How to Hike the Twin Buttes

The Twin Buttes are two prominent, closely spaced volcanic peaks located in the high desert of southeastern Oregon, near the town of Burns. These ancient geological formations rise sharply from the surrounding sagebrush steppe, offering hikers one of the most rewarding and visually striking day hikes in the Pacific Northwest. Unlike many popular trails that are crowded and overdeveloped, the Twin Buttes provide a raw, unfiltered connection to the landwhere solitude, sweeping vistas, and ancient lava flows converge. Hiking the Twin Buttes is not merely a physical activity; its an immersive experience into the regions volcanic history, ecological resilience, and cultural heritage.

This guide is designed for hikers of intermediate experience who seek a challenging yet accessible trail with minimal infrastructure and maximum reward. Whether youre a local resident looking to explore nearby wilderness or a traveler seeking off-the-beaten-path destinations, understanding how to properly prepare for, navigate, and respect the Twin Buttes is essential. This tutorial will walk you through every critical aspect of the hikefrom route selection and gear requirements to environmental ethics and safety protocolsensuring you return not only safely but enriched by the experience.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Research and Plan Your Route

Before setting foot on the trail, thorough research is non-negotiable. The Twin Buttes are not marked with official signage or maintained trails. There are no ranger stations, no trail maps sold at visitor centers, and no GPS waypoints officially published by federal agencies. This lack of infrastructure is part of their charmbut also their danger. The most common and safest approach is via the North Butte Trailhead, located approximately 12 miles northeast of Burns along Highway 205.

To locate the trailhead, use a GPS-enabled mapping app like Gaia GPS or AllTrails (with offline maps downloaded). Search for North Butte Trailhead, OR or manually enter the coordinates: 43.5427 N, 118.3552 W. From the highway, turn onto a graded dirt road marked by a faded wooden sign that reads Twin Buttes. This road is passable by standard passenger vehicles in dry conditions, but high clearance is recommended. Park at the wide pullout near the base of North Butte, avoiding any private property markers.

There are two primary routes to summit each butte: the direct ascent from the parking area and a longer loop that connects both peaks. For first-time hikers, the direct route up North Butte is recommended. Its approximately 1.8 miles round-trip with an elevation gain of 650 feet. The South Butte route is more technical, with steeper scree slopes and loose volcanic rockbest attempted after acclimating to North Butte.

2. Prepare Your Gear

Unlike urban trails, the Twin Buttes offer no water sources, no shade, and no cell service. Your gear must be self-sufficient. Heres a non-negotiable checklist:

• Water: Minimum of 3 liters per person. Even in cooler months, dehydration occurs rapidly due to wind and altitude.
• Navigation: Offline GPS map (Gaia GPS or AllTrails Premium), physical topographic map (USGS Burns Quadrangle), and compass. Do not rely on phone battery alone.
• Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support. The terrain is sharp volcanic rocksandals or trail runners will lead to injury.
• Clothing: Layered system: moisture-wicking base, insulating mid-layer, windproof outer shell. Temperatures can swing 30F in a single hour.
• Protection: Sunscreen (SPF 50+), wide-brimmed hat, UV-blocking sunglasses. The high desert sun reflects off the rock and sky with brutal intensity.
• Emergency Kit: First aid supplies, whistle, emergency blanket, fire starter, headlamp with extra batteries.
• Food: High-energy snacksnuts, jerky, energy bars. Avoid sugary items that cause energy crashes.

Do not carry unnecessary weight. A 2030 liter backpack is sufficient. Leave luxury items like cameras or extra clothing unless youre prepared to carry them back if conditions change.

3. Begin the Ascent

Start your hike earlyideally by 7:00 a.m. to avoid afternoon winds and heat. The initial 0.3 miles are the most deceptive: a gentle slope of sagebrush and basalt fragments that lulls you into false confidence. After this, the terrain steepens sharply. The trail becomes a series of switchbacks carved by decades of hiker traffic, though no formal tread exists. Look for faint boot paths and cairns (rock piles) to guide your way.

As you ascend, pay attention to the rock composition. The Twin Buttes are composed of basaltic lava flows from the McDermitt volcanic field, dating back 1215 million years. Youll notice dark, glassy obsidian fragments, vesicular rock with air pockets, and layers of ash deposits. This is not just sceneryits geology in motion. Take time to observe the striations and erosion patterns; they tell the story of wind, ice, and time.

