Red Buttes Wilderness, Oregon - California

Red Buttes Wilderness, Oregon - California Red Buttes Wilderness is located on the Oregon - California border and is named for the rusty red color of mantle rock that makes up much of this area. Mantle rock does not support dense plant growth and this is why the craggy peaks of the Red Buttes Wilderness have the above-timberline appearance of alpine peaks.

Plan on driving 15-20 miles off of Highway 199 to get to the wilderness boundary. All access points to the wilderness requires traveling 10-15 miles on gravel surfaced roads.

There are three ways to get to the wilderness from Highway 199. These are listed below:

Red Buttes Wilderness access roads from Highway 199,Cave Junction, southwest Oregon.

1) Tannen Lakes Loop Trail:

Follow the Jefferson State Byway to the top of the pass. Turn left on the road to Bolan Lake and drive nine miles of gravel road to the Tannen Lake trailhead. Tannen Lakes are within the Red Buttes Wilderness. The Boundary Trail also departs from this same area and goes into other parts of the wilderness.

2) Bigelow Lakes Loop Trail near Oregon Caves:

Follow the Oregon Caves Highway Road Guide and drive for 20 miles to Oregon Caves. Just before entering the main parking lot turn left on USFS 960 for a four mile drive on gravel roads to the Bigelow Lakes Loop Trailhead. This trail climbs to a ridge where it connects to the Boundary Trail. Follow the Boundary Trail for about four miles through forest and meadows to the wilderness boundary near Craggy Peak.

3) Sucker Creek Road Guide:

This route leaves the Oregon Caves Highway and follows Sucker Creek Road to the Red Buttes Wilderness boundary and the Sucker Gap Trailhead.

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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...