Flattop Butte is located on the western edge of Idaho’s Owyhee Mountains, not far from the Oregon border. The terrain in the area is pretty wide open, which makes for great views. But it also makes for zero shade, so this desert terrain is best visited in spring or fall when it’s not too hot. Access is via the unsigned road that heads south from highway 95 at milepost 7. Find a place to park somewhere along McBride Creek, and choose your own route. It’s possible to combine Flattop Butte and nearby Peak 5303’ (Chipmunk Butte) in a couple hour long hike.

Last second plans came together, and Michael and I hit the road and made the 90 minute drive from Boise to a wide spot on the Chipmunk Road at McBride Creek. Michael got turned back by snow on the road a couple weeks earlier, but today it was just a little muddy.

We parked near the gravel pit, jumped the creek, and followed the jeep trail west for a bit. After a little while, we curled north and headed cross-country toward Peak 5303’ (Chipmunk Butte). After just a mile and a half of hiking, we arrived at the summit and were treated to some good views.

Next up was the more rugged looking Flattop Butte. We hike south from Chipmunk Butte to a saddle, then followed another jeep road until we were due west of Flattop. There appeared to be numerous route options. We chose some grassy slopes, followed by a trail that angled upward across some basalt talus, and then reached the ridgeline.

The day was sunny, but it was windy and cold up on the ridge. We followed a faint jeep trail to near the highpoint, then up to the summit. The views were great, but the wind was cold, so we didn’t stay too long.

We decided to make a loop and head down the south side of Flattop Butte. Along the way we spotted a cool arch at the top of some basalt cliffs. Good reason to come back and explore more later! Round trip was just over 5 miles and 1600’ elevation gain in around 3 hours of leisurely hiking.

Map of the route, just over 5 miles and 1600' gain round trip.	Chipmunk Butte from where we parked.	Flattop Butte from the summit of Chipmunk Butte.	West side of Flattop Butte, where we headed up.	Nearing the summit of Flattop Butte.
Snowy Owyhees to the north.	Looking down on Chipmunk Butte from Flattop Butte.	Summit shot.	Neat arch we spotted on our way down.	View back down to where we parked.
Map of the route, just over 5 miles and 1600' gain round trip.Chipmunk Butte from where we parked.Flattop Butte from the slopes of Chipmunk Butte.Flattop Butte from the summit of Chipmunk Butte.West side of Flattop Butte, where we headed up.Nearing the summit of Flattop Butte.Snowy Owyhees to the north.Looking down on Chipmunk Butte from the summit of Flattop Butte.Summit shot.Neat arch we spotted on our way down.View back down to where we parked.