The trail to the top of Black Butte starts part way up the butte after a drive on a fairly well maintained dirt and gravel road followed by a poorly maintained dirt and rock road. Once you reach the trailhead (complete with stocked toilets), the two mile hike to the top of the butte can be accomplished fairly quickly. Hikers gain over 1500 feet in the two miles, but the Cascade views from Broken Top to Mt Adams can be spectacular on a clear day.
There is limited parking at the Black Butte Trailhead (forest pass required) so hikers are recommended to arrive early to get a spot and to avoid crowds. The hike is very popular with visitors to Black Butte Ranch and and Camp Sherman as well as local year-round residents.
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What really makes spring snow sports in Central Oregon so special are the extended seasons. It is no guarantee, but when the snow comes back again and again, it is like getting bonus time to savor the magical snow-covered landscapes. Central Oregon is a winter sports enthusiast paradise, especially in spring time when we can see more comfortable conditions, more light and less crowds. Here are a few of the most popular local snow excursions: