user, and in no event shall Trailkeepers of Oregon be liable for any injury or damages suffered as a result of relying on content in this field guide. All content posted on the field guide becomes the property of Trailkeepers of Oregon, and may not be used without permission.