30. Barlow Butte

 2024 Status

The hike description below is based on my last visit in 2003. I plan to field check in 2024, and will update the hike description, photos and map later in 2024.

Summary

Length                               2 miles one way

Difficulty                            Moderate

Season                              Summer

Elevation range                4,160 – 5,060 feet

Human imprint                  Minimal

Information                       Mount Hood National Forest (Hood River Ranger District)

Primary old growth features

Beautiful old-growth noble fir.

Description

Short but steep, this hike traverses some of the finest old-growth noble fir left near Mt Hood. From the Barlow Pass trailhead, proceed downhill to the east on the Barlow Butte Trail (670), initially on the Old Barlow Road (FR 3530) before splitting off to the left. Continue on the Barlow Butte Trail all the way to Barlow Butte where a short spur trail leads to the summit. The signature peaks of the Oregon Cascades are visible from the top, although growing trees obscure portions of the view. Note that the trail along Barlow Ridge to the east of Barlow Butte is no longer maintained.

The blue-hued crowns and long, massive trunks of old noble firs are featured along the second mile of the hike, a notably steep portion of trail. Noble fir feels particularly ethereal when mist and fog drifts through the canopy, as on a common Cascades kind of day. Old Douglas-fir, western hemlock, and Pacific silver fir accompany the regal noble fir.

30 Years of Change

The Mt. Hood Wilderness has been expanded (2009) to include the last mile or so of this hike. The forest appears very little changed.

How to get there

Turn right onto FR 3531 from Highway 35 approximately 2 ½ miles east of the Highway 26/Highway 35 junction. Barlow Pass trailhead parking is on the right a quarter mile down FR 3531.

Map note

The map below was created in 1993 and accurate at that time. I plan to field check and update the map in 2024.