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A very scenic out-and-back hike up Black Butte with amazing views of Mt. Shasta.


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Map Key

5.2

Miles

8.3

KM

Out and Back

6,315' 1,925 m

High

4,525' 1,379 m

Low

1,789' 545 m

Up

1,789' 545 m

Down

13%

Avg Grade (7°)

27%

Max Grade (15°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Views

Overview

Black Butte is a 6,334-foot tall dacite lava dome at the foot of Mt. Shasta. This trail leads you up to the top offering spectacular views of Mt. Shasta, Shastina, the Eddy Range, and Shasta Valley.

Need to Know

To reach the trailhead, follow Forest Route 41N18 from Everitt Memorial Highway.

Description

The trail starts on the northeast side of the butte and ascends steadily towards the top. Most of the trail is very rough and rocky. The forest quickly opens up to views of Shasta Valley and the mountains in Southern Oregon.

At 1.3 miles, the trail makes a sharp left turn and ascends a very rocky slope. There is another sharp right turn at 2.0 miles. For the last stretch, the trail zigzags up to the top where you have a panoramic view of the entire area.

History & Background

There is a concrete foundation at the very top that was once a United States Forest Service fire lookout tower. It was originally built in the 1930s, but destroyed during the Columbus Day Storm of 1962. A new lookout was built in 1963 and operated until 1973. The building was moved by helicopter to a new location in 1975.

Contacts

Shared By:

Tilman Giese

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 5 votes

#3840

Overall
  4.0 from 5 votes
5 Star
40%
4 Star
40%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
20%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#530

in California

#3,840

Overall
7 Views Last Month
1,542 Since Sep 24, 2017
Difficult Difficult

0%
0%
0%
14%
86%
0%

Photos

Mount Shasta and Shastina
Sep 24, 2017 near Weed, CA
Mount Shasta and Shastina
Sep 24, 2017 near Weed, CA
Panoramic view of Shasta Valley
Sep 24, 2017 near Weed, CA
Mount Eddy
Sep 24, 2017 near Weed, CA
Panoramic view of Shasta Valley from the top of Black Butte.
Sep 24, 2017 near Weed, CA
It's a steep rock ascent, but stunning views are all around Black Butte!
Sep 24, 2017 near Mount S…, CA
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Nov 26, 2021
Arto K
Aug 14, 2019
JP T
Jun 3, 2019
Brittanie Froehlich
really great trail, boulder fields were a lot and hard to navigate. going earlier in the morning advised. 6mi
May 12, 2018
Robbie Peppin
Sep 23, 2017
Tilman Giese
5.3mi — 2h 41m
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