kirk said
How about around Mt. Lowe somewhere?

You are getting closer, but you are too far east, and a little bit too far south.

Another clue - there was a small fire in this area not too long ago (less than 10 years).

Well, it has been a ghost town around here and no one appears interested in this trail, so I'll post the answer.  That metal container was found on the Thunder Mountain trail, very near the junction with the Skookum Lake trail.  It was along that ridge.  Interesting find.

If anyone feels compelled to post a photo, please do.

I hope everyone who wanted to get out and hike a trail did so this last weekend or Monday like I did, or even today. With the valley all fogged in, the mountains basted in the winter sunshine. On Monday, I was able to get away from the holiday rush and find peace and quite in the woods on a favorite abandoned trail up the Clackamas and enjoy the sunshine. The road up was clear to Big Bottom, but I'm sure icy spots and packed snow were up higher, but I didn't travel any further. This photo is from an abandoned trail in the district.

Don 

No guesses! Well this trail was used to reach a lookout in our district before a road replaced it.

Don

Might this aforementioned lookout be on a butte?