Centennial Trail - Bear Butte Lake to Bear Butte
What you need to know:
Length - 2.8 - the last 1.5 miles is the climb up bear butte.
Water - Bear Butte Lake. There is a water fountain at the start of the climb up bear butte. the education center should also have water available.
Water crossings - None.
Camping - bear butte lake has a campground. no other camping.
Trail condition - Easy to follow.
Notes - the mile and a half climb up bear butte can be very strenuous with over 1000 feet in elevation gain. there is very little shade and the trail is very rocky. bring plenty of water if it’s a hot day. bikes are not allowed on bear butte trail.
Beginning of the trail - walking towards Bear Butte.
Cross the road and head to the visitor’s center.
Turn here from the road.
Another gate to cross.
This trail goes up and up and up, and was very hot with no shade.
Cross a bridge - getting closer to the visitor’s center.
When you get to the road, go south away from Bear Butte.
Cross a bridge - almost there at the visitor’s center.
Nice view of Bear Butte Lake.
Visitor’s Center.
Start of the trail from parking lot.
Start off with stairs.
Second place to rest before the big climb.
Lots of switchbacks.
Be careful on the uneven rocks.
Getting higher…
Be on the lookout for snakes.
Lots of stairs in the beginning.
Some sections pretty rough.
Time to stop and take a look around.
Can see the end destination at the top. One more loop around the butte.
So close…..
On top of Bear Butte.
Can see the whole valley for miles to the south.
View to the east.
There are swarms of flying ants by the trees and on the deck.
Made it - All done…. Was very hot - 96 degrees and tired from hiking 28 miles during the weekend to finish the hike.