Cedar Butte Trail

This trail starts right on the side of the road, with parking at the intersection before the trailhead and a little further beyond the trailhead. There is fencing to prevent ATV users from taking the trail. It heads up the slope right off the road. The trail starts in a former clear cut, sunny and full of wildflowers, baby trees, and stumps. It quickly moves into a mature Douglas fir plantation where it follows a gentle ridge line before heading straight up a series of switchbacks. Sword ferns hide the trail above you as you climb to the top. At the top of the switchbacks continue to head up a fairly steep slope towards the top of a rocky outcropping. A user-created trail heads off to the left through the trees out onto the rocky outcropping. I highly recommend you take this very short trail extension because the views from this rocky cliff are Phenomenal (in my opinion, better than the one from the top). Watch out though if you have a dog or children, as the cliff is sudden and steep and the rocks could no doubt be tricky to navigate. Head back to the trail to continue hiking along the ridge, though slightly down-slope. Head up another steep ridge line and then take a few more switchbacks before reaching a bench just below the summit. There is an area just off the trail right before the summit where unofficial camping takes place. There is a geocache here, as well. There are also more user-created trails that branch off to more rocky outcroppings and viewpoints to the right. Follow the trail another short distance up to the summit of Cedar Butte. Cedar Butte used to have a fire tower, but it has since been demolished. The ground is covered in gravel and small pieces of broken glass from the fire tower's removal. There is a bench and a great view off south into the Tillamook State Forest. Some sites say you can see the ocean, but there's a significant ridge line to the west that blocks the view of the shore. The forested mountains extend into the blue distance. Heading back down is easier than going up, but the steep slope can do a number on your knees and toes. Watch out for mud as some steep parts can be very slippery. This trail is a real thigh-burner and it'll definitely make you sweat, but the views are Really worth it!