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Climb Maxwell Butte For Unobstructed Cascade Views
Maxwell Butte is a Little Known Central Oregon Hike
While the higher Cascade Mountain hikes were still snow covered in mid July 2025, Maxwell Butte was snow free and offered spectacular mountain views. On July 12, only one other hiker was seen the entire day and while mosquitoes were a problem in the morning, they were gone once the sun rose. The hike from the trail head to the top of Maxwell Butte is a moderate, forested trek with 2453 feet of elevation gain over 5.10 miles one way; the last steep mile up the butte can be more challenging with switchbacks on pumice on parts of the path. However, the higher hikers get, the more the views of Mt. Washington, North and Middle Sister, The Husband and the Wife become visible until near the top, the full view of Tam McArthur Rim and Broken Top can also be seen. Hoodoo Ski Bowl and Hayrick Butte really stand out as well in the topography in a way that is not visible from lower elevations. Looking east, Three Fingered Jack dominates the skyline and north, fabulous views of Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Hood and the eight lakes basin are seen.
For those wanting a good, challenging 10+ mile hike that is rarely crowded and does not require anything other than a self-issued day pass at the trail head, Maxwell Butte may be a good option, especially when the passes for the most popular high Cascade hikes are not available.
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