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Rock Creek Butte
Exploring Oregon's Elkhorn Crest, including 3 peaks and tons of mountain goats!
Rock Creek Butte is the highest peak in the Blues Mountains of eastern Oregon. The scenic Elkhorn Crest Trail passes by the peak, and nearby Elkhorn Peak can also be added for a twofer. The Elkhorn Crest makes for an excellent hike in beautiful alpine terrain. The area is also home to thriving mountain goat population. The peaks are accessible via either the Twin Lakes Trail (more elevation gain, but easier drive), or the Marble Pass Trailhead (less gain, but rougher road).
Bad weather in Idaho had pushed us west to explore the Elkhorns. Sean pointed out that elk don’t have horns, but that’s okay. The 3 hour drive from Boise to Marble Pass wasn’t bad, just a little rough the last few miles. (A Subaru could probably make it.)
Conditions at the start of the day weren’t great. Temps in the thirty’s, surrounded by fog, and a light blowing rain were not what we’d hoped for. But we forged ahead and fortunately the rain turned to snow as we gained elevation, which was actually an improvement.
The Elkhorn Crest Trail was well constructed and we made good time as we hiked north along the ridge. Visibility was poor due to the fog, but we did manage to spot our first herd of goats near the headwaters of Little Mill Creek. Then another big group crossed the trail in front of us above Twin Lakes. So even with not so great weather, our spirits were high. Occasional goat sightings would continue throughout the day.
The fog thinned a bit as we neared Rock Creek Butte, and we left the trail and climbed the southwest slopes of the peak. The summit was pretty much socked in with fog, so we didn’t stay long, and then began retracing our path back down to the trail, and then back to the saddle west of Elkhorn Peak. The weather was starting to improve a bit, and we enjoyed the views looking down on Twin Lakes with the surrounding fall colors.
Next we did the 700’ climb up the west ridge of Elkhorn Peak. We actually had some views and decided to stop for a lunch break. But much to my chagrin, I found I’d left my food bag in the car. Fortunately Sean shared some food with me!
We could see goats in multiple directions from the summit of Elkhorn Peak, which was very cool. We decided to descend the south ridge back to the trail. The fog had cleared by this time, and we were able to enjoy some of the views we’d missed on the way in.
The day was going will, so we decided to continue south to Marble Point for our third peak of the day. There was actually a faint trail most of the way up, which made it pretty easy. We couldn’t tell which of the bumps on the ridge was highest, so we went to the furthest one just in case. (It did seem to be the highest.) After enjoying the views for a bit, we backtracked to Marble Pass. Finally time for that PBJ!
It had ended up being a pretty decent day, and always great to explore a new area. Round trip was just under 13 miles and 2500’ of elevation gain in 6.5 hours round trip. Seeing 40+ mountain goats in a single day was definitely a highlight!
Map of the route, 13 miles and 2500' gain round trip. |
Marble Pass Trailhead. |
Looking down on Twin Lakes and some mountain goats. |
Goats on the rocks above us. |
Fresh snow on the trail. |
Serious times on the summit of Rock Creek Butte. |
Making our way back to Elkhorn Peak. |
Larch turning yellow in Pine Creek drainage. |
Heading up Elkhorn Peak. |
A little foggy on the summit of Elkhorn Peak. |
We were in and out of clouds all day. |
Zoom in shot of goats on the rocks below us. |
Elkhorn Crest Trail on the way back to Marble Pass. |
Looking across at the highpoint of Marble Point. |
Making our way back down Marble Point. |
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