Butte Climb

Dogs Leashed

Features Views · Wildlife

During the summer, a Discover Pass or day use fee is required to park. During winter, a Discover Pass is required along with either a day or annual Sno-Park permit.

Restrooms are open year-round and handicap accessible.

This is a short, steep trail which climbs up the the top of Puffer Butte. The path is very wide and mostly clear, with no loose rocks or anything to climb over. This trail starts at an intersection with Ponderosa Trail and quickly begins climbing up. The 330 feet of ascending happen in the first 0.5 miles, with the trail leveling out for the final stretch.

At the end, there are panoramic views where you can look down towards the Grand Ronde River. To the west is the Umatilla National Forest and to the east the beginning of Hell's Canyon. On a clear day, you can see the Wallowa Mountains. If you need to rest at the top, there is a warming hut with a fireplace inside and free firewood nearby. During the winter, when there is snow on the ground, this is a groomed cross country skiing route.

If you are interested in camping, there is a campground located at the park. There are many more trails located nearby in the Umatilla National Forest.

There are two cafes nearby: the Anatone Cafe 4.0 miles north, and Boggan's Oasis 10.0 miles south on the Grand Ronde River.

There are four types of trees: Ponderosa Pine, Douglas Fir, Grand Fir, and Western Larch. Some of these are stands of old growth Ponderosa. You'll likely see white tail deer, and during the summer, black bears are seen almost weekly.