Oregon · Hiking

Clark Butte

4.2 mi
round trip
3,593 ft
climb
2,662 ft
high point
Out and back
route
May–Oct
best months

Is Clark Butte open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Willamette National Forest. It doesn't name Clark Butte, so check the source for the area it covers.

As of · Source: USFS · Willamette National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Clark Butte is a moderate out-and-back hike in the Middle Fork Ranger District of Oregon's Willamette National Forest, about 4 miles from the Clark Butte (Upper) Trailhead. The trail gains about 1,600 feet one way to a high point of 2,662 feet, and the whole round trip reaches about 3,600 feet. The steepest stretch comes at about mile 1, with a grade of nearly 38 percent. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Oakridge Fish Hatchery show July and August highs around 80°F with only two or three wet days a month. That station sits well below the trail, so expect cooler temperatures up high. The trail is on natural surface, and horses and bikes are allowed. The hike takes about three hours, and the trailhead is open year-round. Clark Creek Nature Trail and Clark Creek Organization Camp are both about 1.5 miles away. Jones is a hike at 1.7 miles, and Little Fall Creek offers canoeing about 4 miles off.

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · May–Oct

    Best time to visit Clark Butte

    Best months: May–October. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      44° / 31°

      16 wet · 1 snow

    2. Feb

      49° / 32°

      14 wet · 1 snow

    3. Mar

      54° / 34°

      16 wet · 1 snow

    4. Apr

      59° / 37°

      15 wet

    5. May

      66° / 43°

      11 wet

    6. Jun

      71° / 47°

      7 wet

    7. Jul

      80° / 51°

      3 wet

    8. Aug

      81° / 50°

      2 wet

    9. Sep

      76° / 45°

      5 wet

    10. Oct

      63° / 40°

      10 wet

    11. Nov

      49° / 35°

      15 wet

    12. Dec

      42° / 32°

      17 wet · 1 snow

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Oakridge Fish Hatchery, OR, 18.7 mi away at 1,275 ft. The station sits about 1,400 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

Route details

Distance
4.2 mi round trip
Climbing
About 3,593 ft
Starts at
Clark Butte (Upper) Trailhead (about 2,589 ft)
Summit
2,661 ft
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
About 1.5 hours

Season

Season: Year-round.

Questions about this route

How long is the Clark Butte on Clark Butte?

About 4.2 mi round trip from Clark Butte (Upper) Trailhead (about 2,589 ft).

How much elevation gain is on the Clark Butte?

About 3,593 ft of climbing round trip.

How hard is the Clark Butte?

It is rated moderate.

Where does the Clark Butte start?

Clark Butte (Upper) Trailhead (about 2,589 ft).

How long does the Clark Butte take?

About 1.5 hours round trip.

When is the best time for the Clark Butte?

Year-round.

Conditions and forecast on Clark Butte

Daily highs and lows, wind and the chance of precipitation at the summit and route start for the next 7 days, from the Open-Meteo model.