Gray Butte Trail (#852)

Current Conditions

This trail is not maintained during the winter months. Visitors should be prepared for snow-covered or icy conditions and exercise caution when traveling in the area.

This well-known trail provides excellent views of the Crooked River National Grassland and the Cascades, and also ties into trails that reach BLM land and Smith Rock State Park. This trail is primarily accessed at Gray Butte Trailhead, though it can also be accessed from the Cole Loop Trail (#854).

Click on Gray Butte Trail Map for more information.

The trail begins in juniper forest and slowly climbs up the side of Gray Butte, dotted with sagebrush, and wildflowers in the spring. The trail is popular with hikers, horseback riders and mountain bikers. The ascent can be steep in places with some portions of loose rock. The trail is best avoided after a heavy rain because the soils are comprised of clay and sand that form an especially gooey "gumbo" when wet.