Whetstone Butte Trail, Oregon

Whetstone Butte Trail map, Kalmiopsis Wilderness, TJ Howell Botanical Drive, Cave Junction, Oregon Whetstone Butte is a small prominence (left side of photo above) on the rim of the Kalmiopsis Wilderness overlooking the upper Chetco River watershed. A maintained trail to Pearsoll Peak passes by the butte but no maintained trail goes to the top. Hikers can make their way up the east slope (the right side) to the top to enjoy sweeping vistas of the Kalmiopsis Wilderness and the Wild and Scenic Illinois River corridor. Another small and lower prominence overlooking the Kalmiopsis Wildernss can be accessed by a short walk about half way to Whetstone Butte. The green dashed lines on the map suggest a possible route to these features.

CAUTION: The trail passes through sections of forest burned by the 2002 Biscuit Fire, the largest fire in recent Oregon history. Hiking in a burned forest can subject hikers to hazards that even experienced hikers may be unfamiliar with especially in high winds and inclement weather. Be extra vigilant when hiking in these areas. Check with the Forest Service for the latest hiking advisories in the area burned by the Biscuit Fire.

Map to the Whetstone Butte Trail, TJ Howell Botanical Drive, Kalmiopsis Wilderness, Redwood Highway 199, Cave Junction, southwest Oregon Siskiyou Mountains Directions
Follow the TJ Howell Botanical Drive for 13.8 miles where a road intersects on the right. Turn right and follow this road for about a half mile to the trailhead. As you drive this section of road you will encounter a couple of intersections. There is a restroom located near the trailhead.

Features
Whetstone Butte was named for the layers of fine, silty sediments that resemble a whetstone, the household stone used for sharpening knives. These sediments are part of a much larger deposit of rock that were washed into the sea from a small chain of volcanic islands that were located off the shore of ancient America between 150-160 million years ago. The American continent began to move west around 150 million years ago and bulldozed these islands and sediments up against the continent. Erosion has whittled these rocks down leaving remnants of the ancient islands and ocean sediments spread around different part of the Kalmiopsis Wilderness. The trail begins on some of these same sediments and then crosses over to exposures of rock uplifted Trees growing on serpeninized mantle rock. Whetstone Butte Trail, Kalmiopsis Wilderness, Cave Junction, Oregon from the upper mantle of the earth. Mantle rock is a poor source of the essential elements needed for plant growth and trees growing on these rocks are generally spread out and stunted in their growth even though this region receives up to 50 inches of rain annually.

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Disclaimer: All information in Highway199.org is accurate to the best knowledge of the author. However, conditions in outdoor settings can change dramatically after storms or fires. For this reason, travelers are advised to check current road conditions before traveling through the area, drive responsibly and take measures to understand safety issues in the region. When participating in outdoor activities, always plan and prepare for safe hiking, swimming or any other activities mentioned in the Highway 199 website. More on disclaimer and copyright...