The Oak Ridge Trailhead is conveniently located just down the road from the farm so we’ve hiked it a handful of times. Usually we venture about two miles up the switchbacks before turning around, never getting above the oak and fir trees. The trail eventually crosses over Surveyor’s Ridge, a popular mountain biking trail before winding up Bald Butte. We can see the top from the farm. Round trip is around 10 miles.
Earlier this week I was leafing through the Curious Gorge Guidebook and stumbled on a page about Bald Butte. I discovered there’s an alternate trailhead off a forest service road that isn’t listed many places. Best part – the trailhead is less than a mile to the summit of Bald Butte.
It was the perfect spot for a sunset picnic. We spent the day at the Hood River Farmer’s Market gathering up fresh fruit, veggies and assorted cheeses.
The climb up the face is quite steep, but short (.7 miles) and definitely worth the reward at the top.
We spied Copper Apple down below and not another soul in sight.
