Key Stats for the Olallie Butte Trail - 720
About
The status of the Olallie Butte trail is rather unclear. The trail is mostly in good shape and many people hike it, although about two thirds of the trail is on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation. If you decide to hike this trail, please remember that Tribal Policy governs the trail’s use on Reservation lands.
If you decide to hike this trail, the trailhead is relatively easy to find. It is at the southern edge of the powerline clearing, about 2.4 miles north of Olallie Lake. There is a road that takes off from the 4220 road up the powerlines. The trail takes off of that powerline road a short distance from the 4220 road and soon crosses the Pacific Crest Trail. There is some erosion on the lower sections which makes for some rough footing. The middle section is very nice as you climb the flank of the butte through some larger timber. As the trail approaches the summit it becomes more exposed and rocky with views to the west. The trail is quite a workout – it gains approximately 2500 feet of elevation over its 3.5 miles. The summit, at 7,215′, is the highest point between Mounts Hood and Jefferson which makes for impressive views in all directions, and there are the remains of an old lookout. There is much to explore when you reach the top, between the flora, geology, history and vistas.
Directions
Travel Hwy 224 thru Estacada to Ripplebrook. Continue thru Ripplebrook and immediately after crossing the river, continue straight on Forest Road 46. Travel approximately 21.5 miles on Road 46 to Forest Road 4690 – there may be a sign here indicating a turn to Olallie Lake. Turn left on Road 4690 and travel approximately 8 miles to Forest Road 4220. Turn right on Road 4220 and travel approximately 2.8 miles to the spot on the 4220 road just past where the powerlines cross the road. There is a spot to park here and this is where the trail takes off. There is no sign.
Olallie is from the Chinook jargon and means “berries” in general, or “salmon berries”. Gibbs gives it as a derivation of the Chinook word klalelli, meaning “berries”. It use along the Cascade Range generally meant huckleberries.1
1Oregon Geographic Names, McArthur, Lewis.
Map and Elevation Profile
Just hiked this trail on 8/21/2017. Recent maintenance has been done clearing downed trees across the trail. There are a couple of big ones that have detours around them.