Black Butte (Kilimanjaro Training Hike)

This is an exploratory hike from the lower trailhead, and part of my ongoing training for my Kilimanjaro climb in late January. I will be bringing, snowshoes, microspikes, trekking poles, and waterproof boots.

Why exploratory? There will likely be snow, but actually conditions won't be known until we see it for ourselves. The current forecast shows no precipitation for this date, but that can change.

If we can hike to the summit (my goal) that will be an 11-mile total with over 3,000 feet of vertical gain/loss.

We will meet at 7:00am at the parking lot in front of where the (now closed) Starbucks is, across from Best Buy, and carpool from there.

I'm going to keep this group small, and will give preference to those who've hiked with me before.

Assuming we summit, this counts towards the 2026 Central Oregon Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge.

Carry at least 2L of water, snacks, and layers (gloves, hat, etc.) appropriate for the weather. Think the 10 Essentials.