My family has done the butte countless times over the years. I’ve gone solo/with groups from Martin st trailhead (6 miles), as well as starting from the main parking lot with my family (we do both the long and short trails and love both). We have done it so much I went into labor with my second kid while running down.Pros: gorgeous views, well maintained trail, lots of spots for breaks, not very difficult or technical (easy enough for any age/fitness level).Cons: people feed the squirrels at the top and now the squirrels are freaky. The squirrels have literally taken food from my small children’s hands as my kids are trying to have a snack at the top. They’ll climb in anyone’s lap. My kids scream at the squirrels, run away, throw rocks, etc trying to get space. Squirrels stay year round knowing they’ll get fed. We all have to eat standing up to keep the squirrels from our bodies. My kids set down a plastic baggie with crackers in it and the squirrels ate through the plastic within a minute to get to the crackers inside. Really unsanitary and scary as a family with small kids. The poison oak is BONKERS! It’s everywhere and I can’t count how many times we have gotten a rash from poison oak sticks or leaves hanging over the side of the trail to brush my kids legs and shoes that then transfer to my/my husbands arms and necks when we pickup our small kids. Lastly, people leave their disgusting, full dog poop bags along the trail never to be picked up, so watch your step.

We took a fall time hike and were met with with some spinkles and fog. The steps seemed neverending butworthit when you get to the top. It cleared up when we were at the top after a little while and the views were amazing. Would recommend this hike to anyone.

I’d never been to Spencer’s Butte. My daughter took me up there. She took her dog and I took mine. The trails were well maintained and had beautiful views going up. I was only able to make it up 1/2 way. The 1/2 way point was well marked with it saying .54 miles. I can’t wait for next time!

Fantastic hike, well-maintained trails. Easy to find with a parking lot.This part is on me, but it was a lot more strenous than I was in shape for. Online search I found moderate, early on the trail saw a small sign that said easy -hindsite that must have been for something else. Trail winds up the butte, until the end when you will encounter many steps that are cut large stones. Once at the top the 360 view is fantastic as you walk around. We could see Autzen stadium, the Hayword field silo, and forested views. At the beginning of this hike there appears to be an obstacle course that is up in the trees. We ran out of time, but would be interesting to check out as well.

This is a great hike, so pretty and when you get to the top the view of the surrounding are is spectacular. Not for the beginner as it does get a little steep at the end.