Nipple Butte Trail

Attractions: This scenic trail offers a number of outstanding vistas from rocky crags and cliffs overlooking a great deal of the drainage basin of the East Fork of Beech Creek and the John Day Valley. One of the best views of this rugged country is from the top of Lake Butte. While this is not actually on the trail, the extra few minutes is worth the short side trek.

From the eastern trailhead, there are no major elevation changes on the east half of the trail. It deviates little from the contours, following the ridge line which divides the drainage basins of the main and Middle Forks of the John Day River for the first 1 1/2 miles.

Considerations: Starting in the middle going west, the trail descends rapidly from 6100 feet to the western trailhead through moderate to heavy timber stands. There are several relatively steep grades of up to 28%. There are no springs or streams along the length of the trail.
Length: 3.0 miles /Difficulty: More Difficult
Elevation (low): 5520 feet /Hiking: Allowed
Elevation (high): 6160 feet /Horse: Allowed
Season: April to September /ATV: Allowed
Use: Light /Mt. Bike: Allowed