At approximately 0.8 miles, youll reach the first major ridge. This is a critical decision point. If youre feeling fatigued or the wind is gusting over 25 mph, turn back. The final 0.5 miles to the summit are exposed and require careful foot placement. Use your hands for balance. Do not rush. The summit is not a raceits a destination.

4. Reach the Summit

The top of North Butte is a broad, flat plateau with panoramic views extending over 50 miles in every direction. To the east, the Owyhee Mountains rise in jagged silhouettes. To the west, the Harney Basin stretches like a golden sea of sagebrush. On clear days, you can see the snow-capped peaks of the Blue Mountains in the distance.

Take time to sit, breathe, and absorb the silence. This is one of the few places in the lower 48 where you can experience true quietno airplanes, no vehicles, no human noise. Record your observations in a journal or simply photograph the horizon. Avoid stepping on fragile cryptobiotic soilthose dark, crusty patches are living microbial communities that take decades to form and are easily destroyed by foot traffic.

After 2030 minutes, begin your descent. Do not take shortcuts. The descent is more dangerous than the ascentloose rocks, fatigue, and sun glare increase the risk of slips. Use trekking poles if you have them. Return the way you came.

5. Optional: Hike to South Butte

Once youve completed North Butte and feel strong, consider continuing to South Butte. The connecting ridge is approximately 1.2 miles long and requires navigating talus fieldsloose, shifting rock piles. This section is not recommended for beginners or those with knee or balance issues.

Look for the faintest path between the two peaks. Its marked by occasional cairns and worn vegetation. The ascent of South Butte is steeper and more exposed. The summit offers a slightly different perspective: youll see North Butte directly below you, creating a dramatic dual-peak composition. This is the most photographed viewpoint on the route.

After summiting South Butte, return to the trailhead via the same ridge. Do not attempt to descend the south faceits a sheer drop of 300 feet with no safe route.

6. Return and Debrief

Upon returning to your vehicle, do not rush to leave. Hydrate slowly with electrolytes. Check your feet for blisters or cuts. Even minor abrasions can become infected in remote areas. Inspect your gear for damage or loss.

Take a moment to reflect: What surprised you? What felt challenging? What did you learn about yourself or the landscape? Journaling these insights reinforces memory and deepens your connection to the place.

Best Practices

Leave No Trace Principles

The Twin Buttes are on public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), but they are not a designated recreation area. This means there are no trash cans, no restrooms, and no enforcement. Your responsibility is absolute. Follow the seven Leave No Trace principles:

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare: Know the weather, route, and your limits. Bring extra food and water.
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: Stick to established paths. Avoid trampling cryptobiotic soil.
3. Dispose of Waste Properly: Pack out all trashincluding food wrappers, toilet paper, and hygiene products. Use a portable toilet or dig a cathole 68 inches deep, 200 feet from water, trails, and campsites.
4. Leave What You Find: Do not collect rocks, plants, or artifacts. The Twin Buttes are a natural and cultural heritage site.
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts: Fires are prohibited on the buttes. Use a camp stove if cooking.
6. Respect Wildlife: Observe from a distance. Do not feed animals. Sage grouse, coyotes, and raptors inhabit the area.
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors: Keep noise low. Yield to others on narrow paths. Let the silence remain.

Weather and Seasonal Considerations

The Twin Buttes are hikable year-round, but conditions vary drastically:

• Spring (AprilMay): Snow may linger on the upper slopes. Trails are muddy. Wildflowers bloom in the basin below.
• Summer (JuneAugust): Peak season. Temperatures exceed 90F. Wind is strongest. Hike before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.
• Fall (SeptemberOctober): Ideal conditions. Cool mornings, clear skies, fewer hikers. Nights drop below freezing.
• Winter (NovemberMarch): Snow covers the summit. Ice makes the rock treacherous. Only experienced winter hikers with crampons and ice axes should attempt it.

Always check the Burns weather station (NOAA) before departure. Wind gusts above 30 mph can make the summit dangerous. If the forecast shows high winds, thunderstorms, or extreme heat, reschedule.

