JHP_161111_ButteCreek_1029Upper Butte Creek Falls, Oregon

Just found a new hike close into the Willamette Valley that is peaceful, pretty and not too well known.  Butte Creek flows for 33 miles through the Santiam Forest between Scotts Mills and Mill City, Oregon.  In a very short span the creek takes multiple plunges over the rocks creating both Upper and Lower Butte Creek Falls.  This 0.9 mile loop trail is not difficult to find, has a good road and even comes with a pit toilet!

JHP_161111_ButteCreek_1003Sign Board for Butte Creek Falls Trail

I did this hike with my mom and my aunt on what was a very foggy day in the Willamette Valley.  Driving out of Mt. Angel the fog had mostly disappeared, revealing blue skies above.  To get to the trail take Crooked Finger Road 11.5 miles out of the small town of Scotts Mills and take a right on forest road 400 (There should be small signs that point the way). Follow this for almost 2 miles, going through the gate and into the canyon until you see the parking area on the left. 

JHP_161111_ButteCreek_1006Moss covered forest

The trail is a loop with a couple of spurs to view the falls.  I think it is half a dozen one to the other which way you decide to go and regardless of the choice you will find yourself walking through a mossy, fern covered forest filled with old trees.

JHP_161111_ButteCreek_1137Lower Butte Creek Falls, Oregon

We found this hike to be easy enough that I think families could do it as long as you pay close attention to the kiddo's at the lower falls viewpoint.  Following the trail up creek from the lower falls, take notice of how many falls and narrow chutes the creek goes though.  It also appears when looking at the foliage line that the creek often gets quite full and I would love to see the falls in the spring after a snowmelt and rain.

JHP_161111_ButteCreek_1095-2Upper Butte Creek Falls, Oregon

I think Upper Falls is the prettiest and it is defiantly the most accessible with a good trail that takes you right down to the punch bowl.   The falls flows over basalt cliff and a large recess cave is tucked behind it.  The cave is quite deep but has very low ceilings, however, you can still walk behind the falls and over to the other side, at least while we were there, and even stay pretty dry.

JHP_161111_ButteCreek_1020Upper Butte Creek Falls, Oregon

After visiting the upper falls go back to the main trail and finish the loop back to the car.   We noticed signs at the parking lot for Rhody Lake and Butte Creek Lakes: if you did not plan on visiting them do not get lured into the signs with an arrow that point down the road... They are a long ways away and no other signs exist despite multiple road choices.  Plan ahead to visit them - I am sorry I do not have directions yet!  If you are still feeling adventuresome you may try finding Abiqua Falls which is in the local area, however, it also is difficult to find and the trail can be treacherous, albeit, worth it!  Click here for directions 

Hope this post finds you all well and please feel free to leave a comment if you have visited this area; especially if you do AFTER reading this blog.  Also, remember to LIKE the page and share with friends and family :-)

Happy Hiking!