Let's Summit Stein Butte!

Stein Butte in May & June offers stunning views of the snow-capped Red Buttes.

The round trip walking distance is about 9 1/2 miles with 2,360 feet of elevation gain. The Stein Butte Trail is well-maintained, and can be a very satisfying accomplishment.

On the Stein Butte Trail, walking poles may be helpful for distributing your weight and maintaining balance, especially on the steep, rocky section near the summit of Stein Butte.

Plan on bringing food and water.

We’ll meet at the Jacksonville Library at 9:15am, and shuttle ourselves in several cars to a second meetup location at the Ruch Country Store (arriving shortly after 9:30am). This is an opportunity to pick up extra snacks and water if needed.

From the Ruch Country Store, we’ll carpool to the Stein Butte Trailhead.

To reach the Stein Butte Trailhead, head south from Ruch on Upper Applegate Road. Pass Applegate Lake on the left, and continue to about milepost 20. Across from the Seattle Bar (a picnic area), turn left on a gravel road that immediately crosses a cattle guard, and then opens up into a parking area, and the Stein Butte Trailhead.

Restrooms: The only public restroom is at the Seattle Bar picnic area (has a day use fee).

Cell Service: Don't expect any cell service around Applegate Lake. Cell service is available on the ridge tops including Stein Butte.

Poison Oak can be avoided by staying on the Stein Butte trail, and being mindful of branches that look like poison oak overreaching the trail. Dogs, if running loose, may run through poison oak, and may also pick up ticks.

The first 2.5 miles of the Stein Butte Trail is a steady, gradual forested climb (1,560 feet), that comes out on the crest at 3,600 feet that leads another 2.2 miles to the summit of Stein Butte (4,400 feet).

Once on the crest, the snow-capped Red Buttes, in Northern California, come into view.

The Stein Butte Trail follows the crest line closely, but does meander through the forested shaded side.

Not too far from Stein Butte, the trail traverses the sunny side of the Crest with continuous views of the Red Buttes. At about 4 1/2 miles, is a spur trail with signage for Stein Butte. It's the final 0.2 miles. When the trail becomes rocky, persist a little further, the top of Stein Butte is near.

At the top of Stein Butte, is plenty of space to spread out, and take in the views, including looking back toward Applegate Lake. This is a perfect snack, lunch, and rest stop before we return the way we came.