Navigation and Safety

Cell service is nonexistent. A satellite communicator like Garmin inReach or SPOT device is highly recommended. These allow you to send SOS signals and share your location with loved ones.

Always tell someone your itinerary: where youre going, when you plan to return, and your vehicle description. If you dont check in within 2 hours of your expected return, they should notify authorities.

Carry a whistle. Three blasts is the universal distress signal. If you become disoriented, stop, assess, and retrace your steps. Panic is the greatest risk.

Respecting Cultural and Archaeological Sites

The Twin Buttes are part of the ancestral territory of the Northern Paiute people. Archaeological surveys have uncovered petroglyphs, grinding stones, and obsidian tools in the surrounding basin. While these are not on the main trail, you may encounter them on side excursions.

If you find any artifactstone tool, pottery shard, or carved symboldo not touch, move, or photograph it. Document the location (GPS coordinates) and report it to the BLMs Malheur Field Office. These objects are protected under federal law and hold deep cultural significance.

Tools and Resources

Recommended Apps and Digital Tools

• Gaia GPS: Best offline mapping app. Download the USGS Topo layer and BLM land boundaries. Mark your trailhead and summit as waypoints.
• AllTrails (Premium): User-submitted trail logs and photos. Search Twin Buttes Oregon for recent conditions.
• Windfinder: Real-time wind forecasts for Burns, OR. Essential for planning summit windows.
• NOAA Weather Radar: Monitor approaching storms. The high desert can develop sudden thunderstorms.
• Google Earth Pro: Use the elevation profile tool to visualize the climb before you go.

Physical Resources

• USGS Topographic Map: Burns Quadrangle (1:24,000 scale): Available for free download at usgs.gov or purchase as a waterproof paper copy from REI.
• Field Guide to the Geology of Eastern Oregon: By James R. OConnor. Explains the volcanic history of the Twin Buttes in detail.
• Hiking Oregons High Desert by David B. Williams: Contains the most accurate trail descriptions and access details.
• BLM Oregon State Office Website: Provides current land use notices, fire restrictions, and closures.

Community and Local Knowledge

Connect with local hiking groups on Facebook: Oregon High Desert Hikers and Burns Outdoor Enthusiasts. These communities share real-time updates on trail conditions, recent wildlife sightings, and weather anomalies. Avoid relying on outdated blog posts or YouTube videosthey often misrepresent trail access or safety.

Visit the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center (50 miles west of Burns) for printed maps and local advice. Staff are knowledgeable and can recommend the safest current route based on seasonal conditions.

Essential Gear Brands

While brand loyalty is personal, these are consistently reliable for desert hiking:

• Footwear: Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX, Merrell Moab 3
• Backpack: Osprey Talon 22, Deuter Speed Lite 20
• Water Filtration: Sawyer Squeeze (for refilling from rare springsuse only if verified safe)
• Navigation: Garmin inReach Mini 2, Suunto Core All Black
• Clothing: Patagonia Capilene base layers, Arcteryx Atom SL jacket

Real Examples

Example 1: The Unexpected Storm

In July 2022, a group of three hikers from Portland began their ascent of North Butte at 8:30 a.m. The forecast showed clear skies. By 11:00 a.m., dark clouds rolled in from the east. Wind speeds spiked to 40 mph. One hiker slipped on loose rock, twisting an ankle.

Instead of panicking, they used their Garmin inReach to send a location pin and distress signal. They huddled under a rock overhang, wrapped in emergency blankets, and waited. A BLM patrol vehicle, alerted by the signal, reached them in 90 minutes. The hiker was airlifted to a hospital with a sprained ligament but no fractures.

Post-hike, they reported: We thought we were prepared. But we didnt account for the speed of desert storms. Now we carry a satellite device on every hike, no matter how short.

Example 2: The Solo Hiker Who Listened

In October 2021, a 68-year-old retiree from Eugene hiked the Twin Buttes alone. Hed trained for months and carried 4 liters of water. As he neared the summit of South Butte, he noticed his breath becoming shallow and his legs trembling. Hed ignored his bodys warning signs.

