Cedar Butte

On a clear day, this hiking-only trail gives visitors breathtaking views of the the Pacific Ocean and miles and miles of green Tillamook State Forest. Because this is a remote location, you'll enjoy complete silence apart from the occasional ATV in the valley below.

Entering the trail you will hike through a harvested forest with plenty of regeneration, a clear sign of replanting efforts after logging operations. The buzz of horseflies, honey bees, and many other insects is the only thing that you will hear while hiking up this trail. The first half-mile of trail is relatively flat. Once you enter the single canopy forest, the trail begins a series of steep, short switchbacks. The trail surface transforms eventually from soft dirt to loose rock, so a sure foot and good traction is recommended. As you near the top there are numerous ridges to explore only a few feet off the trail. There is no evidence of other hikers making trails, so moving through the brush to get a clear view can be difficult in a few places, but it is worth the effort.

Upon arriving at the top you will find two small benches to relieve your legs, a wide summit that is perfect for a blanket picnic, and various wildflowers growing in the grasses along the top. Scouler's Harebell can be found in abundance in the spring. Listen for bears and other animals in the area; it's remote location and low congestion makes this a great habitat for big game and predators alike.