What is the condition of the road to the trailhead?

The road to the trailhead, particularly FR 13, is rough with significant potholes, making it increasingly challenging closer to the start. High clearance vehicles are recommended, and slow, careful driving is necessary as reported on [October 16](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-10-17.092659937190) and [October 12](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-10-12.214830069955).

Are there any significant water crossings or obstacles on the trail?

The suspension bridge on the Scott Paul Trail is out, and one report from [September 18](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-09-19.085534608869) noted difficult creek crossings with fast, muddy, and high water. However, other reports from [September 22](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-09-22.095839198270) and August 31 indicate that creek crossings were dry or had manageable water levels, with some hikers using rocks to cross.

What is the current status of fall colors and wildlife?

Fall colors are fading, with some reports noting yellowing vegetation as of [October 16](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-10-17.092659937190), and others mentioning starting fall foliage as of [September 16](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-09-22.085657413252). Bears have been sighted or suspected in the area, with reports of bear hunters on September 4 and bear poop noted on September 6. Pikas have also been reported on September 6 and August 31.

Park Butte

Q: What are the current snow conditions on the trail?

As of [October 31](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-11-01.011632527178), the trail is snow-covered at times, becoming deeper in the meadows. The lighter snow can get slushy and slippery later in the afternoon. Spikes and gaiters are recommended for current and upcoming conditions.

North Cascades

updated 1 week ago

As of October 31, Park Butte trail is experiencing snow, becoming deeper in the meadows and slippery in the afternoon sun. While spikes and gaiters are recommended for upcoming conditions, the trail was passable without them as of October 31. Fall colors are fading, with mushrooms still visible as of October 16. The road to the trailhead is rough with significant potholes, particularly on FR 13, requiring high clearance vehicles and slow driving as of October 16 and October 12. Parking at the trailhead is generally available, though can fill up by mid-morning on weekends as of October 12 and September 20. Water crossings are generally dry or easily manageable, though the suspension bridge is out.

Generated from 93 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.

What hikers ask about Park Butte

Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 1 week ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.

As of October 31, the trail is snow-covered at times, becoming deeper in the meadows. The lighter snow can get slushy and slippery later in the afternoon. Spikes and gaiters are recommended for current and upcoming conditions.