He sat down, drank electrolytes, and waited 20 minutes. He realized hed been hiking too fast to beat the sunset. He descended slowly, took photos from the ridge, and returned to his car by 5:30 p.m. He later wrote: The summit wasnt the goal. The walk was. I came back stronger because I learned to listennot just to the land, but to my own body.

Example 3: The Photographers Perspective

A landscape photographer from Boise spent three days at the Twin Buttes in late September. He arrived at dawn each day, waited for the golden hour, and captured the way the sun hit the basalt ridges, casting long shadows across the basin. He documented how the light changed from morning to midday to twilight.

His series, Echoes of the Lava, won first place in the 2023 Oregon Nature Photography Contest. He credits his success to patience and respect: I didnt climb for the shot. I climbed to understand the land. The photos came because I was still enough to see it.

Example 4: The Family Hike

A family of fourparents and two children aged 9 and 12hiked North Butte in May. They brought a drone, a geocache, and a scavenger hunt list (Find 3 types of rock, Spot 5 birds). They took breaks under shade trees at the base, drank flavored water, and celebrated at the summit with trail mix.

The children later drew maps of the hike in school. The parents said: It wasnt about fitness. It was about curiosity. We showed them that nature doesnt need a playground to be exciting.

FAQs

Is the Twin Buttes hike suitable for beginners?

North Butte is manageable for beginners with moderate fitness and proper preparation. South Butte is not recommended for those without prior desert hiking experience. The trail has no markings, requires route-finding, and involves steep, loose rock. Beginners should start with North Butte only.

Do I need a permit to hike the Twin Buttes?

No permit is required. The Twin Buttes are on BLM land, which allows free public access. However, you must follow all federal land use regulations, including Leave No Trace principles and fire restrictions.

Can I bring my dog?

Yes, dogs are allowed but must be leashed at all times. There is no water on the trail, so bring enough for your pet. Be aware that the hot rock can burn paw pads. Consider booties for dogs on long hikes.

Are there restrooms or water sources?

No. There are no facilities of any kind on the Twin Buttes. Pack out all waste and carry all water. Do not assume any natural springs are safe to drink fromtest with a filter or purifier if you must.

Whats the best time of year to hike?

Early spring (AprilMay) and fall (SeptemberOctober) offer the most comfortable temperatures and stable weather. Summer is hot and windy. Winter requires technical gear and experience.

How long does the hike take?

North Butte round-trip: 2.5 to 4 hours. Including South Butte: 5 to 7 hours. Allow extra time for photography, rest, and navigation.

Is it safe to hike alone?

It is possible, but not recommended for inexperienced hikers. Always inform someone of your plans. Carry a satellite communicator. The terrain is unforgiving, and injuries can occur without warning.

Can I camp on the Twin Buttes?

Camping is not permitted on the buttes themselves due to fragile geology and cultural sensitivity. Dispersed camping is allowed on surrounding BLM land, 200 feet from trails and water sources. Obtain a free permit from the BLM Malheur Field Office.

Why are the Twin Buttes called buttes and not mountains?

A butte is a steep-sided, flat-topped hill that rises abruptly from the surrounding plain. Buttes are formed by erosion of softer rock layers beneath harder caprock. The Twin Buttes are remnants of ancient lava flows that hardened over millions of years, while the surrounding land eroded away. Mountains are typically formed by tectonic uplift and are much larger and more complex.

What should I do if I see someone violating Leave No Trace rules?

Politely educate them. Many people dont realize their actions harm the environment. If they refuse to change, document the behavior (without confrontation) and report it to the BLM via their website. Your report helps protect the land for future visitors.

Conclusion

Hiking the Twin Buttes is not just a walkits a dialogue with the earth. Every step on the basalt, every gust of wind across the sagebrush, every silence broken only by a ravens cry is part of a story older than human memory. This hike demands respect, preparation, and humility. It does not reward speed or selfies. It rewards presence.

By following this guide, you are not just learning how to navigate a trailyou are learning how to move through wild places with integrity. You are becoming a steward of landscapes that cannot speak for themselves. The Twin Buttes have stood for millions of years. They will outlast us. But how we treat them in our brief time here will echo longer than our footprints.

So lace up your boots, pack your water, and set out with intention. The summit is waitingnot to be conquered, but to be witnessed.