Hamilton Buttes #118 is a fast, rough, and rowdy moto trail that descends approximately 3000 vertical feet. The top of the trail is accessed via FR78 and 7807 which can be either shuttled or pedaled.
Hamilton Buttes #118 is a fast, rough, and rowdy moto trail that descends approximately 3000 vertical feet. The top of the trail is accessed via FR78 and 7807 which can be either shuttled or pedaled. The ascent is relativly gentle but makes for a long climb.
The view from the top of Hamilton Butte is amazing, providing views of the Goat Rocks, Rainier, Adams, St. Helens, and Hood. From here it is all downhill, descending a ridge through open meadows and forest. The ride ends back at Cat Creek Campground which makes for a great place to chill while waiting for the shuttle.
This is a popular ORV area so watch out for motorized traffic.
How to Find It
Park at Cat Creek Campground near the junction of FR21 and FR78. Shuttle or pedal FR 78 for 5 mi before turning on FR 7807. Climb 7807 to the 029 spur and Mud Lake. Despite the name, Mud Lake is quite clear and makes for a great spot to take a break or park shuttle vehicle.
Climb 029 until it turns into the Hamilton Peaks trail #109. Enjoy the amazing view and amazing descent back down to your car on Hamilton Buttes #118. On the descent you will encounter a fork in the trail. Stay left at the fork, both directions are the Hamilton Buttes trail but the right fork will descend back to FR78 near the 7807 junction
Typical Conditions
Hamilton Buttes is super fun bench cut singletrack with enough obsticles to keep things interesting but not overly technical. The motorized traffic has created many berms, jumps, rollers, and the occasional rock garden. Due to this motorized traffic the trail can get really dusty by the end of a hot dry summer but is still super fun if your not affraid of a little moon dust.
Advocacy & Stewardship
This Trail is maintained by the Cowlitz Valley Rager District.
