Morgan Butte to Chewaucan Crossing

Morgan Butte to Chewaucan Crossing

Rating

            4 out of 5 for whole trail

Mileage

            Morgan Butte to Avery Pass                                                2.5 miles

            Avery Pass to Skunk Hollow                                               2.5 miles

            Skunk Hollow to Cat Creek                                                 3.0 miles

            Cat Creek to Chewaucan Crossing                                       2.0 miles

           

Elevation Change

            Morgan Butte to Avery Pass                                                 -932 feet

            Avery Pass to Skunk Hollow                                                -726 feet

            Skunk Hollow to Cat Creek                                                 -209 feet

            Cat Creek to Chewaucan Crossing                                       -550 feet

GPS Coordinates                                                Latitude                             Longitude

            Morgan Butte                                            42  32.396                        120  32.658

            Avery Pass                                                42  34.253                        120  33.200

            Chewaucan Crossing                                42  36.930                        120  36.322

Trail Description

           

The NRT #160 trail crosses the shoulder of Morgan Butte 0.1 miles from the top of the butte.  There is a fire lookout on top of Morgan Butte that is accessed by a dirt road.  A gate on the road may be locked a mile from the top.  The view from Morgan Butte is spectacular in all directions.

The trail north off the top of Morgan Butte is a little rocky and steep for bikes.  The access road can be used to bypass this section.  Follow the switchbacks down road for about 0.8 miles and you will see a sign on the left indicating a trail.  This trail connects with NRT #160 after about 50 yards.  Turn right to continue to Chewaucan Crossing.  The next mile offers beautiful views to the west on a high ridge before dropping down to Avery Pass, which is accessed by a dirt road.  The trail continues through a gate and continues to wind down along a hillside with at least three small stream crossings with water in late summer.

The vegetation along this trail is ponderosa pine forest with enough openings to offer frequent views.  The trail is in excellent condition except for the top of Morgan Butte, which can be avoided by using the service road to the lookout.  Streams along the trail offer watering opportunities for horse stock.

                                                                     Morgan Butte from north

                                                                        Morgan Butte Lookout

Driving Directions to the Trailheads

Morgan Butte Lookout

To drive to Morgan Butte Lookout continue southeast from Paisley for 6 miles on Highway 31 before turning right on Clover Flat Road.  After 3.5 miles turn right on a dirt road for 7.2 miles.  The last mile may not be accessible by vehicle because of a locked gate.

Chewaucan Crossing Trailhead

From 31 in Paisley take Road 33 south for 7.5 miles to the Chewaucan Crossing Campground.  The trailhead southeast to Morgan Butte begins across a footbridge in the campground.  The trailhead west begins across the road from the entrance to the campground.