Overview

Just north of Hwy 20 a few miles past Sisters is Black Butte, a nearly symmetrical cone-shaped mountain formed approximately a million years ago. Surrounded by the beautiful Ponderosa pines and Douglas firs of the Deschutes National Forest, this Central Oregon landmark is an extinct stratovolcano that lacks the glacial erosion typical of neighboring peaks. With a summit of 6,436 feet, it has been the home of several fire lookouts. Bursting with wildflowers early in the summer, Black Buttte is a popular hiking destination.

Location and Information

Black Butte, OR is located several miles northwest of Bend. About 5.5 miles past Sisters on Hwy 20 turn north on Green Ridge Road. Travel about 3.8 miles and then turn west on Forest Road 1110. A parking area is about 5 miles ahead.

• Contact Information: Deschutes National Forest, 1001 SW Emkay Drive, Bend, OR 97702 Phone: 541-383-5300

Activities

• Hiking – Avid hikers flock to this Central Oregon mountain during the summer months. A fairly challenging and steep 1.9 miles trail ascends to the summit. The elevation gain is 1,600 feet, but the panoramic view from the top is breathtaking with views of several peaks including the Three Sisters, Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Washington, and Three Fingered Jack. Early in the summer the wildflowers are beautiful, including the vivid reds of Indian paintbrush, the white blooms of serviceberry bushes, and the purple hues of larkspur.
• Mountain Biking – There is a scenic 14.3 mountain biking loop that circles Black Butte. Located off FR 1110, this loop includes both single and double track stretches. It climbs 800 feet and provides spectacular views.

Fun Facts

• Settlers from the mid-1800s gave it the name “Black Butte”, but native Indians called it Turututu.
• The trail to the summit of Black Butte is quite busy during July and August, with as many as 100 hikers climbing it daily.
• The most recent eruption of Black Butte is believed to be about 20,000 years ago.